Review of Salt and Pepper
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Ananya Roy
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- Latest Review: Salt and Pepper by Maria Akhanji
Review of Salt and Pepper
[Following is a volunteer review of "Salt and Pepper" by Maria Akhanji.]
Maria Akhanji's Salt and Pepper: BrideMaids is a poignant exploration of cultural identity, belonging, and the complexities of familial relationships. Set against the backdrop of a bustling urban center, the story follows the protagonist, Ranya, as she navigates the intricacies of her dual heritage and marital phase and grapples with the expectations placed upon her.
Ranya's unique yet common struggle to harmonize her Bangladeshi heritage with her British upbringing is at the core of the narrative. Akhanji's masterful storytelling brings to life the tension in Ranya's desire to assimilate into British society while also yearning to embrace her cultural roots. This internal conflict is further complicated by the contrasting attitudes of her relatives, especially her sister-in-law Bibha, who is strongly inclined towards marrying her off at the earliest and mother-in-law Amma, who would make Ranya work to her bones, verbally abusing, and dehumanizing her in every way possible.
The title, 'Salt and Pepper,' is a metaphor for Ranya's unique blend of cultures within her identity. Just as salt and pepper enhance the flavor of a dish, Ranya's dual heritage enriches her experiences and shapes her worldview. However, this fusion also presents challenges as Ranya grapples with the constant struggle to find her place in a society that often perceives her as an outsider. Additionally, BrideMaids is a pun on how young Muslim girls like Ranya are treated by their in-laws as free domestic help who could be molded and twisted according to their desires and demands.
Issues like interracial relationships are mentioned and looked down upon as communal insularity is preached and propagated; those who break away from the tradition are the ones to suffer. So is homosexuality, which, although implied in joking terms by Ranya to her husband Fahim and rebutted, turns the tide of marital bliss and harmony against her as her worst fears are confirmed. Conforming to the purdah system or wearing hijab is emphasized to the point of stifling the female agency. Although the novel revolves around Ranya's pre-nuptial rituals and marriage, there is a regular emphasis on the bullying in-laws, extended-family bitterness, and stereotypical South Asian domestic ills that persist and prevail abroad.
As Ranya navigates the complexities of her identity, she also grapples with the expectations her family and community placed upon her. Caught between the desire to forge her path and the pressure to conform, Ranya must confront difficult decisions about her future, especially as a divorced Muslim woman. Akhanji deftly portrays the nuances of familial relationships, capturing the love, sacrifice, and misunderstandings that define them.
As the story unfolds, Akhanji's vivid brushstrokes paint a rich tapestry of urban life, immersing the reader in Ranya's vibrant surroundings. Ultimately, Salt and Pepper is a compelling exploration of identity, heritage, and the search for belonging. Through Ranya's journey, Akhanji invites readers to reflect on their own cultural experiences and how they shape who we are. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and thought-provoking themes, Salt and Pepper is a captivating read that lingers long after the final page.
I found the book uniquely eye-opening, coming from a similar background, since Akhanji's realistic and blunt portrayal of the crisis affecting a particular community of women is refreshing and courageous.
I rate Salt and Pepper: BrideMaids by Maria Akhanji 5 out of 5 stars because of the impressive manner of the narrative relayed by Ranya. Although the abusive domestic environment was unsavory, sometimes it is necessary to taste the pill to get to the truth. Overall, it was a refreshing and fast-paced read. Despite being part of a series, I had no trouble navigating the structure and characters of the book; the standalone aspect of it is a plus point for sure.
Readers who enjoy learning about cultures through fictional accounts and narratives would appreciate it. However, it is not supposed to disparage or show the Muslim community in a bad light. One can add Akhanji's novel to their South Asian diaspora TBR list.
******
Salt and Pepper
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Maria Akhanji's Salt and Pepper: BrideMaids is a poignant exploration of cultural identity, belonging, and the complexities of familial relationships. Set against the backdrop of a bustling urban center, the story follows the protagonist, Ranya, as she navigates the intricacies of her dual heritage and marital phase and grapples with the expectations placed upon her.
Ranya's unique yet common struggle to harmonize her Bangladeshi heritage with her British upbringing is at the core of the narrative. Akhanji's masterful storytelling brings to life the tension in Ranya's desire to assimilate into British society while also yearning to embrace her cultural roots. This internal conflict is further complicated by the contrasting attitudes of her relatives, especially her sister-in-law Bibha, who is strongly inclined towards marrying her off at the earliest and mother-in-law Amma, who would make Ranya work to her bones, verbally abusing, and dehumanizing her in every way possible.
The title, 'Salt and Pepper,' is a metaphor for Ranya's unique blend of cultures within her identity. Just as salt and pepper enhance the flavor of a dish, Ranya's dual heritage enriches her experiences and shapes her worldview. However, this fusion also presents challenges as Ranya grapples with the constant struggle to find her place in a society that often perceives her as an outsider. Additionally, BrideMaids is a pun on how young Muslim girls like Ranya are treated by their in-laws as free domestic help who could be molded and twisted according to their desires and demands.
Issues like interracial relationships are mentioned and looked down upon as communal insularity is preached and propagated; those who break away from the tradition are the ones to suffer. So is homosexuality, which, although implied in joking terms by Ranya to her husband Fahim and rebutted, turns the tide of marital bliss and harmony against her as her worst fears are confirmed. Conforming to the purdah system or wearing hijab is emphasized to the point of stifling the female agency. Although the novel revolves around Ranya's pre-nuptial rituals and marriage, there is a regular emphasis on the bullying in-laws, extended-family bitterness, and stereotypical South Asian domestic ills that persist and prevail abroad.
As Ranya navigates the complexities of her identity, she also grapples with the expectations her family and community placed upon her. Caught between the desire to forge her path and the pressure to conform, Ranya must confront difficult decisions about her future, especially as a divorced Muslim woman. Akhanji deftly portrays the nuances of familial relationships, capturing the love, sacrifice, and misunderstandings that define them.
As the story unfolds, Akhanji's vivid brushstrokes paint a rich tapestry of urban life, immersing the reader in Ranya's vibrant surroundings. Ultimately, Salt and Pepper is a compelling exploration of identity, heritage, and the search for belonging. Through Ranya's journey, Akhanji invites readers to reflect on their own cultural experiences and how they shape who we are. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and thought-provoking themes, Salt and Pepper is a captivating read that lingers long after the final page.
I found the book uniquely eye-opening, coming from a similar background, since Akhanji's realistic and blunt portrayal of the crisis affecting a particular community of women is refreshing and courageous.
I rate Salt and Pepper: BrideMaids by Maria Akhanji 5 out of 5 stars because of the impressive manner of the narrative relayed by Ranya. Although the abusive domestic environment was unsavory, sometimes it is necessary to taste the pill to get to the truth. Overall, it was a refreshing and fast-paced read. Despite being part of a series, I had no trouble navigating the structure and characters of the book; the standalone aspect of it is a plus point for sure.
Readers who enjoy learning about cultures through fictional accounts and narratives would appreciate it. However, it is not supposed to disparage or show the Muslim community in a bad light. One can add Akhanji's novel to their South Asian diaspora TBR list.
******
Salt and Pepper
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Salt and Pepper by Maria Akhanji
