The book is set in Toronto in a neighbourhood filled with businesses run by people who whose families come from elsewhere in the world. 24 year old Hana Khan’s family runs the Three sisters Biriani Poutine restaurant while she tries to make as a radio broadcaster. The restaurant is on its last legs and is about to be challenged by a new smart competitor
The blurb on the back says that the book is for ‘fans of You’ve got Mail’ But even if it didn’t it wouldn’t be difficult to guess who is the anonymous fan of Hana Khan’s ‘ brown girl’ podcast….nor indeed the identity of Sad Aunty. All very predictable and never any doubt as to what the ending would be however it was all highly enjoyable and I liked the insights into this particular community and the author’s thoughts on how others try to interpret and ‘own’ their stories. The book is all about stories and secrets and there is a definite dark side with the exploration of what it means to be a Muslim woman in Canada, the every day threats and misunderstandings as well as the actuality of racial violence. Some interesting perspectives from the cousin over from India too. And the food… that all sounded pretty brilliant ..well apart from one dish! I’d like to try Poutine..but maybe not with a Biryani!
The blurb on the back says that the book is for ‘fans of You’ve got Mail’ But even if it didn’t it wouldn’t be difficult to guess who is the anonymous fan of Hana Khan’s ‘ brown girl’ podcast….nor indeed the identity of Sad Aunty. All very predictable and never any doubt as to what the ending would be however it was all highly enjoyable and I liked the insights into this particular community and the author’s thoughts on how others try to interpret and ‘own’ their stories. The book is all about stories and secrets and there is a definite dark side with the exploration of what it means to be a Muslim woman in Canada, the every day threats and misunderstandings as well as the actuality of racial violence. Some interesting perspectives from the cousin over from India too. And the food… that all sounded pretty brilliant ..well apart from one dish! I’d like to try Poutine..but maybe not with a Biryani!