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Under the Tamarind Tree
Longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize
A compellingly heartbreaking debut novel about the echoes of Partition and four friends whose dark secrets lead to a life-changing night that comes back to haunt them decades later.
One night. Four friends. Countless secrets.
1964. Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena is running out of time. She'll lose her home—her parents' safe haven since fleeing India and the terrors of Partition—if her medical career doesn't take off soon. But success may come with an unexpected price. Meanwhile the interwoven lives of her childhood best friends—Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair—seem to be unraveling with each passing day. The once small and inconsequential differences between their families' social standing now threaten to divide them. Then one fateful night someone ends up dead and the life they once took for granted shatters.
2019. Rozeena receives a call from a voice she never thought she’d hear again. What begins as an ask to look after a friend’s teenaged granddaughter struggling with her own demons grows into an unconventional friendship—one that unearths buried secrets and just might ruin everything Rozeena has worked so hard to protect.
Captivating and atmospheric, Under the Tamarind Tree shows us the high-stakes ripple effects of generational trauma, and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.
315 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2023
About the author
Nigar Alam
1 book51 followersBorn in Karachi, Pakistan, Nigar Alam spent her childhood in Turkey, Nigeria, Italy, Kenya, Indonesia, and the United States before returning to Karachi. With an MBA and CPA, she has worked in both brand management and auditing. Currently, Alam teaches at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and lives with her family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
August 16, 2023
Under the Tamarind Tree is a portrait of life in Southern Asia after the partition of India in 1947, a scrambled affair that the British mangled as they exited and left meaningless “instructions” on how the partition was to go into effect. I knew some of the details of this event but not the extent of the rioting, killing, deaths, and destruction as the Muslim population of all areas fled to the new Pakistan while Hindu and Sikh populations all fled to India at the same time.
In this work of historical fiction, Rozeena, her parents, and her older brother, Faysal, are among those fleeing from India to Pakistan. Her brother is lost in the rioting; he is killed. In their stunned grief, the family arrives in Karachi. They are able to obtain a house rather than go to a settlement camp because they have relatives already living in the city. Now they begin their new lives. We see this novel through two timeframes, one set in 1964 a time of momentous events in the lives of Rozeena and her close friends , and the second set in 2019, again seen through Rozee’s eyes but bringing some closure as life comes full circle for some characters.
The events of 1947 hang over the lives of many of the characters in this story, no matter how many years have passed. There are also many instances of things left unspoken, secrets kept too long, issues of class, poverty vs. money/wealth, and their negative impacts on many people’s lives.
Recommended. For a view of an historical event and aftermath, possibly a view of a new culture.
Thank you to Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. The review is my own.
In this work of historical fiction, Rozeena, her parents, and her older brother, Faysal, are among those fleeing from India to Pakistan. Her brother is lost in the rioting; he is killed. In their stunned grief, the family arrives in Karachi. They are able to obtain a house rather than go to a settlement camp because they have relatives already living in the city. Now they begin their new lives. We see this novel through two timeframes, one set in 1964 a time of momentous events in the lives of Rozeena and her close friends , and the second set in 2019, again seen through Rozee’s eyes but bringing some closure as life comes full circle for some characters.
The events of 1947 hang over the lives of many of the characters in this story, no matter how many years have passed. There are also many instances of things left unspoken, secrets kept too long, issues of class, poverty vs. money/wealth, and their negative impacts on many people’s lives.
Recommended. For a view of an historical event and aftermath, possibly a view of a new culture.
Thank you to Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. The review is my own.
August 31, 2023
This story is told in 2 timelines, both set in Karachi, Pakistan following the Partition. The first is set in 1964 when we are introduced to 4 childhood friends. The second timeline is set in 2019, and is mostly about Rozeena, a retired doctor, and her friendship with the American granddaughter of one of her old friends.
