A Space For Expression and Introspection
A Space To Be Determined.
A Space To Be Determined.
Looking at Kamila Shamsie’s novel Home Fire, there are many instances of characters doing things that could be considered wrong but, for the sake of someone they care about. Examples include, Aneeka’s relationship with Eamonn or Parvaiz’s departure to Syria, or even Isma telling the authorities about her brother’s leaving. These characters in particular make complex choices that are hard to confine into a black and white lens. Focusing on Aneeka in particular, her number one goal is getting her brother back safely, despite his own leaving. So, when the son of a high-ranking official walks into her life one day, I wouldn’t blame her for taking that as more than a coincidence. Her relationship with him isn’t completely one-sided though, as she does have some feelings for him according to the text. Even still, her number one priority is Parvaiz. Some would call her manipulative due to this fact. When people around Aneeka (even Eamonn himself), challenge her morals here she defends herself, citing her love for her brother as being worth it. Love for the people closest to you will draw a difficult hand from your deck sometimes. Shamsie shows that here. On the back of the novel, where the synopsis reads, the last sentence asks what you would sacrifice for love. That question resonates throughout the book and for Aneeka, she is willing to do just about anything. That doesn’t make her a bad person at all, it makes her layered, it begs at least a hint of empathy on the behalf of the reader. When Isma tells on Parvaiz, Aneeka views her as a traitor for the rest of the novel pretty much. And while that is one way of viewing her, she can also be empathized with because she is only doing what she feels is right (I probably align closer with Aneeka here but, even still). I guess my point is that a little empathy can go a long way. That doesn’t make choices right or wrong but, at least they can be understood a bit easier. *In retrospect it probably would’ve been more efficient to write a comparative post for this novel and The Incendiaries. Ooops
1 Comment
erik Madaus
4/16/2019 09:28:24 pm
What you said about Aneeka being manipulative really made me think. I did not think of her as such, and as you said empathized with her struggle of who gets to belong. I like that you brought up the synopsis, sometimes you need to look outside what's in the books pages for a complete understanding.
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Trey BrownA creative-writing major at Wright State with a particular interest in motion pictures. Archives
April 2019
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