Someone Like Her by Awais Khan #Review #Giveaway

 

Today we have a distinctive and thought provoking novel by Awais Khan. Someone by Her was published by Orenda Books on 17th August. I also have a great giveaway with the chance to win a print copy of the book. Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post.  

 
Multan, Pakistan. A conservative city where an unmarried woman over the age of twenty-five is considered a curse by her family.

Ayesha is twenty-seven. Independent and happily single, she has evaded an arranged marriage because of her family's reduced circumstances. When she catches the eye of powerful, wealthy Raza, it seems like the answer to her parents' prayers. But Ayesha is in love with someone else, and when she refuses to give up on him, Raza resorts to unthinkable revenge…

Ayesha travels to London to rebuild her life and there she meets Kamil, an emotionally damaged man who has demons of his own. They embark on a friendship that could mean salvation for both of them, but danger stalks Ayesha in London, too. With her life thrown into turmoil, she is forced to make a decision that could change her and everyone she loves forever.

Exquisitely written, populated by unforgettable characters and rich with poignant, powerful themes, Someone Like Her is a story of love and family, of corruption and calamity, of courage and hope … and one woman's determination to thwart convention and find peace, at whatever cost…

My Thoughts

This is a disturbing and, at times, harrowing account of one woman's struggle at the hands of a psychopathic personality. You are taken into life in Pakistan and shown how the roles of men and women in society are portrayed as unequal and even, cruel. Life in Multan seems claustrophobic with every detail of people's lives, common knowledge. Marriage is a major preoccupation and the outlook for women seems bleak, especially for those nearing thirty. Ayesha emerges as a courageous and independent minded woman, with a strong sense of family. Her work at a charity which helps women who have suffered abuse, means that she is only too aware of the inequalities which can exist between the sexes. Appearance and reputation are paramount. Not all the characters we meet are sympathetic. Some have cruel and malicious tongues and a desire to criticise and put others down.

    When Ayesha comes up against someone who feels his wealth gives him ultimate power over others, you see how fear and selfish self-interest drives actions at others expense. There is a huge level of corruption within the police and basically, money talks. As Ayesha discovers, shutting trauma away does not work in the long run and she recognises in Kamil someone who has been damaged emotionally. This is a strikingly well written story, with both extremes of human behaviour highlighted. There is cruelty and hateful actions in contrast to the people who show consideration and love. Ultimately, you recognise hope amidst the chaos. 

In short: Kindness and cruelty sit side by side 

 

About the Author

Awais Khan is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Durham University, and studied creative writing with Faber Academy. His debut novel, In the Company of Strangers, was published to much critical acclaim, and he now regularly appears on TV and radio. Awais also teaches a popular online creative writing course to aspiring writers around the world. He lives in Lahore and is currently working on his third novel. 

You can follow Awais here: Twitter 

Book link: Amazon UK

Thanks to Awais Khan, Karen Sullivan and Anne Cater of Orenda Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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 Giveaway (UK only)

 

To win a print copy of Someone Like Her, just Follow and Retweet the pinned Tweet at @bookslifethings and good luck!

Closing date is August 6th 2023 and there is one winner.

*Terms and Conditions –UK only.  The winner will be selected at random via Tweetdraw from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.