In the Light of What We Know
In the Light of What We Know
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Brief
571
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman is a multi-genre novel about an unnamed disgraced investment banker who reconnects with Zafar, a troubled mathematician he befriended at Oxford. Over three months, Zafar recounts his life from childhood poverty in Bangladesh to his complex adult relationships and career shifts, reflecting on wide-ranging philosophical, cultural, and political issues. Contains themes of sexual violence.
Contemplative
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
5,579 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman has been praised for its intellectual depth, rich narrative, and intricate exploration of friendship, geopolitics, and personal identity. Some reviewers found its dense prose and philosophical digressions challenging, potentially alienating less patient readers. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and ambitious debut.
Who Should Read In the Light of What We Know?
Readers who enjoy In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman are typically drawn to intellectually stimulating narratives that explore complex themes such as friendship, geopolitics, and the search for knowledge. Fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day and Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist will find this book compelling.
5,579 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
571
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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