I am not a huge fan of dual timeline books, however in this case both timelines were interesting. Unfortunately, the constant jumping back and forth made for a disjointed and confusing reading experience. The author had a tendency to end chapters just as they got interesting, and then go to the other time period. I found that annoying. The 2019 timeline constantly hinted at big secrets from the earlier period, but the big reveals came too late in the book. I expected that the 1964 timeline would be more about the Partition, but it turned out to be more of a soap opera. I was hoping for more history, but that is my problem - I should have read a nonfiction book. This book was well written, and I would read more by this author, even though this book was not exactly what I was looking for. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I am not a huge fan of dual timeline books, however in this case both timelines were interesting. Unfortunately, the constant jumping back and forth made for a disjointed and confusing reading experience. The author had a tendency to end chapters just as they got interesting, and then go to the other time period. I found that annoying. The 2019 timeline constantly hinted at big secrets from the earlier period, but the big reveals came too late in the book. I expected that the 1964 timeline would be more about the Partition, but it turned out to be more of a soap opera. I was hoping for more history, but that is my problem - I should have read a nonfiction book. This book was well written, and I would read more by this author, even though this book was not exactly what I was looking for. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
September 28, 2023
This is a bit outside my normal reading zone. It's a bit historical fiction / mystery with the two timelines that alternate back and forth, comparable to a Kristin Hannah book in some ways. I really appreciated how compelling it was, each chapter leaving me wanting more so I just kept turning the pages. I read it in less than 24 hours. However, I do think the overall story was a bit lackluster and forgettable. The 'mystery' / reveals were not that shocking to me. I was more invested in Rozeena's personal story and the discussions of responsibility, family, honor and womanhood. Not a bad read but also not something that blew me away.
March 14, 2023
I did not know much about the PARTITION - in 1947 when Pakistan and India were separated post disolution of Britain rule. And like any time we have heard of a division - sloppily done, impacting villages, communities and families.
Rozeena's family had to flee to Karachi, Pakistan following the partition and her brother lost his life trying to save her. She has worked hard to become a doctor. She struggles to create a practice as she and her friends (Haaris, Aalya and Zohair) try to find their way in their mid 20's. Class issues, family beliefs and superstitions create obstacles for all of the friends. A death at a party that they all attend changes their lives forever.
I loved this book and you will too! If you love family stories, traveling to other countries and learning about other cultures or just enjoy a book of many secret old connections, Under the Tamarind Tree is for you!
. #PenguinGroup #Putnam #UnderTheTamarindTree #NigarAlam
Rozeena's family had to flee to Karachi, Pakistan following the partition and her brother lost his life trying to save her. She has worked hard to become a doctor. She struggles to create a practice as she and her friends (Haaris, Aalya and Zohair) try to find their way in their mid 20's. Class issues, family beliefs and superstitions create obstacles for all of the friends. A death at a party that they all attend changes their lives forever.
I loved this book and you will too! If you love family stories, traveling to other countries and learning about other cultures or just enjoy a book of many secret old connections, Under the Tamarind Tree is for you!
. #PenguinGroup #Putnam #UnderTheTamarindTree #NigarAlam
December 16, 2023
There is no statutory requirement for UK schools to teach about the Partition of India in 1947 so, unless you have a school or teacher unusually commited to exposing the horrors of British imperialism (and thus highlighting the overt racism of one of Britain's favourite sons, Winston Churchill), the onus is going to be on you to educate yourself. This is why historical fiction is one of the most important genres in the contemporary literary canon: it has the power to break down barriers of language, culture and time and, in the hands of talented authors such as Nigar Alam, it can give us beautiful, painful stories of the human experience which transcend these differences and leave the reader enlightened as well as entertained.
In Under the Tamarind Tree, Alam - whose own parents fled across the border into the newly formed Pakistan in 1947 - crafts an ambitious narrative which spans decades and continents, following the fortunes of one woman, Rozeena, from her childhood in India to her life as a retired doctor in Karachi.
The story begins when Rozeena receives a phone call from one of her oldest friends, Haaris, whom she hasn't heard from in many years, asking for a favour - will Rozeena take Haaris' granddaughter Zara, in Karachi for the summer following the death of her brother at home in Minnesota, under her wing? Sure that Haaris is not telling her the full story, Rozeena nevertheless reluctantly agrees, only to find herself forming a friendship with Zara which turns out to be just what each of them needs. Rozeena is an old lady and Zara a teenager, but both bear the guilt of feeling responsibile for their brother's death, and the burden of inheriting their parents' hopes and dreams for their sons.
