Shubnum Khan

A competent example of a plot structure with two connected time periods and the later learning from the former with dark secrets. The setting in South Africa is not particularly well invoked nor the Indian culture of the characters other than the names of the food and spices, which is somewhat of a let down. But the lurking Djinn who is only made active in one sequence engineered for it to be so is a disappointment.

A vivid and beautiful gothic tale that surprised me. Took a little bit to get into it at first but I soon saw this story play out in my mind like I was watching it on a screen. The characters from both timelines are so full. Loved this immensely.

And you will not be disappointed if you read this in audio. Soneela Nankani is phenomenal. Immediately added a bunch of her narrated books to my TBR.

I thought this might be fantasy, but it's much more a family drama with a haunting presence in the family home. It's a beautiful story, sad, wistful, brutal, haunting. I wish the djinn had played a larger role though.