Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
244
Novel • Fiction
Granada, Spain • 16th century
1992
Adult
18+ years
Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree by Tariq Ali is a historical novel set in late fifteenth-century Spain, following the Hudayl family after the fall of Granada to Christian forces. The story portrays their struggle to adapt to drastic social, political, and religious changes as Archbishop Ximenes leads a campaign of cultural destruction and forced conversions aimed at erasing Moorish identity.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
4,235 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree by Tariq Ali is praised for its rich historical backdrop and vivid storytelling. Readers appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Islamic culture in medieval Spain. However, some criticisms point to a slow-paced plot and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it is a thought-provoking novel offering a fresh perspective on a tumultuous period.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with rich cultural contexts will enjoy Tariq Ali's Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose or Amin Maalouf's Leo Africanus will find Ali's exploration of the fall of Muslim Spain similarly captivating. This novel beautifully blends history, politics, and philosophy.
4,235 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
244
Novel • Fiction
Granada, Spain • 16th century
1992
Adult
18+ years
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