"Home Fire" by Kamila Shamsie is a powerful and timely novel that explores the lives of two British families of Pakistani descent, intersecting due to a love affair between their children and the political and cultural leanings of the fathers. The story revolves around themes of family, love, politics, and terrorism as it follows the siblings Isma, Aneeka, and Parvaiz dealing with the legacy of their jihadist father. The narrative is grippingly told through multiple perspectives, including those of the siblings, Eamonn - the son of the British Home Secretary, and Karamat Lone. The novel delves into complex issues faced by British Muslims and the choices they make in a world of turmoil, with a particularly notable exploration of the impact of terrorism on families and individuals.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, each grappling with issues of identity, love, and the weight of their father's past.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and engaging, showcasing emotional depth while effectively handling the political themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately interweaves family dynamics, immigration, and the implications of terrorism, culminating in a surprising and thought-provoking ending.

Setting:

Set mainly in contemporary London with international elements, the setting highlights the experiences of Muslims in a post-9/11 context.

Pacing:

The pacing evolves from a slow start to a tense and engaging conclusion, reflecting the escalation of the story.

ISMA WAS GOING to miss her flight. The ticket wouldn’t be refunded, because the airline took no responsibility for passengers who arrived at the airport three hours ahead of the departure time and wer...

Notes:

Home Fire is a modern retelling of the Greek tragedy Antigone.

The story revolves around two British Pakistani families.

Isma Pasha, the eldest sister, is the main caregiver for her twin siblings, Aneeka and Parvaiz.

Isma's father was a jihadist, causing the family to face scrutiny and prejudice.

Parvaiz is drawn into radicalism and ultimately joins ISIS.

Aneeka aims to bring her brother home and becomes involved with Eamonn, the son of the British Home Secretary.

The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, including Isma, Aneeka, Parvaiz, Eamonn, and Karamat Lone.

Themes explored include identity, love, loyalty, and the impact of terrorism on families.

The book addresses contemporary issues of immigration, government regulations, and societal perceptions of Muslims.

The ending of Home Fire is shocking and has been described as unforgettable.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of terrorism, radicalization, family loss, Islamophobia, and discussions surrounding mental health and societal scrutiny.

Has Romance?

The romance in Home Fire is present but secondary to the deeper familial and sociopolitical themes, providing complexity to the relationships.

From The Publisher:

"Ingenious… Builds to one of the most memorable final scenes I've read in a novel this century." -The New York Times

WINNER OF THE 2018 WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION

FINALIST FOR THE 2019 INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD

LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

The suspenseful and heartbreaking story of an immigrant family driven to pit love against loyalty, with devastating consequences

Isma is free. After years of watching out for her younger siblings in the wake of their mother's death, she's accepted an invitation from a mentor in America that allows her to resume a dream long deferred. But she can't stop worrying about Aneeka, her beautiful, headstrong sister back in London, or their brother, Parvaiz, who's disappeared in pursuit of his own dream, to prove himself to the dark legacy of the jihadist father he never knew. When he resurfaces half a globe away, Isma's worst fears are confirmed.

Then Eamonn enters the sisters' lives. Son of a powerful political figure, he has his own birthright to live up to-or defy. Is he to be a chance at love? The means of Parvaiz's salvation? Suddenly, two families' fates are inextricably, devastatingly entwined, in this searing novel that asks: What sacrifices will we make in the name of love?

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Reader Stats (22):

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Want To Read (16)
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About the Author:

Kamila Shamsie was born in 1973 in Karachi, where she grew up. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While at the University of Massachusetts…

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Home Fire

Kamila Shamsie