Zakir Hossain

Clash of cultures.
I always find it fascinating to read about other cultures, but this was a striking clash between traditions: a young woman is brought up in a Bangladeshi family in Britain but then sent to be married off in Bangladesh. Neither the girl nor the boy want the match but they are given no choice, the fathers have made a deal.
It reminded me of a biography I read many years ago, Sold by Zana Muhsen, when two sisters were sent back to Yemen by their father. It is heartbreaking to realise that this still goes on and that some people can be so cruel and unfeeling to their own children.

Although the subject matter is important and the book carries a significant message, I couldn't rate it highly as I didn't feel it was well written. The narration by Chiquito Joaquim Crasto was excellent for the voices of the fathers but difficult to listen to for the narrative.

Full marks for the ending, which took me by surprise.… (plus d'informations)