The Golden Legend
The Golden Legend
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Brief
261
Novel • Fiction
Pakistan • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam centers on Nargis, who loses her husband in an American attack in the fictional city of Zamana, Pakistan. As she and her Christian housekeeper's daughter, Helen, seek refuge from religious persecution, Nargis's hidden Christian heritage is uncovered. Amid rising tensions, Nargis, Helen, and a former guerrilla fighter, Imran, must navigate their dangerous reality. Violence is frequently depicted, with references to rape and torture.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,984 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nadeem Aslam’s The Golden Legend is praised for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of religious and political tensions in Pakistan. Reviewers commend Aslam's vivid, intricate storytelling and deep empathy for his characters. However, some critics note the plot's density and occasional bleakness as drawbacks. Overall, it's a moving, thought-provoking narrative.
Who Should Read The Golden Legend?
Readers who enjoy The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam are likely captivated by intricate, lyrical narratives set against socio-political backdrops. Comparable to those who appreciate Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, they expect profound emotional depth and insightful cultural commentary.
1,984 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
261
Novel • Fiction
Pakistan • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
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