It's the story of Nazneen, a young girl who leaves a village in Bangladesh to marry a man Chanu, who's 20 years older and lives in London, England, in an area known as Brick Lane. It follows her life over the next number of years, as she adjust to Western life, has children, and even starts an affair with a younger Muslim radical. We also follow the life of her sister who married for love, through a series of correspondence which weaves through the narrative.
I thought it was a a lovely novel, great storytelling, and a glimpse into a life that I know nothing about. It explores love on all levels, the pursuit of dreams, disillusionment, and most importantly the evolution of a young girl coming into her own as a woman. It was the winner of several book awards in 2003. And unbeknownst to me, was made into a movie that just had its premiere LAST WEEK in London. And not without "contr-aw-versy". Apparently there was a gala event to which the Royal family was invited. But there were a lot of protests about the way that Bangladeshi and the area of Brick Lane were portrayed in the film, so apparently Prince Charles, who was initially supposed to attend the premiere, ducked out at the last minute. Now I've just got to see the movie!
I've got a thing about reading books before movies. Sometimes if the book's too good, I don't want to spoil it by seeing the film. Like "Mystic River". Even though I love Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins, I still can't bring myself to rent the DVD.
So next up:
Cover photograph: Chris Fraser Smith
I know, it's another older book, but the movie's coming out and I've got to read this REAL FAST!
6 comments:
I know what you mean - I HAVE to read the book before I see the movie!
those books are both on my "must read" list!
I'll need to make my way over to the library one of these days!!
What a great review - you should be a book critic. Sounds like a good book and I'm anxious about the movie (who is in it - do you know?). I never read Mystic River - but I liked the movie. I think anything Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon are in, would have to be a good movie and it was. But, I know what you mean about being disppointed by a movie when you have read a book. I've decided I like most any movie (most). As long as it's well written, has a good story and cast correctly - I like it. Brick Lane sounds interesting and I might just have to get it and add it to that stack of books I have - that I haven't read.
Oh, I hadn't heard there was a movie coming out. I read this book a while back and definitely will catch the movie (but probably on DVD).
I too feel the need to finish the book before I see the movie. And sometimes, if I've loved the book so much I won't go see the movie. Especially if the imagery was so strong that I don't want to take on the directors idea of it.
I'm ready a book now that was apparently THE book to read this summer. Funny how that happens.
I will have to add it to my 'To Read' list. Unfortunately I don't tend to make it through the list very fast. I just finished The Time Traveller's Wife, happy I got through that one before the move too.
I read this book a couple of years ago, and loved it. Had no idea it had been made into a movie, and the controversy about P. Charles didn't make it to the Cypriot news reel. Not that that would have made much difference to me. I would definitely see the movie, as the book was lovely.
- Heidi
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