83 pages • 2 hours read
Home Fire
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
1070L
Super Short Summary
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie is a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles' play Antigone, set in modern-day London among British Muslims. The story follows Isma Pasha, her twin siblings, Aneeka and Parvaiz, and the Home Secretary’s son, Eamonn Lone. The narrative addresses themes of familial loyalty, national identity, and the radicalization of young Muslims, through intertwining perspectives and dramatic events that culminate in tragic consequences. This book contains themes of terrorism and violence.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
80,215 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire is praised for its modern twist on Sophocles' Antigone, capturing intense family dynamics and political complexities. Reviewers commend Shamsie’s lyrical prose and character development. Criticisms revolve around its pacing and predictability. Overall, it’s a compelling narrative addressing timely themes such as identity and extremism.
Who Should Read Home Fire?
A reader who would enjoy Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire is likely captivated by contemporary political and cultural issues, particularly those involving family dynamics, identity, and immigration. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Mohsin Hamid's Exit West would appreciate the novel's poignant storytelling and rich, nuanced characters.
80,215 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aneeka Pasha
Aneeka Pasha
A confident and headstrong law student at the London School of Economics, deeply loyal to her family, particularly her twin brother, Parvaiz.
Parvaiz Pasha
Parvaiz Pasha
Aneeka’s twin brother who struggles with his sense of identity and masculinity, which leads to life-changing decisions.
Karamat Lone
Karamat Lone
A British politician of Pakistani descent who serves as the Home Secretary and is noted for his strong stances on national security.
Eamonn Lone
Eamonn Lone
The affluent and attractive son of Karamat Lone, whose interactions with the Pasha family reveal his transformative journey.
Adil Pasha
Adil Pasha
The absentee father of the Pasha siblings, remembered differently by people, whose past as a jihadi warrior impacts his children’s lives.
Farooq
Farooq
A British Muslim who influences Parvaiz’s critical decisions with his persuasive manipulation tactics.
Terry Lone
Terry Lone
The Irish-American wife of Karamat and mother of Eamonn, known for her successful career as an interior designer and her compassionate nature.
Aunty Naseem
Aunty Naseem
A motherly figure and neighbor to the Pasha siblings, who provides support and care, especially to Aneeka.
288
Novel • Fiction
London, England • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
1070L
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