This is a gentle story that deals with harsh topics. It is a credit to Ayisha Malik that her writing skill makes this possible - she introduces themes such as racism, politics, inclusivity, familial obligations and self-worth with a light touch and mixes them with a wonderful presentation of life in an English country village. There is humour and warmth throughout which stops this from being too dark to enjoy, and makes it incredibly moving.
The story centres around Bilal, whose mother instructs him on her deathbed to build a mosque in his village...a request that leads him to question if it is ‘his’ village after all. The vast array of characters are all thoughtfully drawn and given as much depth as the main characters - you’re left feeling as if you have spent time in Babbel’s End yourself and personally know it’s inhabitants.
The story centres around Bilal, whose mother instructs him on her deathbed to build a mosque in his village...a request that leads him to question if it is ‘his’ village after all. The vast array of characters are all thoughtfully drawn and given as much depth as the main characters - you’re left feeling as if you have spent time in Babbel’s End yourself and personally know it’s inhabitants.