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A Golden Age: A Novel
by Tahmima Anam
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Edition: Hardcover
Publication Date: January 01, 2008
Publisher: Harper
ISBN: 0061478741
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 65208
Average Customer Rating: 
List price: $24.95
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Reviews
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 a good reading but expected more regarding history of a bloody war that deserves more international attention., August 27, 2008
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A golden age is the first novel in English language about the freedom fight for Bangladesh. The writer deserves applaud for this reason itself. But this subject is complicated and the book did not paint a good enough picture of the war that took 3 million lives in 9 months. Rehana and her personal war is depicted beautifully and that is why the book is a good read. But, I expected more elaborate painting of the war itself. The freedom fight, and it is not a civil war, was brought on the people of East Pakistan by West Pakistan. West Pakistan did a horrible crime on humanity, human rights. This particular war has been overlooked by the international community for many years. Also, the writer failed to paint the face of East Pakistani, now Bangladeshi people who are so rich in culture, literature and art for last thousands of years. The book forgets to mention to describe the stunning natural beauty of Bangladesh as well.
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 Very slow starter, August 22, 2008
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This novel started off incredibly slowly, and failed to grasp my attention. I was unable to finish it.
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 Wonderful story of a woman's transition into independence, August 6, 2008
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This novel tracks one woman's experience of the 1971 Bangladesh war for independence. During the course of the novel, Rehana Haque gradually changes from a mourning widow unable to care for her own children into a fiercely independent and brave supporter of the revolution. Rehana's transition--dramatic and yet entirely credible--is this book's distinguishing feature and is never overshadowed by the surrounding drama of the revolution. Anam's delicate prose adds humor and lightness to what otherwise could have become a heavy and depressing read. Entirely worthwhile.
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Luminous and poignant; a wonderful novel!, July 17, 2008
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Set mainly in the 1970s against the backdrop of Bangladesh's Liberation War. Tahmina Anam's luminous debut novel is the story of Rehana Haque who is as a recent widow is left with little family or financial support and loses her children to their father's family. Rehana tries desperately to improve her financial situation to get her children back. However Rehana lives continuously with the guilt of this loss, even after the children are recovered. Women everywhere can identify with Rehana's love of her country, her struggle to keep her children safe despite tremendous odds and their struggles during wartime and choices they are forced to make.
For this meticulously researched novel, Bangladesh-born, American-educationed, Tahmima Anam was inspired by her parents who were freedom fighters during the war. For the benefit of her research, she stayed in Bangladesh for two years and interviewed hundreds of war fighters. This all shows as the background for this poignant story adds to its emotional impact for a riveting read that will stay with the reader a long time after the last page is turned. Highly recommended.
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Wonderful view of colonial Sri Lanka!, May 26, 2008
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Having visited Sri Lanka several years ago, I found this book fascinating, funny and informative about the different people that have made their home there in the last several hundred years. The characters are deeply etched with humor and affection. Really good read.
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Reviews
