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gloomynomad's review
5.0
The Pauper Prince and the Eucalyptus Tree by Usman Malik weaves magical elements into a poignant narrative, blending folklore, magic realism, and a touching human story for a captivating reading experience.
The story centers around our protagonist, Salman, hailing from Pakistan, deeply connected to his roots through his family, especially his storytelling grandfather. Haunted by his grandfather's vivid tales, particularly one involving a eucalyptus tree and a djinn, the protagonist's curiosity grows.
After his grandfather's passing, Salman discovers his journals, sparking an intense obsession. This newfound passion propels him on a journey to the enchanting streets of Lahore, Pakistan, pondering if they mirror the paths once trodden by his beloved grandfather.
Malik skillfully combines the rich tapestry of Pakistani culture, folklore, and contemporary life to create a sense of wonder and intrigue. The novella explores themes of legacy, identity, and the enduring power of stories, captivating readers from start to finish.
The story centers around our protagonist, Salman, hailing from Pakistan, deeply connected to his roots through his family, especially his storytelling grandfather. Haunted by his grandfather's vivid tales, particularly one involving a eucalyptus tree and a djinn, the protagonist's curiosity grows.
After his grandfather's passing, Salman discovers his journals, sparking an intense obsession. This newfound passion propels him on a journey to the enchanting streets of Lahore, Pakistan, pondering if they mirror the paths once trodden by his beloved grandfather.
Malik skillfully combines the rich tapestry of Pakistani culture, folklore, and contemporary life to create a sense of wonder and intrigue. The novella explores themes of legacy, identity, and the enduring power of stories, captivating readers from start to finish.
gayathiri_rajendran's review
4.0
This is a short written piece but it packs a punch for real. It has rich ideas and was a bit complex touching upon many topics such as history,culture,belief systems etc. there were several allegories in the story and it was quite interesting to read.
The writing is wonderful and atmospheric. The word building is excellent. I came upon this short story by chance and I’m glad that I read this.
A crazy and enchanting read!
The writing is wonderful and atmospheric. The word building is excellent. I came upon this short story by chance and I’m glad that I read this.
A crazy and enchanting read!
adru's review
Mulle meeldis, kuidas siin oli nii muuseas nii palju idamaasõnu, mis mulle midagi ei öelnud, aga edukalt eksootilise õhustiku tekitasid.
misha_ali's review
4.0
One of the things I regularly do is check out new Pakistani writers, particularly those who dare to venture from general fiction to fantasy. I am almost always disappointed by mediocre ideas, poor implementation, and an attempt to write about the generic anglo world rather than what they know. Over the years, I have been disappointed on all but two occasions. The first occasion was when I randomly heard about a collection of short stories by Daniyal Mueenuddin (In other rooms, other wonders), and the second was Usman T. Malik.
Usman marries Islamic mythology, the history of the subcontinent and the ordinary expat experience to form a beautiful story about Jinns[1], Mughals and Lahore. I only wish I could write fiction half as well. Usman T. Malik is definitely a writer I will be following in the future.
[1]- not the Westernized genies, mind you, but proper jinns as found littered in various parts of Islamic mythology
Usman marries Islamic mythology, the history of the subcontinent and the ordinary expat experience to form a beautiful story about Jinns[1], Mughals and Lahore. I only wish I could write fiction half as well. Usman T. Malik is definitely a writer I will be following in the future.
[1]- not the Westernized genies, mind you, but proper jinns as found littered in various parts of Islamic mythology
enteka's review
3.0
My brain hurts. Prose was nice though.
"All good stories leave questions."
Ah yes. They really do.
"All good stories leave questions."
Ah yes. They really do.
racheld's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
spinesinaline's review
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Dementia
pratyushasen's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
laurareads87's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Beautifully written, evocative, and deep. Stories within stories: a djinn protecting a princess, a grandfather's early years, and a young Pakistani-American man's (re)discovery of family histories. A thoughtful blend of myth, mystery, and the complexity of family relationships and identity.