MixedThe New York Times Book ReviewThis 'silence of objectivity and being an observer' informs not only the novel’s moral core but also its style, which is carefully constructed to underscore the book’s political theme ... El Rashidi portrays the city and its inhabitants with an enviable eye for detail, accurately illustrating the colorful culture and skillfully using the city’s progression over the decades to mirror the country’s political history. However, the novel’s obsessive preoccupation with politics stifles its plot ... Ultimately, the novel’s unwavering commitment to educating readers on a political history that spans decades curbs its creative potential as a work of fiction.
