A review by hira5218
Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam

2.0

SpoilerThis is one of the most underwhelming books I’ve ever read. It literally took me three months to get through it. The book starts with some potential, and vaguely addresses the realities of Pakistani immigrants in Britain. However, as the story unfolds, it’s clear this is just another orientalist fantasy.
Under the guise of “authenticity” and “realness,” the book depicts a generalized and simplified version of Islam that is deemed to be inherently violent. The book lacks any complexity or nuance in its understanding of religion and fundamentalism. Furthermore, this is also applied to the women characters in the book. They are painted as gullible believers, brainwashed into a religious system. These women are also depicted as the tools used to continue religious fundamentalism & violence throughout generations.
Unlike the men in the novel (I.e. Shamas & Jugnu), the women in the novel remain static and undeveloped. Although the men also commit great harm, their harm is depicted as part of a larger and complex character. The women, on the other hand, are not given that luxury. The men become the heroes as the women and Islam become the villains.
The novel also lacks a critical understanding of islamophobia, xenophobia, & colonialism. Rather, these instances are used ironically to serve as excuses fueling religious violence. Essentially this book is western white atheism/secularism meets Pakistani expat with internalized islamophobia. It’s no wonder that almost all high reviews are not from South Asians and Muslims, themselves.

Also—- the writing is just really fucking bad and and confusing