Oct 25, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Historical, International Review of Books
We recommend this book to readers who enjoy fable-like narratives with a blend of myth and wisdom, as it offers a unique perspective on survival through being underestimated, vivid depictions of Timbuktu and desert life, and thought-provoking proverbs, despite some disjointed historical elements.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
From the beginning: The mysteries of the desert were hidden within its ever-shifting sands, much like the currents and eddies of an ocean. And from the ending: What an old man sees while lying down, a young man can never see even when climbing a tree.
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General Summary for Context:
The author introduces an intriguing protagonist—an aging scholar from the renowned University of Timbuktu—whose journey home sets the stage for an epic tale. As the story unfolds, a diverse cast of characters and subplots enrich the narrative, including encounters with zombies and legendary warriors, firmly rooting the novel in the fantasy genre. However, it is equally grounded in history, with the author skillfully weaving in historical events, making it a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. While this genre mix is innovative and refreshing, it may present a challenge when it comes to marketing due to its unconventional nature.
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Concise Review:
Cazembi, a wise and revered scholar, embarks on a perilous journey back to the University of Timbuktu. But the year is 1591, and Africa is swept by a tide of change. Fearing the dangers of crossing the Sahara, Cazembi joins forces with two merchant brothers and the legendary warrior Ayaan. Their journey soon turns violent as they face not only a rival faction but also the horrors of the undead.The story masterfully follows Cazembi and his companions through a series of gripping trials, offering plenty of intense battle scenes. Yet beneath the excitement of swordplay lies a deeper layer of quiet wisdom, expressed through proverbs passed down from the elders.
I particularly enjoyed the rich historical detail, which vividly captures life in the desert, with all its myths and legends. While the book incorporates elements of fantasy, it is firmly grounded in historical fact, making it both entertaining and educational. The inclusion of African proverbs, such as “A butterfly cannot think it is a bird just because it can fly,” added a layer of cultural depth that I found captivating.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
While I typically don't enjoy books where all the main characters meet a tragic end, the premise of Kho—the character who survives not by being the wisest or the bravest, but by being the most underestimated—imbues the story with the feeling of a fable or a myth. This unique angle adds a timeless quality to the narrative, reminiscent of ancient legends.However, I found that the historical elements sometimes felt disjointed. Certain parts, particularly in the last chapter, read more like a copy-and-paste from Wikipedia rather than being seamlessly integrated into the plot. This detracted from the flow of the story, making the historical context feel a bit forced at times.That said, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Timbuktu and the lives of the desert people, which the author brought to life in vivid detail. What truly enriched the experience were the numerous proverbs and wise sayings scattered throughout the text. I found myself jotting many of them down, as they offered thought-provoking insights worth reflecting on.
Overall, despite some issues with the historical integration, the book’s blend of wisdom and myth makes for an engaging and memorable read.
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Sojourner by Ayaan Pettus is available on Amazon.
Jul 3, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Historical, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Ayşe Osmanoğlu about her book,
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I have five children! As every mother knows, that makes me great at juggling, balancing and multi-tasking!!
Why do you write?
I write because I want to give a voice to my ancestors and tell their story, share their memories, and describe the lost splendour of Imperial Istanbul.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for my book, “A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul,” came from the love and respect I have for my grandparents and the pride I feel for my family's history. When I was young, my grandparents told me many stories about their life in Istanbul before their exile and of the terrible hardships they endured after they were forced to leave their homeland. This forged a desire in me to give voice to their experiences, to capture the essence of a bygone era, and to explore themes of family, duty, and resilience as a tribute to their memories and a celebration of the beauty of Imperial Istanbul.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
What I love most about writing historical fiction is the opportunity to escape into another world and to invite my readers to join me on the journey back in time. It's a genre that allows me to tell forgotten stories, bring historical figures to life, and connect readers with the enduring themes of our shared history.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process has definitely evolved. For my first book, ‘The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus' I was definitely a pantser and did very little planning. However, with ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul', I adopted a much more structured approach which I think resulted in a more polished manuscript. I outlined, plotted, and planned extensively. When I eventually sat at my desk and began to write, a cold Diet Coke and a few snacks within easy reach, the right words flowed more easily so I will definitely be outlining, plotting and planning for my next book. Once I start writing, I like to re-visit and edit the scene I worked on the day before, then I move on to the next scene. I typically spend focussed blocks of time, usually about three hours, crafting one new scene at a time, in between sips of Diet Coke and nibbles of hummus and pitta!
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I think the best thing about social media is that it is an excellent way for authors to connect directly with their readers. I am so lucky to have forged some very special relationships with some of mine, and I am so grateful for the wonderfully supportive community that surrounds my books.
What advice would you have for other writers?
My advice for other writers is simple: don't put off writing your story. Begin today, even if it's just a few words. There's never a perfect time to start, so why not now? And write about something you love, something you are passionate about – write for yourself…
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For my first book, the title came to me during the early stages of research, so that was easy! However, with my newest book, ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul', I struggled quite a bit and only settled on the title after finishing the manuscript. It took time, but I love it and think it is perfect! As for the covers, I had specific ideas in mind that talented (and very patient!) designers brought to life after some collaboration.
What's your next step?
I have already started the research for my next book!
What book do you wish you'd written?
Oh gosh! That is a hard question! Can I pick two classics? If so I would choose ‘Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen and ‘War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. I would love to be able to write about love with the wit and charm of Jane Austen, while I admire the way Tolstoy's characters are so vividly drawn and how he weaves together their personal stories with the grand sweep of history.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
When I spot a new review for my book, my heart definitely quickens! While a negative review does hurt, I always try to focus on the positive ones and appreciate the insights readers share. It's all part of the journey of being an author, and I'm grateful for every reader's perspective.
FIND AYŞE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
