Tag Archives: golden age

May3

The Djinn’s Apple by Djamila Morani translated by Sawad Hussain

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The Djinn’s Apple by Djamila Morani translated by Sawad Hussain

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This short, 160 page YA book is really quite gripping. Admittedly, during the first third of the book, which is primarily world building, I had no idea what was really going on, but I was intrigued and by the half way mark, I was so invested, I truly could not put the book down. I received an early digital copy so I am not sure if the grammar errors, typos, and lacking punctuation is because it had not been through line edits yet, or a result of translation oversights, none-the-less I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a single sitting. I wish this book was 500 pages long, with details about the time and environment, and build up to the conclusion, and angst to the romance, but it is not there, it is short, and rushed, and I don’t really know how to review it, because to point out all that is wrong, doesn’t convey all that was right. I am a self appointed reviewer, so I’m going to break my own standards and just copy and paste the teasing blurb, I can’t say it better, you are welcome: “Historical fiction meets crime fiction in The Djinn’s Apple , an award-winning YA murder mystery set in the Abbasid period—the golden age of Baghdad. A ruthless murder. A magical herb. A mysterious manuscript. When Nardeen’s home is stormed by angry men frantically in search of something—or someone—she is the only one who manages to escape. And after the rest of her family is left behind and murdered, Nardeen sets out on an unyielding mission to bring her family’s killers to justice, regardless of the cost…”

SYNOPSIS:

See above, I know my standards are slacking, but that blurb is what helped guide me when I got lost a little lost with the words on the pages.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the map and in this case the glossary and backmatter really helped me to understand the setting because the text assumes the reader knows about Harun Al-Rashid, the Golden Age of Baghdad, and the Abassids. I appreciated the Reader’s Guide and further information about the Bimaristan, as well.

I like that it showed the family as being practicing Muslims, them being accused of being infidel Zoroastrian, and the adopted father and teacher being Jewish, it added a layer that entices the reader to reconsider stereotypes and look further into the society. The book doesn’t offer much commentary about it, but does highlight the different religious groups and show them interacting.

The book really pulls you in and considering that I was lost and there were grammar errors and typos, really speaks to the story and heart of the writing. I am glad I read it, it will stay with me, and I may not be able to pass an AR test on it, but I do plan to get a physical copy for the library and for myself, so that I can read it again.

FLAGS:

Murder, plotting, revenge, poison, romantic feelings.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I need to read the book again, but yes, it would be awesome as a book club selection for Middle School or even High School to discuss, pick apart, analyze, research, and enjoy.

Apr30

The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland illustrated by Mary Grandpre’

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The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland illustrated by Mary Grandpre’

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This 37 page, non fiction book written on a AR 5.1 is a beautiful telling of 9th century Baghdad and the quest, collection, and love of knowledge.  It follows the true story of Ishaq, a young boy who’s father translates books and documents in the House of Wisdom, the intellectual center of everything.

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Ishaq has a lot to learn from his father and the books in this majestic place, before he can lead one of the Caliph’s expeditions to search for books.  However, while he acquires his knowledge or Aristotle, Galen, Plato, and Hippocrates, and more, he doesn’t feel the fire, so to speak, of a powerful burning to seek knowledge.

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He finally gets his chance to lead an expedition and he travels the wold for three years, learning, collecting, and experiencing things.  Walking the streets of the great teachers of long ago and readying himself to be a scholar upon his return to Baghdad.

Upon his return, Ishaq’s father presents him with a book by Aristotle and when he opens it he finds the flame consume him.  Ultimately, history will credit Ishaq with translating the entire known works of Aristotle and he and his father Hunayn, and the Caliph al-Ma’mum, with carrying the torch of civilization to the rest of the world.

The book does not mention religion or Islam, but Muslim children at least should recognize names, and words like caliph, and geography enough to know that this is indeed their history.  Non-Muslim children probably will not make the connection, and in some ways, possibly selfish ones, I find that unfortunate.

The illustrations are beautiful and rich in both texture and detail.  They compliment the text wonderfully and really bring the grandness of the story to life.