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The Storm: A Novel
"Seamlessly interweaves five love stories that, together, chronicle sixty years of Bangladeshi history. Shahryar, a recent PhD graduate and father of nine-year-old Anna, must leave the US when his visa expires. In their last remaining weeks together, we learn Shahryar's history, in a village on the Bay of Bengal, where a poor fisherman and his wife are preparing to face a storm of historic proportions. That story intersects with those of a Japanese pilot, a British doctor stationed in Burma during World War II, and a privileged couple in Calcutta who leaves everything behind to move to East Pakistan following the Partition of India. Inspired by the 1970 Bhola cyclone, in which half a million-people perished overnight, the structure of this riveting novel mimics the storm itself. Building to a series of revelatory and moving climaxes, it shows the many ways in which families love, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another. At once grounded in history and fantastically imaginative, The Storm explores the humanity that connects us beyond the surface differences of race, religion, and nationality. It is an epic novel in the tradition of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, by a singularly gifted and perceptive new writer.--
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
93 people are currently reading
8332 people want to read
About the author
Arif Anwar
4 books162 followersARIF ANWAR was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, just miles from the Bay of Bengal. He previously worked for BRAC, one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, on issues of poverty alleviation, and for UNICEF Myanmar on public health issues. Arif has a PhD in education from the University of Toronto. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife, Si (Sandra) Lian. The Storm is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
February 21, 2022
The Storm is the first book I’ve read set partially in Bangladesh. It’s described as, “Seamlessly interweaves five love stories that, together, chronicle sixty years of Bangladeshi history.”
It’s an epic story covered in just over 300 pages with seamless storytelling. It’s broken up into chapters that alternate characters’ stories in the past with the storyline of Shahryar and his nine-year-old daughter, Anna. The opening of the story begins with preparation for a massive storm. There’s a mother, Honufa, preparing her young son and their home for the storm. Her husband is a fisherman on a boat and is at sea when the warning happens. Honufa’s story and what happens to her and her family ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger as the weaving of other characters begins to take place, including a British doctor stationed in Burma during World War II, a Japanese pilot, and a couple in Calcutta who move to the wife’s home in East Pakistan after the partition of India concurs.
The Storm slowly unfolds as it pans through the different narrators, all part of an intricately designed puzzle; piece-by-piece, layer by layer the story comes together. The ending thankfully circles back to Honufa and her family’s story so there is closure. I soaked up every bit of this story and the Bangladeshi culture and also appreciated the perspective of Shahryar as a Bangladeshi immigrant living in the US attempting to stay in the country for his daughter.
Ultimately, The Storm surprised me in such a great way. I hope Arif Anwar has many more stories to tell us.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
It’s an epic story covered in just over 300 pages with seamless storytelling. It’s broken up into chapters that alternate characters’ stories in the past with the storyline of Shahryar and his nine-year-old daughter, Anna. The opening of the story begins with preparation for a massive storm. There’s a mother, Honufa, preparing her young son and their home for the storm. Her husband is a fisherman on a boat and is at sea when the warning happens. Honufa’s story and what happens to her and her family ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger as the weaving of other characters begins to take place, including a British doctor stationed in Burma during World War II, a Japanese pilot, and a couple in Calcutta who move to the wife’s home in East Pakistan after the partition of India concurs.
The Storm slowly unfolds as it pans through the different narrators, all part of an intricately designed puzzle; piece-by-piece, layer by layer the story comes together. The ending thankfully circles back to Honufa and her family’s story so there is closure. I soaked up every bit of this story and the Bangladeshi culture and also appreciated the perspective of Shahryar as a Bangladeshi immigrant living in the US attempting to stay in the country for his daughter.
Ultimately, The Storm surprised me in such a great way. I hope Arif Anwar has many more stories to tell us.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 7, 2018
Writing the novel was definitely an amazing experience, hence the five stars. As for reading it, well, you tell me! :-)
October 16, 2023
One cyclone that erased half a million lives overnight. One nation carved into two. A war with so many sides that the entire world seemed on fire. And five stories that span sixty years and countless twists of fate.
Inspired by the Bhola Cyclone that devastated what is now Bangladesh in November 1970, Arif Anwar spins the globe and lands the reader in WWII Burma, the Partition of India in 1947, the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, the 1972 Bangladesh independence, and modern day Washington D.C. His premise — the recent history of Bangladesh chronicled by a dozen major and minor characters — is ambitious, but Anwar weaves eras, nations, events, and characters together with grace and formidable skill.
