Stunning. I don't know what else I can say about this one. I loved the narratives of the childhood friends and how everything wove together seamlessly, even as things fell apart around them. It was a stand-out debut, incredibly engaging and it really pulled me along.

Trigger warning: suicide or tragic accident…
Financial hardship

I love that this story begins with retirement aged characters, including a retired female doctor. It bounces back and forth between present day and their life growing up. There are so many characters and they are each so lovable and relatable. It’s a colorful community that is easy to envision. (And did I miss something, the name Zara/Zhara has been in almost half a dozen arcs I’ve read this summer 2023?!)

Tragic. The guilt, shame, and consequences of strict cultural and/or religious beliefs and how it affects parents and grown children alike. If you’re in the process of moving… it may not be smart to read this. Losing their house and having to leave is an emotional rollercoaster throughout this story and then it shows you how much worse life could get. Making these characters reassess what is most important to them.

The characters were dynamic and I found myself being very attached to them. It was hard to listen to the audiobook as I didn’t care for the narrator’s voice. But the story itself and the characters were great. The author did a great job at world building descriptions.

The roots of Under the Tamarind Tree, the debut novel by Nigar Alam, begin with the Partition of India and Pakistan in the 1940s and the refugees of that process. Rozeena is nine at the time of partition, a young physician in the 1960s, and retired – a mother and a mentor – in the present. The pace of the book is also slow and melodious, and the characters and the story unfolding keep me engaged to the last page.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/12/under-tamarind-tree.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

UNDER THE TAMARIND TREE is an atmospheric debut that I enjoyed getting lost in. Told in dual timelines, I was immersed in the Pakistan setting and was fascinated by the historical aspects of the story. Prior to reading this book my knowledge about Pakistan was very limited so I very much appreciated the history lesson it offered. At times the characters felt a bit one-dimensional and the plot had a lot going on, but I overall enjoyed this debut and will look forward to what Alam does next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Tamarind Tree is a historical novel by Nigerian author Irenosen Okojie. It delves into themes of family, memory, identity, and the lasting impacts of colonialism. The story follows two characters, separated by time but connected through their experiences and trauma. Okojie’s writing is known for its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, blending the magical with the real. The novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and exploration of Nigerian culture, as well as the way it portrays the complexities of human relationships.

This book was a slow building book. It took me a while to get into, but I enjoyed it when I did.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful story that captures your attention from start to finish. I have already purchased and plan to recommend to others.

(Rounded up to 3.5 stars)

Nigar Alam’s debut was beautifully written and I’m excited to see what she writes next!

Under the Tamarind Tree alternates between two time periods; 1964, Rozeena and her close friends growing up in Karachi, Pakistan and 2019, Rozeena reflecting back on the decisions that shaped her life.

It’s a historical fiction with a little mystery aspect to it, although the big “surprise” wasn’t that shocking to me. I appreciated learning more about a period of history I was unaware of, but I didn’t totally feel connected to the story or characters. There were certainly bits and pieces I enjoyed, and there are certain scenes I could picture vividly in my mind, but it felt a bit all over the place.

Many thanks to to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

My sincerest gratitude to the publishers for letting me read this title. Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted novel that captivated me from start to finish. The storytelling in this book is exceptional; Alam weaves a narrative that is both poignant and compelling, drawing readers into a world where the passage of time and the quest for redemption are central themes.

The novel’s exploration of aging and the urgency of making amends before it’s too late is handled with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Alam’s characters are richly developed, each one grappling with their own regrets and hopes as they navigate the twilight of their lives. This reflection on the human condition is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, offering a poignant look at the challenges of growing older and the enduring need for forgiveness and connection.

The setting under the tamarind tree serves as a powerful symbol throughout the book, grounding the story in a place where memories and emotions intertwine. Alam’s prose is lyrical and evocative, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative and making the themes resonate long after the final page is turned.

Though I found the book immensely moving, I felt that a bit more development in certain aspects of the plot could have elevated the story further. Nevertheless, Under the Tamarind Tree remains a compelling and beautifully written exploration of life's most profound themes. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling and character-driven narratives.