The events of that summer are intercut with chapters telling the story of the summer of 1964, when Rozeena and Haaris - along with their friends Aalya and Zohair - were in their mid twenties and poised on the brink of decisions which would shape the rest of their lives. Each chapter is ominously titled 'Three Days Before', etc, so we know that we are building up to a seismic event, one which will presumably shed light on the relationship between Rozeena and Haaris. In the present day too, secrets abound - why has Rozeena's son been emailing Haaris for months? Why is Rozeena so cagey when asked about her old neighbourhood friends?
Alam's writing vividly captures the details of Karachi at two different points in Pakistan's history, describing the food, the clothes and the places with great care. She conveys the excitement many Muslims felt about the formation of a country for them, governed by them, and how the excitement turned to terror when they experienced the violence and chaos of Partition. She paints a picture of the rigid class system and regressive gender politics which bound the city in the mid-1960s, and which pre-determined the prospects of every Muslim child born - from whom they could marry to whether they would go on to higher education or, for women, whether they would get married and have children, forgoing a career entirely. Most importantly, Under the Tamarind Tree is the story of the human impact and long-lasting trauma caused by Partition. As the author herself states in her note, with fewer and fewer survivors remaining, it is imperative that those who can keeping their stories alive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
In Under the Tamarind Tree, Alam - whose own parents fled across the border into the newly formed Pakistan in 1947 - crafts an ambitious narrative which spans decades and continents, following the fortunes of one woman, Rozeena, from her childhood in India to her life as a retired doctor in Karachi.
The story begins when Rozeena receives a phone call from one of her oldest friends, Haaris, whom she hasn't heard from in many years, asking for a favour - will Rozeena take Haaris' granddaughter Zara, in Karachi for the summer following the death of her brother at home in Minnesota, under her wing? Sure that Haaris is not telling her the full story, Rozeena nevertheless reluctantly agrees, only to find herself forming a friendship with Zara which turns out to be just what each of them needs. Rozeena is an old lady and Zara a teenager, but both bear the guilt of feeling responsibile for their brother's death, and the burden of inheriting their parents' hopes and dreams for their sons.
The events of that summer are intercut with chapters telling the story of the summer of 1964, when Rozeena and Haaris - along with their friends Aalya and Zohair - were in their mid twenties and poised on the brink of decisions which would shape the rest of their lives. Each chapter is ominously titled 'Three Days Before', etc, so we know that we are building up to a seismic event, one which will presumably shed light on the relationship between Rozeena and Haaris. In the present day too, secrets abound - why has Rozeena's son been emailing Haaris for months? Why is Rozeena so cagey when asked about her old neighbourhood friends?
Alam's writing vividly captures the details of Karachi at two different points in Pakistan's history, describing the food, the clothes and the places with great care. She conveys the excitement many Muslims felt about the formation of a country for them, governed by them, and how the excitement turned to terror when they experienced the violence and chaos of Partition. She paints a picture of the rigid class system and regressive gender politics which bound the city in the mid-1960s, and which pre-determined the prospects of every Muslim child born - from whom they could marry to whether they would go on to higher education or, for women, whether they would get married and have children, forgoing a career entirely. Most importantly, Under the Tamarind Tree is the story of the human impact and long-lasting trauma caused by Partition. As the author herself states in her note, with fewer and fewer survivors remaining, it is imperative that those who can keeping their stories alive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
February 2, 2023
Thanks to Putnam Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an intricately plotted book that depicts the lives of Rozeena (her name means “daily wages”) and three of her friends/neighbors. They have survived Partition, three of them having fled to Pakistan where the story is set.
Two main themes are prevalent. One, a solution or response to a problem can and often leads to a worse problem. Two, no one knows all that is going on in any one situation or occurrence. And thus we act with a limited and skewed idea of what took place and its impact. These two dynamics tumble and bump into one another over and over. Partition is the macro event; and in this title, Rozee and her friends feed into and react on the micro level.
The story has a soap opera feel. The characters are often obligated or oppressed by societal/cultural notions. And they sacrifice to remain within these confines while achieving some personal goal. The sacrifices seem over-the-top and therein lies the soap opera. However, the story here is compelling and certainly held my attention.
The writing is straightforward—plain and not particularly stylized. But this has the effect of making the story and the trajectory of the events bolder. And the emotionality is definitely there and at times striking and wrenching.