What held me fast to the page was the richness of the characters; their loves and losses become our viewfinder, our way into understanding the religious conflict that divided India into Buddhist India and Muslim Pakistan; they humanize Japanese fighter pilots in shredded Burma; they reveal a modern immigrant's complicated relationship with his adopted country. As the pieces of the stories tumble and lock into place, forming a complete and interconnected picture, the suspense of how they will all fit together is a feat of agile storytelling. With perfect pacing, Anwar knows when and how to move each story along, giving enough detail for complicated history to resonate emotionally and intellectually without miring the reader in overmuch detail.
Beautifully written, with intelligent and elegant prose, The Storm is not to be missed.
Inspired by the Bhola Cyclone that devastated what is now Bangladesh in November 1970, Arif Anwar spins the globe and lands the reader in WWII Burma, the Partition of India in 1947, the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, the 1972 Bangladesh independence, and modern day Washington D.C. His premise — the recent history of Bangladesh chronicled by a dozen major and minor characters — is ambitious, but Anwar weaves eras, nations, events, and characters together with grace and formidable skill.
What held me fast to the page was the richness of the characters; their loves and losses become our viewfinder, our way into understanding the religious conflict that divided India into Buddhist India and Muslim Pakistan; they humanize Japanese fighter pilots in shredded Burma; they reveal a modern immigrant's complicated relationship with his adopted country. As the pieces of the stories tumble and lock into place, forming a complete and interconnected picture, the suspense of how they will all fit together is a feat of agile storytelling. With perfect pacing, Anwar knows when and how to move each story along, giving enough detail for complicated history to resonate emotionally and intellectually without miring the reader in overmuch detail.
Beautifully written, with intelligent and elegant prose, The Storm is not to be missed.
October 13, 2018
A historically based novel that covers significant territory in time and beliefs. This felt both realistic and romantic without sacrificing one style for the other. It is a highly imaginative story readily summoning up locations vividly based in all the senses. It sure made me hungry too with all the food descriptions. Funny that Arif mentioned eating cole slaw on several occasions. Wonder if this a favorite of his? It is definitely not A Fine Balance but it has merits aplenty to be praised. Offers considerable information about Bangladesh for those unfamiliar. Well done. Hope to see more from this author.
July 30, 2018
The Storm is an aptly named book because the events in the book are a whirlwind of emotions.
We follow our protagonist, Shahryar Chaudhury, who is being deported in the US because his work visa is about to expire. He has to make a decision to leave his daughter behind. A family tragedy makes himself travel to Dhaka and here we witness the beautiful peeling of the story.
The story also comprises of a British field physician, a Japanese pilot and a privileged couple who make the move from Calcutta to the then East Pakistan now Bangladesh.
We follow family sagas and historical events. I loved how they were merged together. The book is divided in three parts, Gathering, Eye and Surging. The book moves back and forth in time without being confusing.
If you love family sagas, pick this up. It's a beautiful read. Family secrets and bonding form an essential part of the story.
This book intricately records sixty years of history with an epic story of three generations.
We follow our protagonist, Shahryar Chaudhury, who is being deported in the US because his work visa is about to expire. He has to make a decision to leave his daughter behind. A family tragedy makes himself travel to Dhaka and here we witness the beautiful peeling of the story.
The story also comprises of a British field physician, a Japanese pilot and a privileged couple who make the move from Calcutta to the then East Pakistan now Bangladesh.
We follow family sagas and historical events. I loved how they were merged together. The book is divided in three parts, Gathering, Eye and Surging. The book moves back and forth in time without being confusing.
If you love family sagas, pick this up. It's a beautiful read. Family secrets and bonding form an essential part of the story.
This book intricately records sixty years of history with an epic story of three generations.
June 2, 2018
I thought this was a capably-written debut book. It was a satisfying and quick read. I enjoyed the general story and how the various characters' lives intertwined.
There were several voices. Too many. And that added to an emotional flatness. Ichiro and Zahira certainly didn't need their own "chapters." And the book had too many "coincidences," where characters appear and reappear by neatly crossing paths. It felt too contrived after the first two occurrences.
Lastly, the story threads were either too surely wrapped up or left dangling. The dangling ones were significant, including why Claire acted rashly, why Rahim was kind, and why Jeremy makes such an overwhelming concession?
A stricter editing process could have tightened up the book. But I definitely would keep my eyes out for this author's next book.
