Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Mortada Gzar’s “The River Knows My Name” is a lyrical and evocative novel that takes listeners on a journey through early twentieth-century Basra, Iraq.

The setting of early twentieth-century Basra was vividly brought to life, with its rich cultural tapestry and historical depth adding layers of intrigue to the story.

Janet Metzger’s narration is a highlight of this audiobook.  Metzger’s performance is engaging and evocative, drawing listeners into the world of the novel.

Gzar’s writing is poetic and precise, capturing the beauty and complexity of the Iraqi landscape and the inner lives of his characters. The narrative is well-paced, with each chapter revealing new layers of the story and deepening the listener’s connection to Charlotte’s journey.

Narrated by the talented Janet Metzger, the audiobook version offers a rich and immersive experience that captures the essence of a young girl’s quest for self-discovery. I found this audiobook to be thought-provoking, however I was left confused at the end regarding the father (whether he was dead or alive and what happened to him).

DNF. Many reasons. The plot meandered too much, touching on this story or that, and I didn't really care enough to keep going. I couldn't stop thinking about how stupid it is to enter a Middle Eastern region and try to westernize and Christianize these people who have no real need for it other than better medicine. I'm mystified about missionaries, which is why I grabbed this, but as is often the case, it's a selfish, ignorant, and insulting task they set for themselves. I'm sure many people will love this, but it was most definitely not for me.

There’s a powerful exploration of a woman's harrowing experiences, enriched by the perspective of a gay woman, which adds a profound layer to the narrative. The weight of the themes was significant, filled with moments of despair and resilience that made it a challenging listen.

A pivotal moment struck me when the protagonist escapes her troubling situation but ultimately chooses to return, only to find her father has gone in search of her. This twist was especially impactful; the tension felt incredibly high, making me invested in the outcome.

The writing captivated me throughout. The prose is beautifully crafted, allowing for a deep connection with the characters and their emotional journeys, even amid the difficult subjects presented. The author's ability to handle such challenging themes with sensitivity and skill is commendable.

By the end, I was left in a contemplative state, reflecting on the narrative. Although I felt uncertain about the conclusion, the journey left a deep impression on me. This piece showcases the strength of its storytelling and emotional resonance.

I'm at a bit of a loss with this book. I listened to the audio version which was very well read by Janet Metzger. However the actual story is more like lots of short stories held together by another story.

The connecting story is about a girl who runs away one day and when she is returned she finds that her father has gone missing while looking for her.

There follows a set of short stories which occur while the girl and others are trying to find out what has happened to her father.

What confused me is that she continually changes the story so by the end I wasn't sure what, if anything, had happened or whether her father was dead or alive.

The in-between stories are also strange and confusing without seeming to have much connection with the girl or her father.

There are several serious issues covered including mental health, physical abuse amongst others. They are all quite disturbing.

Not for me but the narrator was good.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and thought-provoking book. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in excahnge for an honest review.

Wow. Are you in the mood for an engaging and thoughtful listen? Try out The River Knows My Name. You will not regret it.