Although I found the ending to this book quite abrupt, I loved the way the author intertwined the seemingly separate lives of the characters. It also showed many different sides of the culture in the Middle East and what it was like for everyone living there during the reign of Saddam. As a woman, I was interested in the way each female in the story fit into certain social stereotypes and how some could break the sterotype and, sadly, some could not, or did not want to. I really enjoyed reading this book set in Kuwait between the Gulf Wars. It is a interesting look at the contradictions that occur between faith, politics, and culture in the Middle East. This novel is especially interesting because of the many different cultures from all over the world that come together in Kuwait...especially for impoverished people who come there to work as domestic help and are treated less than humanely.
What do You think about Small Kingdoms (2010)?
I loved upstairs/downstairs, so it will be interesting to see it set in a different culture.
—lizz
I hope to read this in accompanyment with my Master's in Middle-Eastern Studies program.
—zena_mcdove
Another First Reads win! I'm definitely looking forward to this one.
—THo
