I have no doubt this book set out to be controversial. The fictional reality that Panayi has created here is one possible scenario, as the world and GB moves forward from Brexit and the possible collapse of the EU.
I applaud Panayi for attempting this work, although the fictional religion, terrorists, God and Holy Book, were so obviously meant to represent today's parallels, that calling them something different was a little pointless in my opinion. If you are going to write about this, you have to be prepared, to be honest, and courageous. That having been said, I can understand why the author would choose not to do so.
If Panayi's motive in writing this work was to make people think about what might happen in the future and to make them talk, I am sure she achieved that. The story is harsh and at times extremely bigoted and prejudiced, but again I believe the author was trying to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and get the discussion going.
Is it a realistic scenario, of our near future? I doubt it and as a PinkoLib (as the book so endearingly describes me) I sincerely hope not. Did it make me think and ponder where we are heading, especially given the levels of anti-Islam and xenophobia sweeping the world particularly in the US and Britain? Yes, it did. Is it timely? Probably and for that reason alone I will doff my cap to the author.
Did I enjoy the subject matter and the handling of it? Not at all, but that doesn't stop me recognising a genuine effort to make a political statement and to applaud that effort.
The five stars I give this book is in recognition of the need for this type of discussion to be held now, before the author's scenario starts to come true.
I applaud Panayi for attempting this work, although the fictional religion, terrorists, God and Holy Book, were so obviously meant to represent today's parallels, that calling them something different was a little pointless in my opinion. If you are going to write about this, you have to be prepared, to be honest, and courageous. That having been said, I can understand why the author would choose not to do so.
If Panayi's motive in writing this work was to make people think about what might happen in the future and to make them talk, I am sure she achieved that. The story is harsh and at times extremely bigoted and prejudiced, but again I believe the author was trying to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and get the discussion going.
Is it a realistic scenario, of our near future? I doubt it and as a PinkoLib (as the book so endearingly describes me) I sincerely hope not. Did it make me think and ponder where we are heading, especially given the levels of anti-Islam and xenophobia sweeping the world particularly in the US and Britain? Yes, it did. Is it timely? Probably and for that reason alone I will doff my cap to the author.
Did I enjoy the subject matter and the handling of it? Not at all, but that doesn't stop me recognising a genuine effort to make a political statement and to applaud that effort.
The five stars I give this book is in recognition of the need for this type of discussion to be held now, before the author's scenario starts to come true.
To check put all that May J Panayi has to offer, check her Amazon Author page here:
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