There were several voices. Too many. And that added to an emotional flatness. Ichiro and Zahira certainly didn't need their own "chapters." And the book had too many "coincidences," where characters appear and reappear by neatly crossing paths. It felt too contrived after the first two occurrences.
Lastly, the story threads were either too surely wrapped up or left dangling. The dangling ones were significant, including why Claire acted rashly, why Rahim was kind, and why Jeremy makes such an overwhelming concession?
A stricter editing process could have tightened up the book. But I definitely would keep my eyes out for this author's next book.
September 9, 2018
A random library grab. A 5 🌟 international, multigenerational, multiple narrative, time-hopping literary fiction #ownvoices novel set in the Bay of Bengal and Washington DC (among other places).
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I went into this one completely cold and it ended up being one of my most memorable reads of the year. And THAT is what mood reading does for me ~ it lets me pick up the exact right book for the exact right time and sets me up for an optimal reading experience. I needed one that would force me to slow down, pay attention, puzzle out connections and take me to another time and another part of the world. This one did it all for me.
.
I went into this one completely cold and it ended up being one of my most memorable reads of the year. And THAT is what mood reading does for me ~ it lets me pick up the exact right book for the exact right time and sets me up for an optimal reading experience. I needed one that would force me to slow down, pay attention, puzzle out connections and take me to another time and another part of the world. This one did it all for me.
March 5, 2018
In this stunning debut novel, Arif Anwar weaves a complex threaded story that weaves mystery, difficult choices, and the fate of history into an epic story of three generations of Bangladeshi history. The book opens with Shahryar, a graduate student earning his Ph.D faces deportation as his visa is soon to expire leaving his daughter and ex-wife behind. He begins to ruminate on his childhood on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and begins to weave his woven fate with a historical storm and flood. This novel moves and shifts along historical moments and connections with the past and the future where honor, sacrifice, and betrayal fight history as it rushes forward. The stories include a British field physician, a Japanese pilot, and an upper-class couple caught in the midst of the Partition of India. All these characters make decisions based on making the life better for the next generation, the survivors, the future. It is a humbling vision of our personal histories - past, present, and future.
The threaded design of the novel makes for an intricate and intense reading experience. Anwar's narrative is focused and crafted to span across time and still hold tension and vision across more than sixty years. An amazing debut novel that tells a history that resonates with us all. This novel compares to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri, a personal favorite of mine. The Storm is a powerful international title that shines among the 2018 spring titles.
The threaded design of the novel makes for an intricate and intense reading experience. Anwar's narrative is focused and crafted to span across time and still hold tension and vision across more than sixty years. An amazing debut novel that tells a history that resonates with us all. This novel compares to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri, a personal favorite of mine. The Storm is a powerful international title that shines among the 2018 spring titles.
July 24, 2024
Arif Anwar's debut novel, The Storm, is an ambitious and nearly flawless work of historical fiction. In a compact yet rich narrative of under 400 pages, Anwar masterfully intertwines stories spanning three distinct eras and locations: 1940s India, 1970s Bangladesh, and 2000s America.
The author's storytelling prowess shines as he breathes life into these diverse settings, each vividly portrayed and historically resonant. Anwar populates his narrative with a cast of characters and most of them bear their own compelling story. What is truly remarkable is how he manages to give each character depth and purpose and avoids the pitfall of peripheral, underdeveloped figures.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to provide satisfying closure to the myriad storylines it introduces. As a reader, I found myself deeply invested in the fates of these characters, and Anwar doesn't disappoint in delivering resolutions that almost feel both authentic and fulfilling.
However, the book's near-perfection stumbles slightly in its final chapter. The ending doesn't quite match the high bar set by the rest of the novel. It's a minor blemish on an otherwise exceptional work, but it's noticeable enough to warrant mention.
Despite this small misstep, The Storm remains a testament to Anwar's skill as a storyteller. His ability to weave complex narratives across time and space, while maintaining coherence and emotional resonance, is truly impressive, especially for a debut novelist.
For readers who enjoy multi-generational sagas and navigation of cultural identities, or simply masterful storytelling, The Storm is a must-read. It's a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. It invites reflection on the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and borders.
Final verdict: A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The author's storytelling prowess shines as he breathes life into these diverse settings, each vividly portrayed and historically resonant. Anwar populates his narrative with a cast of characters and most of them bear their own compelling story. What is truly remarkable is how he manages to give each character depth and purpose and avoids the pitfall of peripheral, underdeveloped figures.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to provide satisfying closure to the myriad storylines it introduces. As a reader, I found myself deeply invested in the fates of these characters, and Anwar doesn't disappoint in delivering resolutions that almost feel both authentic and fulfilling.
