James Holden describes the stories in Love Across a Broken map as stories where a South Asian identity is key to the protagonist, and stories where it is incidental. But even this broad dichotomy doesn’t really hold, as the stories cross this boundary in unexpected ways. It’s also notable that where the stories are set in the UK they aren’t about the ‘migrant experience’ and racism is only mentioned once in the book, and even then it’s a fleeting reference....
But ultimately it is the stories that make this such an engaging read. Because what all these stories have in common is that they are strongly driven by interesting and well- drawn characters. Many truths and observations emerge from their mouths over the course of the book, but the group achieves its aim of not tipping into stereotypical depictions of South Asian culture.
Read the complete review here: http://www.theshortstory.co.uk/the-short-story-review-love-across-a-broken-map-by-the-whole-kahani/
But ultimately it is the stories that make this such an engaging read. Because what all these stories have in common is that they are strongly driven by interesting and well- drawn characters. Many truths and observations emerge from their mouths over the course of the book, but the group achieves its aim of not tipping into stereotypical depictions of South Asian culture.
Read the complete review here: http://www.theshortstory.co.uk/the-short-story-review-love-across-a-broken-map-by-the-whole-kahani/