I would recommend this title and I would like to see what other works this author crafts.
A quote:
“She wonders if he knows of her life as it is now, of how the days that never used to have enough hours, now have the longest minutes she’s ever lived….”
This is an intricately plotted book that depicts the lives of Rozeena (her name means “daily wages”) and three of her friends/neighbors. They have survived Partition, three of them having fled to Pakistan where the story is set.
Two main themes are prevalent. One, a solution or response to a problem can and often leads to a worse problem. Two, no one knows all that is going on in any one situation or occurrence. And thus we act with a limited and skewed idea of what took place and its impact. These two dynamics tumble and bump into one another over and over. Partition is the macro event; and in this title, Rozee and her friends feed into and react on the micro level.
The story has a soap opera feel. The characters are often obligated or oppressed by societal/cultural notions. And they sacrifice to remain within these confines while achieving some personal goal. The sacrifices seem over-the-top and therein lies the soap opera. However, the story here is compelling and certainly held my attention.
The writing is straightforward—plain and not particularly stylized. But this has the effect of making the story and the trajectory of the events bolder. And the emotionality is definitely there and at times striking and wrenching.
I would recommend this title and I would like to see what other works this author crafts.
A quote:
“She wonders if he knows of her life as it is now, of how the days that never used to have enough hours, now have the longest minutes she’s ever lived….”
July 28, 2023
"Under the Tamarind Tree" by Nigar Alam is the first book I've read about the Partition-when the British withdrew their rule from the subcontinent and divided it into India and Pakistan-from the Muslim perspective rather than the Hindu perspective, though the historical realities of the Partition are more of a backdrop to the story than the focus of the book. The plot follows the lives of a family and their neighbors as they cope with a multitude of tragedies and strive to conceal life-altering secrets. The writing is good, but the story unfolded a bit too slowly for my taste. It kept my interest, but I wouldn't describe it as a page-turner and I didn't feel compelled to stop everything and read it straight through. I usually really enjoy stories told through dual timelines, but I found myself confused at times with this one; I think there was just too much going on and perhaps a chronological telling of the story may have worked better for me.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 30, 2022
This story had a lot of potential but was ruined (at least for me) by the constant jumping back and forth in time frames and by all the characters wandering on and off this literary stage of action. It seemed that the characters merely showed up by name without any indication as to male or female, age, or relation to another character.
It would have been helpful to have had a list of characters in the front of the book with a brief description of each. Also some sort of glossary of terms unfamiliar to non-Pakistani readers.
The whole business of Haaris’ [very sullen and rude] granddaughter doing landscaping in Rozeena’s beautifully maintained garden is absurd. The child, quite obviously, knew nothing about what she was doing and yet was given no instruction nor guidance.
Also just about the time I would be beginning to put part of the story together, here would come another reference to the BIG SECRET that tore the families (or was it “friends”) apart for 54 years. Obviously, the reader was not going to find out what that was for another 300 pages. But, I guess, the editor felt it was time for another teaser.
Sadly I had to close this book just shy of 25%. I just couldn’t make heads nor tails of it.
I appreciate having received this ARC from NetGalley and from the publisher, G. P. Putnam, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I extend my best wishes to the author and to its publication.
It would have been helpful to have had a list of characters in the front of the book with a brief description of each. Also some sort of glossary of terms unfamiliar to non-Pakistani readers.
The whole business of Haaris’ [very sullen and rude] granddaughter doing landscaping in Rozeena’s beautifully maintained garden is absurd. The child, quite obviously, knew nothing about what she was doing and yet was given no instruction nor guidance.
Also just about the time I would be beginning to put part of the story together, here would come another reference to the BIG SECRET that tore the families (or was it “friends”) apart for 54 years. Obviously, the reader was not going to find out what that was for another 300 pages. But, I guess, the editor felt it was time for another teaser.
Sadly I had to close this book just shy of 25%. I just couldn’t make heads nor tails of it.
I appreciate having received this ARC from NetGalley and from the publisher, G. P. Putnam, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I extend my best wishes to the author and to its publication.
August 15, 2023
Damn, that was sad.
