A Slow Burn of Perspectives

     Shamsie's idea of changing the perspective of characters every two chapters is genius. Not only does it keep readers engaged, but it also reveals each character's own personality and experiences. Throughout some books, I get bored reading a story through the view of the same character.  With her strategy, readers are able to get a sense of each character's backstory, personal relationships, and thoughts that no other character could know besides them.

    The order she placed each character's perspective in is calculated and thoughtful. She begins with Isma's perspective; Isma is seemingly the glue within their family who leads (just like she does in this novel), teaches, and guides her younger siblings. It is easy to tell how, although they may dismay her, Parvaiz and Aneeka respect her and her aspirations. Isma's personality is also extremely guarded and secretive. This leaves readers with many questions at the beginning of the novel, inviting them to read more and discover the answers. She also knows the most about the family's history and has separate relationships with both Aneeka and Parvaiz that is disconnected from the "twin ties" relationship they have. In the next section, Eamon's perspective sheds light on a completely different perspective of openness and trusting. He also has knowledge of the government and its policies with topics regarding Isma's family, although he himself doesn't know the full story of their family. He also gives a full description of he and Aneeka's relationship that readers know wouldn't be uncovered through Aneeka's mysterious and secretive personality. Eamon is the only lens in which their relationship story could be told. Next, Parvaiz's perspective uncovers almost all of their family's secrets and finally lets readers into their past. However, he pulls on our heart strings and makes us feel sympathetic towards him, which I'm not sure I could feel towards any other character. 

    This series of perspectives slowly uncovers the full story without either ripping off the bandaid or dragging it on till the end. I can't wait to read Aneeka's perspective and discover what she's thinking. As a reader, I believe I might be able to empathize with her most seeing as we are both teenage girls.