Burrow

by Manzu Islam

This novel follows the story of Tapan Ali, a young man from Bangladesh who leaves his home to study in England. When his family can no longer afford to support his education, Ali chooses a dangerous life on the run as an illegal immigrant rather than return home. Ali finds himself in a far different world than his previous student life of pot-smoking, politics, and philosophy, when he becomes a resident of the Bangladeshi settlement in East London. There, he must contend with racist violence, poverty, and the threat of betrayal. The character of Ali's lover, Nilufar Mia, adds a sharp, womanist insight with her story of breaking ties with her strict Muslim family to live out an alternative destiny.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Ming · Rating 3 out of 5]

A student from Bangladesh becomes an illegal immigrant in the UK and survives "underground."  His experiences before and during this status reveal how the community around Brick Lane operates.  There are forays into the history of the British Raj.  And there are moments where it felt like a mini-lecture or lesson; I enjoyed these, including my already knowing who Udham Singh was Udham Singh : The Revenge of Jallianwala Bagh or who Queen Victoria's munshi was https://time.com/4941313/victoria-and....

I was surprised that this seemingly understated story was at times gripping. I felt compelled to find out what would happen next after many scenes.  Tapan Ali is philosophical and clearly makes the connection between colonialism and why he is in the UK and subsequently "illegal."  It demonstrates the "I'm here because you were there."

I've read Islam's The Mapmakers of Spitalfields & The Song of Our Swampland.  And I find him to be a compelling writer; he crafts innovative stories.  And I hope he continues to write more as I'd read more of his titles.

[Nabil Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Tale of a Bangladeshi's exploits in East London.

This novel is expertly written by Manzu Islam and it gave an endearing account of an Illegal Bangladeshi immigrant trying to stay in the UK, in East London. I enjoyed the numerous references to Bangladesh and Bangladeshi culture in Bangladesh and in UK. I, as a British Bangladeshi enjoyed this book immensely. I look forward to reading the other book by Manzu Islam as this book, 'Burrow ' was written in style. More books about Bangladeshis please.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content was good. The topic was unusual and interesting.
However, the structure and general execution were quite uneven.
Better copy-editing was also needed.