Broken Verses
Broken Verses
Book Brief
338
Novel • Fiction
Karachi, Pakistan • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Broken Verses by Kamila Shamsie follows Aasmaani Inqalab as she unravels the mystery of her activist mother's disappearance fourteen years prior, delving into themes of love, loss, and politics, all set against the backdrop of Karachi. Sensitive topics in the book include parental abandonment, political violence, and trauma.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,535 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kamila Shamsie's Broken Verses has been praised for its strong, poetic prose and complex characters. The narrative intricately weaves personal and political themes, engaging readers with its emotional depth. Some detractors, however, find the plot occasionally meandering and the political context heavy-handed. Overall, it’s a compelling read with significant literary merit.
Who Should Read Broken Verses?
Ideal for readers who enjoy complex character arcs, political intrigue, and emotionally intense storytelling, Broken Verses by Kamila Shamsie will captivate fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Lowland. This novel's exploration of mother-daughter relationships and societal challenges appeals to lovers of nuanced, literary fiction.
2,535 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The novel Broken Verses is recognized for its exploration of feminist themes and its portrayal of the complex mother-daughter relationship, which is a common theme in Kamila Shamsie's works.
Kamila Shamsie, author of Broken Verses, was awarded the prestigious Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for her novel Burnt Shadows, highlighting her impactful contribution to literature on racial and cultural understanding.
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Broken Verses weaves elements of mystery and mythology, drawing readers into an exploration of modern-day Pakistan intertwined with references to its rich cultural past.
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338
Novel • Fiction
Karachi, Pakistan • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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