Review of Salt and Pepper

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Komal Phartyal
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Review of Salt and Pepper

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Salt and Pepper" by Maria Akhanji.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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In the literary world, "Salt and Pepper: Bridesmaids" shines as an amazing classic, created with grace and intellect. Within the fabric of this work lies the incredible journey of Ranya, a British Bangladeshi Muslim lady, recorded in the second half of the Salt and Pepper trilogy. Ranya's journey for liberation from the enormous pull of her brother's family dramatized through an arranged marriage, reveals a sad tale of self-discovery and cultural inquiry. Authored by Maria Akhanji, this goes beyond traditional storytelling; it serves as a devastating reflection of cultural ideas and the lengthy fight for freedom.

Fahim, a reportedly charming acquaintance and future spouse, gets linked with Ranya's fate as they go on the road to marriage. Despite her optimism for a bright future under her new family's limits, Ranya finds herself ensnared in a labyrinth of mistreatment and enslavement. Her expectations of connection and belonging are dashed against the horrible realities of housework and familial instability. Maria Akhanji's storytelling ability shines as she navigates the intricacies of Ranya's fight, creating a fascinating scenario of loss and strength.

The honest portrayal of personal hardships faced by women like Ranya connects with amazing truth, pushing readers to negotiate the tumultuous environment of her inner existence. Each page starts with a wonderful description, immersing readers in Ranya's world of violence and uncertainty. Through her mournful art, Maria Akhanji strongly shows the vast shadow of misogyny, casteism, and internalized racism that pursues vulnerable people.

The story's slow pace complements the somber tone of Ranya's narrative, giving a strong sense of empathy and introspection. As readers explore more into the complexities of familial bonds and cultural expectations, they are exposed to the painful facts of living, sometimes veiled by societal veneers.

Maria Akhanji's storytelling expertise is further underscored by the seamless merging of character depth and storyline complexity. The writing style and the story are equally clear to follow. Each character had depth and importance, and they all felt wonderfully real. Each character, complete with vivid realism, serves as a vehicle for teaching basic truths about the human condition.

Nothing in the book worried me as it handles delicate themes in a way that, in my opinion, couldn't be handled any better—especially in light of the fact that the book has been professionally edited. For the reasons stated above, I award this book five out of five stars.

In conclusion, "Salt and Pepper: Bridesmaids" stands as a tragic monument to the power of tales in amplifying the oft-neglected areas of societal debate. Its extensive concerns and exceptional portrayal make it crucial reading for individuals hoping to expand their grasp of ethnic relationships and familial nuances. Ultimately, everyone interested in knowing more about Islamic marriage practices and events can profit from reading this book. This book is equally fit for readers of all other religions. For its honest portrayal of truth and its strong narrative voice, this work deserves the highest accolades.

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Salt and Pepper
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