However, the book's near-perfection stumbles slightly in its final chapter. The ending doesn't quite match the high bar set by the rest of the novel. It's a minor blemish on an otherwise exceptional work, but it's noticeable enough to warrant mention.
Despite this small misstep, The Storm remains a testament to Anwar's skill as a storyteller. His ability to weave complex narratives across time and space, while maintaining coherence and emotional resonance, is truly impressive, especially for a debut novelist.
For readers who enjoy multi-generational sagas and navigation of cultural identities, or simply masterful storytelling, The Storm is a must-read. It's a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. It invites reflection on the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and borders.
Final verdict: A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.
May 18, 2018
It has been a long time since I read a book that made me so emotional. I won this book in a Facebook contest while searching for books similar to The Kite Runner, but what I got was incredible beyond words.
At first, when I was reading through “Gathering,” I thought, what could an English woman, a Japanese soldier, and an illiterate fisherman from Bengal possibly have in common? But all these people played such an integral but equally unique part in a much greater story - that of Shahryar. This is truly a love story but in so many different ways. As things began to tie together, it became clear how one simple act of love can ripple throughout decades of many different lives.
Halfway through May, I feel confident that I have read 2018’s Book of the Year. I very much look forward to what Arif Anwar’s future holds.
At first, when I was reading through “Gathering,” I thought, what could an English woman, a Japanese soldier, and an illiterate fisherman from Bengal possibly have in common? But all these people played such an integral but equally unique part in a much greater story - that of Shahryar. This is truly a love story but in so many different ways. As things began to tie together, it became clear how one simple act of love can ripple throughout decades of many different lives.
Halfway through May, I feel confident that I have read 2018’s Book of the Year. I very much look forward to what Arif Anwar’s future holds.
February 8, 2018
This novel has all of my favourite elements - a great story, a bit of mystery, a lot of history and a cast of captivating characters. A great debut novel from Arif Anwar.
March 21, 2018
Let's give the author kudos for having so many stories, taking place over 60 years, that all are interwoven and build on one another as they unfold! I had trouble a few times keeping them all straight - I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to write the story.
The story flips seamlessly between the years and characters, taking place in India, Bangladesh, and the US. I'm sure that someone who knows about the partition of India would be able to put this into a better context than I could, but that lack of knowledge in no way kept me from being swept into the story. The only thing that kept me from fully enjoying it was the use of so many words that were used in descriptive passages that were of Indian origin and I had no idea what they meant. Sometimes this made it hard to picture what they were wearing, etc... Since I tend to "see" a book in my head like a movie, based on the descriptions in the book, it was hard to do that with this story.
I hope that this is the first of many books by this author. It was thoroughly enjoyed.
The story flips seamlessly between the years and characters, taking place in India, Bangladesh, and the US. I'm sure that someone who knows about the partition of India would be able to put this into a better context than I could, but that lack of knowledge in no way kept me from being swept into the story. The only thing that kept me from fully enjoying it was the use of so many words that were used in descriptive passages that were of Indian origin and I had no idea what they meant. Sometimes this made it hard to picture what they were wearing, etc... Since I tend to "see" a book in my head like a movie, based on the descriptions in the book, it was hard to do that with this story.
I hope that this is the first of many books by this author. It was thoroughly enjoyed.
March 24, 2018
At times intricate and puzzling with its switch from present day to past, and from place to place, from Hindu to Muslim during the cleaving of India through partition, as people change their names and reinvent themselves, this exceptional novel slowly and firmly brings the reader to the ultimate "Oh. Now I get it".
Told in beautiful language, this marvelous story is not to be missed.
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Atria Books pub date 05/15/18
Told in beautiful language, this marvelous story is not to be missed.
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Atria Books pub date 05/15/18
July 11, 2018
Arif Anwar's debut novel weaves together the sacrifices and choices individuals must make, both for themselves and for their family, into a story that spans 60 years of Bangladeshi history. The book opens with Shahryar, a graduate student earning his Ph.D faces deportation as his visa is set to expire, forcing him to leave his daughter and ex-wife behind. From there, he tackles the stories of an English woman, a Japanese soldier, and an illiterate fisherman from Bengal, threading them together to create a compelling narrative. At first, you're not sure what any of the characters have to do with each other but as the novel progresses, you begin to put the pieces together. A lone quibble with the book is the amount of voices in the story. I thought it could have been stronger if we had less jumping from character to character and rather let a select few shine. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the writer's follow-up.