I really liked the dual timeline of the novel. I found the characters endearing for the most part, and I liked the setting; it was great the way that it created the circumstances for the characters to confront something there even though not all of them left. I am curious if this author has more stories they want to tell and whether they will also connect to Partition or not.

This book was set in an intriguing era: post-Partition of India. The time-slip presentation worked beautifully. The author had an exquisite knack for leaving me hanging at just the right moment, which meant I had to keep reading!

The characters were ones I could care about: quirky friends, mix of backgrounds, and a mix of social classes. There was plenty of heartache and drama to tug on my heartstrings.

This might have been Hindu fiction, but I was grateful it was light on the religion so that the plot could really shine.

This story was bittersweetly tragic: emotional and beautiful in its own way.

There were verb tense issues in the NetGalley copy I had. I hope these were fixed prior to publication.

Content: tobacco, substance abuse, attempted rape, profanity (two or three), expletives (light)

The story will interest those who like mountains made out of molehills.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC and all the best to the author.

Nigar Alam's book Under the Tamarind Tree takes its title from a moment when two lovers are caught under the tamarind tree in a neighbor's beautifully dressed courtyard under night lights. What's wrong with that? This is in newly formed Pakistan, only a few years from Partition - that massive forced migration resulting in over a million killed in the wild rush to the designated corners of British maps for citizens of the retiring Empire - Hindus to one side, Muslims to another, to be done by a date certain; afterwards all hell breaks loose until those corners are reached. No plan, no assistance, no help. Just ready, set, go - or be killed by the lawless and self-appointed monitors of culture. Our two lovers? Each come from different parts of the caste system established by centuries of murderous imposition. Their families will not be pleased. Juliet? Romeo? Maybe. A little.

Add to the two lovers their two friends who are also quite fond of each other - these four friends are kept in their places through generations by the social systems that keep women in their place, workers in theirs, and the rich and powerful on top of them all. Even in a more modern day, with cell phones and internet, the inner structures of the ancient rules weigh heavy on those who dare to love outside the lines.

A transporting story, evocatively written with colors, smells, and tastes that almost convince a continental jump in space. But mostly this is a love story that lives in secrets held. Love. . .of a time gone by, of partners hoped for, paths exchanged in opposite journeys, and a time-stopping breath where love, joy and sorrow abide as one.

*A sincere thank you to Nigar Alam, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Underthe TamarindTree #NetGalley

I loved this beautifully told story of family, sacrifice, and secrets. Related to the India-Pakistan partition, it was eye-opening to me and I learned a lot. It was an accessible book, written for those who have less knowledge of culture in this part of the world and I really enjoyed it and the character development.

Under The Tamarind Tree is a historical fiction like one that I’ve never read before. Learning about the history of the origin of Pakistan and India, that Partition and great migration and displacement of so many people was brand new to me. Rozeena was a strong & independent FMC in a time where that was incredibly uncommon and scoffed at. The build up between her and her three friends to the tragic night was well done mixed with the present day setting of the novel.

An appealing saga that taught me much about the Partition and the aftermath. Rich-in historical detail and atmospheric. Rozeena’s story captured me in the beginning.
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A historical fiction novel about the India-Pakistan partition.

This one was a bit slow for me for historical fiction. I think if it had been structured differently I would have been engaged.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this work in exchange for honest feedback.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for accepting my request to read and review Under the Tamarind Tree on NetGalley.

Stars: 2.5

A miss for me. There are dual timelines that blurred and read like blah blah blah. Family honor and generational upheaval are at best mind boggling themes. The party when we are young, someone dies, we go our separate ways for forty years and then come together is a nuisance. Sadly, I let the prospects of 1964 Pakistan/India historical fiction as well as this being a debut novel sway me.

The cover and title will remain with me. The story is forgettable and will only briefly be remembered if skimming the synopsis is an option.

I found this book to be very interesting and intriguing. I would recommend this a friend because this is a book for everyone. I really enjoyed emerging myself into this book and it was just wonderful.