AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed, ISBN 978-0-399-54468-2, Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Young Readers.
Guest Post by Padma Venkatraman
It might seem strange to begin a review by citing how much I enjoyed reading the Author’s Note, and yet, the beautifully written Author’s Note is a vital part of this beautifully written novel – and it speaks to the social justice issue that is central to the novel’s plot – indentured servitude. In her note, Aisha Saeed (author of the bestselling YA novel WRITTEN IN THE STARS), speaks about this horrific practice in language that is powerful and simple enough to be understood by middle grade readers. She expresses the hope that AMAL UNBOUND “shines a light on brave girls everywhere” – and in my opinion, she has, indeed, accomplished her aim, and done so in a manner that is not only compelling, but also accessible to her target audience.
Amal, the female protagonist of Saeed’s novel, is a strong, feisty young girl who is torn from her warm family home and forced to work at the estate of a cruel, corrupt, and wealthy landowner (Jawad) who treats villagers with the contumely of a mafia boss. At a time when anti-Islamic sentiment is so unfortunately high in our nation, the importance of portraying loving Muslim families in books cannot be underestimated. I particularly appreciated the sensitivity with which Saeed tackles the stereotype that her protagonist’s mother might value a son more than a daughter; as her mother reiterates, in dialogue that flows naturally while also deftly dealing with this issue: “…doesn’t mean we don’t love our daughters. You’re part of me, how can I not love you?”
Saeed’s characterization of Jawad (and I refuse to refer to him respectfully in this review by giving him the title Sahib, as Amal is forced to do) is so strong that I shuddered each time his name was mentioned. And how could I not root for Amal, who loves books as much as my heroine Vidya, in my debut novel, CLIMBING THE STAIRS, does? To Amal, books are a saving grace, just as they were to my Vidya; both girls are snatched out of supportive family situations. In Amal’s case she is forced to endure life as a servant, with no end in sight – and she steals books from Jawad’s library because books are what makes her “days bearable.”
Jawad’s mother protects Amal, as best she can, from the worst that Jawad is capable of doing, but that also arouses the jealousy of Nabila, who was the matriarch’s former favorite. Nabila, another servant who is around the same age as Amal, is perhaps the most complex character in the novel – and her character is incredibly well-rendered – I could understand her behavior even if I disapproved of it. As the plot deepens and moves toward a climax, the relationship between Amal and Nabila also develops in a very realistic manner.
While this novel is character driven, it is also a good example of how to keep moving plot forward. Writers looking for tips on how to finish chapters with strong endings could do worse than study the last lines of each chapter in this book.
As for the details of Amal’s home life and the class hierarchies and village setting, I presume they are accurate, but I’d like to acknowledge that I am by no means qualified to judge this aspect of theme and setting. All that I have read about indentured servitude in India would suggest that it may work a little differently in the part of the world I was born in. This is not to cast any kind of aspersion on Saeed’s work at all – far from it. Instead, I say this to point out that South Asia a large geographical area and differences exist among the cultures of which this region is composed. The Indian subcontinent, as a part of this region is sometimes referred to, includes many very different nations. The nation of India is in itself a little like the European Union – each state has a different language, a different cuisine, and different cultural identity; and I presume it is the same in Pakistan, where Amal’s story is set.It is important, therefore, for readers to realize that although my cultural heritage is close to Saeed’s, I am not entirely an insider; identifying with South Asian culture doesn’t imply that one is an expert on every aspect of this vast multi-cultural identity. I entirely trust Saeed’s research on this subject; I merely wish to say that the problem of indentured servitude exists in other parts of South Asia as well. It is, unfortunately, a larger problem, and so, if this book is used as a basis for exploration into this issue, as I sincerely hope it will, I hope readers will understand that there may be differences in how this cruel custom is practiced. I’d like to emphasize what Saeed so clearly says, in her Author’s Note, “While some experience situations similar to Amal’s, unfortunately, the vast majority suffer much more difficult situations with no end in sight. Amal’s reality is far luckier than most who endure this horrendous practice.”
Finally, I must, in the interest of full disclosure, acknowledge that this book was edited by my editor, Nancy Paulsen, and that it’s part of the same imprint that will publish my forthcoming middle grade novel, THE BRIDGE HOME. Pleas also note that this review is based on an ARC.
BIO
Award winning American author, Padma Venkatraman, worked as chief scientist on oceanographic ships, spent time under the sea, directed a school, and lived in 5 countries before settling down in Rhode Island.Her 3 novels, A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, were each released to multiple starred reviews (totaling 12), have been cited on ~50 best books lists (e.g. NYPL, Kirkus, Booklist, ALA notable) and have won numerous honors and awards: Paterson Prize, Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe Award, RI Book of the Year, Singapore Children’s Choice Red Dot Award, South Asia Book Award etc. She enjoys teaching, mentoring, participating on panels, giving commencement speeches and providing keynote addresses at national conferences, and has been chief guest at international literary festivals. Her work has been featured on national and international TV and radio, and in a documentary. Visit her at www.padmavenkatraman.comand on twitter @padmatv