October 23, 2023
This was multiple stories that intertwine and come together at the end. It was nice to read a story about Bangladesh. Very fascinating storylines and characters. Learned a lot about the culture that I wasn't aware of. would highly recommend it
Thank you #Atria Books and #NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest opinion.
Thank you #Atria Books and #NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest opinion.
June 7, 2020
Well done weaving of multiple storylines and timelines. This may only be the second time I’ve read a book partially set in a place (Chittagong) where I’ve worked - and, I really appreciate the opportunity to widen my understanding of that place.
August 9, 2023
So interesting to see these vignettes across time and space yet still intimately connected. As someone with ancestors from Bihar, moving to "West Pakistan" and settling in North America, this story spoke to many facets of my identity. Thank you for writing it!
January 1, 2024
An excellent multilayered book with all the things I enjoy: history, politics, different cultures and beautiful writing. I wish I had kept notes as having finished there are things I wished I taken more note of. Might need to reread!! Highly recommended and can’t wait for his next book!
August 2, 2018
The Storm
By Arif Anwar
Genre - Fiction
Total pages- 360
Publishers -Aleph book company
About the Author :
ARIF ANWAR was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, just miles from the Bay of Bengal. He has worked on issues of poverty alleviation for BRAC, one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations and on public health for UNICEF Myanmar. Arif has a PhD in education from the University of Toronto. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Si (Sandra) Lian. The Storm is his first novel.
About the story :
The story is inspired from the Bhola cyclone of 1970 . Due to this destructive Cyclone millions of people died . The story begins with the pre-storm situation in a village on the Bay of Bengal . This storm changes the lives of survivals too. The story interconnects with different people. The father of 9 years old and a Ph.D graduate shahryar , poor Fisherman and his wife , A Japanese Fighter pilot and A British female doctor and a couple who moved from Kolkata to East Pakistan , now Bangladesh , due to the partition of India . The time periods of the chapters isn't same.
My views :
1. Lots of charecters , they all are different from each other but the author has woven them together in a brilliant way.
2. Every charecter has penned skillfully . Their feelings and emotions have been picturised perfectly .
3. The story will give a vivid pictures political issues and the partition issues of India .
4. It could have been better if there were lesser plot jumps .
It's really a good book .
I would like to give it 4.5/5
I would like to thanks the Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book .
By Arif Anwar
Genre - Fiction
Total pages- 360
Publishers -Aleph book company
About the Author :
ARIF ANWAR was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, just miles from the Bay of Bengal. He has worked on issues of poverty alleviation for BRAC, one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations and on public health for UNICEF Myanmar. Arif has a PhD in education from the University of Toronto. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Si (Sandra) Lian. The Storm is his first novel.
About the story :
The story is inspired from the Bhola cyclone of 1970 . Due to this destructive Cyclone millions of people died . The story begins with the pre-storm situation in a village on the Bay of Bengal . This storm changes the lives of survivals too. The story interconnects with different people. The father of 9 years old and a Ph.D graduate shahryar , poor Fisherman and his wife , A Japanese Fighter pilot and A British female doctor and a couple who moved from Kolkata to East Pakistan , now Bangladesh , due to the partition of India . The time periods of the chapters isn't same.
My views :
1. Lots of charecters , they all are different from each other but the author has woven them together in a brilliant way.
2. Every charecter has penned skillfully . Their feelings and emotions have been picturised perfectly .
3. The story will give a vivid pictures political issues and the partition issues of India .
4. It could have been better if there were lesser plot jumps .
It's really a good book .
I would like to give it 4.5/5
I would like to thanks the Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book .
January 26, 2021
I’m going to start off by saying that this book is SO underrated! Why have I never seen anyone talk about this book? If you’re into historical novels or even just learning about a culture you’re not familiar with, I highly highly recommend you purchase this book right now.
The Storm left me with so many emotions. I could not put it down and I was invested in all of the characters lives. I loved all of the characters and the author did a really good job at going back and forth with their stories without confusing us. I loved that there was representation of various religions, cultures, languages, and generations. Anwar does a great job at bringing different people together and shows us that no matter where a person is from, we are all human and we all experience some sort of pain.
Some characters kindness kind of shocked me. I guess I always expect the worse when it comes to relationships between white and non-white characters in books set in the 1940s to 1970s. I love how realistic the stories were and it was clear that Anwar did a lot of research. I sometimes forgot that it is a fictional book because of how realistic the conversations and events were.
