Book Review: Spellbinding story of murder, survival and sisterhood

This is a thought-provoking novel with strong characters and a well-constructed plot. The story is woven around an ordinary woman, a wife and mother of four, Zeba. She is accused of the murder of her husband and is sent to jail where she befriends other women. There are elements of witchcraft, which are difficult to accept. Author Nadia Hashimi has set the plot in a women’s prison. It is a sad irony that a lot of these women feel safer in the prison than  the outside world. 

The subplot involves Yusuf, a young lawyer, assigned to represent Zeba. This is a novel that will leave a lasting impact on the reader, about the unfair and unjust system, where a woman is treated so radically different from a man. There are instances where you are not sure if you are angry or simply sad as the whole drama unfolds.

However, the length of the book could have been worked upon. It moves too slowly. Having said that, it is a good read. If you enjoy Hosseini, you would definitely like this one.

— Written by Kiran Mishra, member, JustBooks