Sweet Dates In Basra LP: A Novel (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I chose this book on a whim and went into it without any expectations. In the end, this worked out in my favor. I loved reading (hearing) about a time and place (WWII and Post-War Iraq) which I'd had no experience with previously. I was not tremendously involved with the characters - interested enough to know where the story led them but not so invested that I was heartbroken when things did not go their way. I think this would make a great book club read, particularly if your group is interested in cultural/religious/political fiction. While the relationship between Muslims and Jews in Iraq is not a heavy theme of the book, it is there throughout and worth some examination and discussion. I always make an extra effort to finish Early Reviewer books but I just couldn't muster the fortitude to make it past 50 pages of this one. I chose this book because I thought the story would give me a glimpse into a time, a place, and a way of life. And maybe if I stuck with it, I would have got that. Unfortunately, I couldn't overcome my initial impression which was characters based on stereotypes, simplistic prose, and an unduly slow pace.
What do You think about Sweet Dates In Basra LP: A Novel (2010)?
I enjoyed this book, there is a sad quality to it but it was a good read once I got into it.
—emmibell95
Very good read and was free on Nook. Off to find another ebook I'd like to read.
—Kate1152
Captivating. Love the characters, can't wait to discuss it with my book club.
—iki
the story had potential but was so poorly written I was disappointed.
—vwilburn25