Anwar is a very talented writer and has a way with words. He makes everything sound so beautiful and I now want to visit Bangladesh so badly. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Anwar's future work.
The Storm left me with so many emotions. I could not put it down and I was invested in all of the characters lives. I loved all of the characters and the author did a really good job at going back and forth with their stories without confusing us. I loved that there was representation of various religions, cultures, languages, and generations. Anwar does a great job at bringing different people together and shows us that no matter where a person is from, we are all human and we all experience some sort of pain.
Some characters kindness kind of shocked me. I guess I always expect the worse when it comes to relationships between white and non-white characters in books set in the 1940s to 1970s. I love how realistic the stories were and it was clear that Anwar did a lot of research. I sometimes forgot that it is a fictional book because of how realistic the conversations and events were.
Anwar is a very talented writer and has a way with words. He makes everything sound so beautiful and I now want to visit Bangladesh so badly. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Anwar's future work.
June 14, 2018
This is the kind of book I love so much! Fiction, but very real. A story which is beautiful for the sake of a story but also one that showed me another part of the world. The stories of the various characters cover three separate time periods but everything is linked in some way, so it doesn't feel like waiting for a big reveal but more like watching a puzzle be put together with lots of ah!! moments throughout.
Was immediately drawn in by the title and stunning cover when I first saw it at the library but when I quickly read the blurb I thought it was short stories which I just don't enjoy so I ruled it out. But every time I saw it on the shelf I couldn't help but pick it up. So I reread the description to realize it was not a collection of short stories! Started reading last weekend and COULD NOT put it down. Went through 200 pages in 24 hours. And then I got to that point where I didn't want it to end so I slowed down to prolong the inevitable. Finished last night and immediately looked Chittagong up on the map and was sad to then read about recent monsoon devastation and the refugees introduced at the book's end. So I am walking away from this read with a new appreciation of the history of another part of the world and an interest in what is happening there right now. Definitely getting my own copy of this one for my shelf!
Was immediately drawn in by the title and stunning cover when I first saw it at the library but when I quickly read the blurb I thought it was short stories which I just don't enjoy so I ruled it out. But every time I saw it on the shelf I couldn't help but pick it up. So I reread the description to realize it was not a collection of short stories! Started reading last weekend and COULD NOT put it down. Went through 200 pages in 24 hours. And then I got to that point where I didn't want it to end so I slowed down to prolong the inevitable. Finished last night and immediately looked Chittagong up on the map and was sad to then read about recent monsoon devastation and the refugees introduced at the book's end. So I am walking away from this read with a new appreciation of the history of another part of the world and an interest in what is happening there right now. Definitely getting my own copy of this one for my shelf!
March 31, 2020
The prose writing in The Storm is lyrical and poetic and creates a story with full characters. This is a book which when finished, needs to be read again to treasure the language.
September 1, 2018
Read The Original Review Posted on Sohinee Reads & Reviews
A BEAUTIFUL POIGNANT READ, THE STORM BY ARIF ANWAR IS RECOMMENDED TO ALL THE BOOK LOVERS OUT THERE
‘The Storm’ is a historical fiction set around the time of the Bhola cyclone which had destroyed millions of lives in the 1970s. Traversing over different time periods, ‘The Storm’ narrates five different love stories covering different generations. Spanning over 60 years, Arif Anwar gives us an insight into the history of Bangladesh and how one event changed the course of several different lives.
The story travels us through the US, India and lands us in Bangladesh. The beginning of the story gives us a glimpse of the cyclone and then the story shifts to modern day US where we see that Shahryar, who recently acquired his PhD is on the verge of getting expelled from the States as his Visa is about to expire. Shahryar has to make a tough decision, i.e., leaving his nine-year-old daughter, Anna and his wife behind.
The narrative takes us through Shahryar’s life, travelling all the way and landing us in a small village by the side of the Bay of Bengal. Anwar has weaved Shahryar’s story with other characters, a Japanese pilot, a British female doctor in Burma and a couple in Calcutta who move to East Pakistan after the partition of India. All their stories coincides on different levels and each one of them narrates their own stories.
I loved the writing style of the author. He had managed to link through the various timelines so effortlessly that the chapters were connected to each other well and it didn’t feel abrupt or incomplete.
The narration is slow paced as it keeps switching between different timelines and places. So, it might get a bit boring if someone tries to read it at one go which was the problem with me too. The narrative also has a subtle melancholic feel to it. Overall, the narration is smooth and it just felt so relaxing to read through it.
