´This was a new world, one where women could be equals and women of colour at that. There were different modes of thinking, talking and operating now´.
Ever since I´ve read The Khan, I was expecting a continuation. Vengeance, featuring crime syndicate leader Jia Khan, a woman on her own terms, is a long awaited new installment, with an equally fascinating character and an unexpected tightly weaven web of events.
A more mature and reflexive Jia Khan, with the same stubborness in refusing to conform in a world where everyone is expecting her to react in a specific, role-assigned way, is threatened by unknown enemies. Is about her, her own position or the crime entreprise she is skillfully managing. Are we faced with a serial killer or those crimes do hid a message for the queen of crime?
The story sets slowly. With the highest precision, Saima Mir does not leave anything behind, and all the personal details of the characters - from their personal history to clothing description - as well as the grander historical and social observation allows a full immersion into the story. You may feel that you are actually there, where the action of the book takes part, and I am not only talking about England. It is like we, as readers, we are watching from behind a glass wall, being partaken every episode of the story.
Such a construction requires a high precision and control of the story. No detail is out of place, and the suspense concerns not only the chain of events, but also the behavior of the characters. Even the many intermezzos outlining feminist messages and thoughts about the role of women in conservative societies, do make sense for the sake of the story, not as random reflection on a contemporary issue.
One of the strongest assests of this book is the deep knowledge of human nature, those seismographic fine lines defining a character reacting in different situations. I particularly loved the very normal mother attitude of Jia, taking her son to a Jirga meeting, because no other available relative to babysit him. If I would be the queen of underworld, would do exactly the same, how else one is expected to deal with challenges that are writing the future of the same child as well?
Although it may be considered a continuation of The Khan, Vengeance can be easily read as a stand alone book, as there are provided more than enough context information.
After reading this book, in one long sitting, I just wanted to breath deep and close my eyes, thinking for a bit longer about the story. A recommended read for anyone looking for nonconfirmist and stereotype-free women characters.
Hopefully, will not need to wait for another three years until Saima Mir publishes a new book.
Rating: 5+ stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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