Sumaiya

The book is good when read during one's coming-to-age period because afterward it might not draw you in nor fascinate you -this opinion is highly personal, so feel free to read it when it's your call. It denotes well and talks about themes of religion, personal growth, morality, and inner calling with elements of mysticism and fantasy. It utilizes psychoanalysis theory and the Oedipus complex to convey the inner feelings of Sinclair (our protagonist). The story is simple, and at best a monologue with slight glimpses of the outside world. It poses questions on morality, ideas of purity, and finding meaning within: leaves you with more questions than answers, if I say so myself. All in all, it is relatable even if set in a different time, and might act as a step into the philosophical genre. It is not too heavy with the themes it tackles which is an advantage indeed with the busy hectic lives. If you can, I'd recommend reading a later translated version of it; saves you from awkward phrasing and hard vocabulary.