‘The Storm’ is a beautifully written book. There were parts which I thought could have been better but the overall impact of the book on me stayed positive.
Recommended to everyone out there.
For more reviews and bookish posts, follow my blog at www.poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.com. For review enquiries and collaborations, write to me at query.sohinee@gmail.com.
A BEAUTIFUL POIGNANT READ, THE STORM BY ARIF ANWAR IS RECOMMENDED TO ALL THE BOOK LOVERS OUT THERE
‘The Storm’ is a historical fiction set around the time of the Bhola cyclone which had destroyed millions of lives in the 1970s. Traversing over different time periods, ‘The Storm’ narrates five different love stories covering different generations. Spanning over 60 years, Arif Anwar gives us an insight into the history of Bangladesh and how one event changed the course of several different lives.
The story travels us through the US, India and lands us in Bangladesh. The beginning of the story gives us a glimpse of the cyclone and then the story shifts to modern day US where we see that Shahryar, who recently acquired his PhD is on the verge of getting expelled from the States as his Visa is about to expire. Shahryar has to make a tough decision, i.e., leaving his nine-year-old daughter, Anna and his wife behind.
The narrative takes us through Shahryar’s life, travelling all the way and landing us in a small village by the side of the Bay of Bengal. Anwar has weaved Shahryar’s story with other characters, a Japanese pilot, a British female doctor in Burma and a couple in Calcutta who move to East Pakistan after the partition of India. All their stories coincides on different levels and each one of them narrates their own stories.
I loved the writing style of the author. He had managed to link through the various timelines so effortlessly that the chapters were connected to each other well and it didn’t feel abrupt or incomplete.
The narration is slow paced as it keeps switching between different timelines and places. So, it might get a bit boring if someone tries to read it at one go which was the problem with me too. The narrative also has a subtle melancholic feel to it. Overall, the narration is smooth and it just felt so relaxing to read through it.
‘The Storm’ is a beautifully written book. There were parts which I thought could have been better but the overall impact of the book on me stayed positive.
Recommended to everyone out there.
For more reviews and bookish posts, follow my blog at www.poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.com. For review enquiries and collaborations, write to me at query.sohinee@gmail.com.
September 4, 2018
Five different stories reciting sixty years of Bangladeshi history traversing through War, Partition, Immigration and parenthood encompassing innocence,love,curiosity, hatred, jealousy,distrust and heartbreak within its realms.The characters are intricately woven in a fabric forming a beautiful labyrinth of love and humanity which mars the man-made lines.
Post nine eleven Shahryar, a PhD graduate and father to little girl Anna find it difficult to secure a permanent employment in US in order to avoid deportation when his visa expires.His roots are traced back to a small village on the Bay of Bengal, where a poor fisherman's family is preparing to face the worst kind of storm.As the story proceeds we come across a privileged couple who cross the border leaving their home following partition , a Japanese prisoner of war and a British doctor who witnessed the horrors of war.
Narrated in a eloquent way, the stories are unveiled slowly joining the various open ends, teasing the reader's curiosity and maintaining the unpredictability till the end. The prose is elegant and lyrical like a delicious cake which one enjoys till the last bit while memorizing its fine texture and delectable taste.Loved the way inanimate objects like flask ,scarf and leaflets evoke different emotions and acts a connecting link for individuals across generations.
Characters are beautifully fleshed out.Their life choices sets them apart from the rest.The author breathed life into the characters and the premises through the detailed description. The tales bring forth the burning issue of immigration, war crimes and devastation due to natural calamities.The tinges of subtle melancholy marks the stories.
The writer dexterously threaded the different stories revealing a exquisite art-piece embossed with events taken place in different nations during the expanse of six decades.The story ended with the hope of a better tomorrow.
Post nine eleven Shahryar, a PhD graduate and father to little girl Anna find it difficult to secure a permanent employment in US in order to avoid deportation when his visa expires.His roots are traced back to a small village on the Bay of Bengal, where a poor fisherman's family is preparing to face the worst kind of storm.As the story proceeds we come across a privileged couple who cross the border leaving their home following partition , a Japanese prisoner of war and a British doctor who witnessed the horrors of war.
Narrated in a eloquent way, the stories are unveiled slowly joining the various open ends, teasing the reader's curiosity and maintaining the unpredictability till the end. The prose is elegant and lyrical like a delicious cake which one enjoys till the last bit while memorizing its fine texture and delectable taste.Loved the way inanimate objects like flask ,scarf and leaflets evoke different emotions and acts a connecting link for individuals across generations.
