The Shadow of the Crescent Moon
The Shadow of the Crescent Moon
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
•
Dramatic Literature•
Historical FictionPakistan • Contemporary
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto is set in the fictional town of Mir Ali in northwestern Pakistan, during a few hours of Eid in 2007. It follows three brothers—Aman Erum, Sikandar, and Hayat—and two women—Samarra and Mina—connected to them, as their intersecting lives reveal the personal and political complexities of the region amidst ongoing war and violence. The book includes graphic depictions of terrorist attacks and sexual violence.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
1,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In The Shadow of the Crescent Moon, Fatima Bhutto delivers a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of a war-torn Pakistani town. The novel is lauded for its rich character development and evocative prose, yet some find the pacing uneven. Bhutto’s exploration of loyalty and loss is both compelling and heartfelt, making it a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Shadow of the Crescent Moon?
A reader who would enjoy The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto is one interested in contemporary South Asian literature, political intrigue, and multifaceted narratives. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist will find similar themes of conflict, identity, and personal struggle.
1,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Shadow of the Crescent Moon by Fatima Bhutto was longlisted for the 2014 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, showcasing its critical acclaim and impact in literary circles.
Fatima Bhutto, the author of The Shadow of the Crescent Moon, comes from a prominent political family in Pakistan, which adds a unique context to her writing and perspectives.
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The city of Mir Ali, where the story is set, is based on real-life locations in Pakistan's tribal areas, reflecting Bhutto's intricate understanding of the socio-political landscape.
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240
Novel • Fiction
•
Dramatic Literature•
Historical FictionPakistan • Contemporary
2013
Adult
18+ years
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