Book Synopsis:
A story of love tested to its limits by moral dilemmas, and the beauty and fragility of childhood friendships.
1964 ― Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena will lose her home ― her parents’ safe haven since fleeing India and the terrors of Partition ― if her medical career doesn’t take off soon. But success may come with at a price. Meanwhile the interwoven lives of her childhood best friends ― Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair ― seem to be unraveling with each passing day. The once small and inconsequential differences between their families’ social standing now threaten to divide them. Then one fateful night someone ends up dead and the life they once took for granted shatters.
2019 ― Rozeena receives a call from a voice she never thought she’d hear again. What begins as an request to look after a friend’s teenaged granddaughter grows into an unconventional friendship ― one that unearths buried secrets and just might ruin everything Rozeena has worked so hard to protect.
Captivating and atmospheric, Under the Tamarind Tree shows us the high-stakes ripple effects of generational trauma, and the lengths people will go to safeguard the ones they love.
My Review:
Under The Tamarind Tree is a beautifully written, gripping read about a fascinating period of history.
Firstly I loved the setting of this book which the author helps bring to live with her really vivid descriptions. I felt like I was actually there in Pakistan following the four friends, seeing everything they did. I hadn’t read much about about Partition so found it fascinating to learn more about that period. It was very emotional though to read about the riots and see the daily struggles they caused people.
The story is told in two timelines one set in 1964 follows Rozee and her friends as the live through the difficult period of Partition. The other is set in 2019 and follows Rozee, now living in America, who gets a call from Haaris to ask if she’ll look after his teenage granddaughter for him. Unusually for me I actually enjoyed both storylines equally and enjoyed watching the two unfold. It was especially beautiful to see the friendship between Rozee and Zara, the granddaughter, develope as the two grow closer.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from her in the future. I was soon absorbed into the story and into the characters lives. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it was very intriguing watching the two timelines grow closer untill all the secrets are revealed.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the publisher for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Nigar Alam spent her childhood in Turkey, Nigeria, Italy, Kenya, Indonesia and the United States before returning to Karachi. With an MBA and CPA, she has worked in both brand management and auditing. Currently, Alam teaches at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and lives with her family in Minnesota.
Over The Rainbow Blog 