Characters are beautifully fleshed out.Their life choices sets them apart from the rest.The author breathed life into the characters and the premises through the detailed description. The tales bring forth the burning issue of immigration, war crimes and devastation due to natural calamities.The tinges of subtle melancholy marks the stories.
The writer dexterously threaded the different stories revealing a exquisite art-piece embossed with events taken place in different nations during the expanse of six decades.The story ended with the hope of a better tomorrow.
November 23, 2021
The Storm by Arif Anwar with Banana/Pineapple Loaf and Black tea (black tea, bananas and pineapples are grown in Bangladesh).
The Storm is a beautifully woven tale that skips across time and geography to bring the reader into the life of Shar, a Ph.D student and policy wonk who has overstayed his student visa in the United States. Things are complicated. He has a daughter, but he is not married to her mother. If he leaves and cannot return, he risks never being able to see Anna again. But Shar’s story does not start and end with him. There are layers of character, the passage of time, the vagaries of culture and a pinch of the supernatural. Before Shar, there was the partition of India and Pakistan. There was a sailor with black sails; there was a storm.
The storm is more than an event of nature, it is the swirl of events which bring people into each other’s lives. The storm is the government, the storm is human desire, the storm is fate. Told from multiple points of view over decades, The Storm shows us real humans at their best and at their worst. Those who want to make the world better and those who care only for themselves at this moment. The plotting is tight, the characters are fully developed, and even though some only have walk-on roles, there are no extra characters—every single one does something important to move the story forward. There is a lot of grief in The Storm, but there is beauty to balance it. Read it, and I promise you won’t be sorry.
The Storm is a beautifully woven tale that skips across time and geography to bring the reader into the life of Shar, a Ph.D student and policy wonk who has overstayed his student visa in the United States. Things are complicated. He has a daughter, but he is not married to her mother. If he leaves and cannot return, he risks never being able to see Anna again. But Shar’s story does not start and end with him. There are layers of character, the passage of time, the vagaries of culture and a pinch of the supernatural. Before Shar, there was the partition of India and Pakistan. There was a sailor with black sails; there was a storm.
The storm is more than an event of nature, it is the swirl of events which bring people into each other’s lives. The storm is the government, the storm is human desire, the storm is fate. Told from multiple points of view over decades, The Storm shows us real humans at their best and at their worst. Those who want to make the world better and those who care only for themselves at this moment. The plotting is tight, the characters are fully developed, and even though some only have walk-on roles, there are no extra characters—every single one does something important to move the story forward. There is a lot of grief in The Storm, but there is beauty to balance it. Read it, and I promise you won’t be sorry.
March 13, 2020
Based on a real-life 1970 cyclone that hit the Indian subcontinent that year, this novel in sections spanning 1942 to 2004 tells of the partition of India to the existence of Bangladesh through the intertwined stories of several characters from a Japanese fighter pilot, a fisherman and his wife, a Muslim gentry couple, an English female doctor, to a young Bangladeshi in America trying to get his green card and his half-American daughter.
A surprisingly absorbing read and very highly recommended.
A surprisingly absorbing read and very highly recommended.
August 1, 2018
This was an engaging tale and a beautifully written book! I found the insight into Bangladesh’s history and Bengali culture fascinating as Anwar masterfully weaves stories from the 40’s, 70’s and 2000’s together. I loved the characters and how their stories interconnected. This is an excellent story and a very satisfying read!!
December 21, 2020
4.5 Star. At times it was difficult to keep track of all of characters as there were many voices in this book. I enjoyed the story and was intrigued in wanting to see how the narratives all weaved together in the end. What prevented a 5 star review is that there were a couple of characters that I didn’t fully understand the motives of their actions.
August 28, 2022
This is a poignant and emotional story of how the past events bear an impression on the present. This was a great debut novel from Arif Anwar. This story was appealing as it was set around the time of the Partition in India and the present day of America.I enjoyed the book immensely as a British Bangladeshi and could understand many of the terms of the Bangladeshi culture that it alluded to. Arif Anwar is a gifted writer who is very perceptive.
July 9, 2018
An intricately woven story spanning several generations. It was hard for me to follow the disconnected story lines in the first 50 pages, but eventually I was able to sort out each character and how they were all connected to one another after all. It stirs compassion towards those seeking a new life here in America and the personal cost of it.
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