---
Update:
Prepare to be swept away on a journey of profound emotions and lingering secrets in Nigar Alam's debut novel, "Under the Tamarind Tree." Set against the backdrop of the haunting echoes of Partition (which was not something I was familiar with - thanks to the US education), this captivating tale delves into four friends and the interwoven threads of their lives.
In 1964 Karachi, Rozeena is faced with the pressing urgency of establishing her medical career. As her aspirations collide with unexpected consequences, her childhood friends Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair find themselves grappling with the shifting tides of society that threaten to tear them apart. A single fateful night shatters their once-unbreakable bond, altering the course of their lives forever. Fast forward to 2019, where Rozeena receives an unexpected call that reignites a connection she believed was lost. What begins as an act of kindness unravels hidden truths and unearths buried pain, weaving an unconventional friendship that traverses the boundaries of time and generations. "Under the Tamarind Tree" delicately explores the intricate web of generational trauma, fraying friendships, and the lengths to which people will go to safeguard their loved ones.
Alam's enchanting prose and vivid visual descriptions paint a mesmerizing tapestry that envelops the reader. The mystery at the heart of the narrative casts a spell of increasingly mounting tension, keeping readers perched at the edge of their seats. As a reader who ventured outside my usual genre, I found myself entranced by the poignant themes of grief and loss. The portrayal of sibling loss resonated deeply with me, as I empathized with the characters' struggles to navigate their shattered worlds and fill the void left behind.
Through Alam's storytelling, "Under the Tamarind Tree" invites us to contemplate the complexities of aging, the inexorable passage of time, and the bittersweet reality that life seldom adheres to neat and tidy endings. The conclusion, though not entirely satisfying in the conventional sense, mirrors the unpredictability of life itself—an authentic representation of how we find solace and joy amidst life's imperfections.
"Under the Tamarind Tree" is a breathtaking journey through the depths of human connection, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship. Alam's poignant narrative reminds us that even in the face of heartbreak and adversity, we have the capacity to find beauty and meaning, weaving threads of hope and love into the intricate tapestry of our lives.
(Note: Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC. This is an honest review.)
---
Update:
Prepare to be swept away on a journey of profound emotions and lingering secrets in Nigar Alam's debut novel, "Under the Tamarind Tree." Set against the backdrop of the haunting echoes of Partition (which was not something I was familiar with - thanks to the US education), this captivating tale delves into four friends and the interwoven threads of their lives.
In 1964 Karachi, Rozeena is faced with the pressing urgency of establishing her medical career. As her aspirations collide with unexpected consequences, her childhood friends Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair find themselves grappling with the shifting tides of society that threaten to tear them apart. A single fateful night shatters their once-unbreakable bond, altering the course of their lives forever. Fast forward to 2019, where Rozeena receives an unexpected call that reignites a connection she believed was lost. What begins as an act of kindness unravels hidden truths and unearths buried pain, weaving an unconventional friendship that traverses the boundaries of time and generations. "Under the Tamarind Tree" delicately explores the intricate web of generational trauma, fraying friendships, and the lengths to which people will go to safeguard their loved ones.
Alam's enchanting prose and vivid visual descriptions paint a mesmerizing tapestry that envelops the reader. The mystery at the heart of the narrative casts a spell of increasingly mounting tension, keeping readers perched at the edge of their seats. As a reader who ventured outside my usual genre, I found myself entranced by the poignant themes of grief and loss. The portrayal of sibling loss resonated deeply with me, as I empathized with the characters' struggles to navigate their shattered worlds and fill the void left behind.
Through Alam's storytelling, "Under the Tamarind Tree" invites us to contemplate the complexities of aging, the inexorable passage of time, and the bittersweet reality that life seldom adheres to neat and tidy endings. The conclusion, though not entirely satisfying in the conventional sense, mirrors the unpredictability of life itself—an authentic representation of how we find solace and joy amidst life's imperfections.
"Under the Tamarind Tree" is a breathtaking journey through the depths of human connection, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship. Alam's poignant narrative reminds us that even in the face of heartbreak and adversity, we have the capacity to find beauty and meaning, weaving threads of hope and love into the intricate tapestry of our lives.
(Note: Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC. This is an honest review.)
March 27, 2023
(4.5 stars) This is a story of secrets and how they can shape lives.
Rozeena’s story starts in Pakistan in 1964, 17 years after Partition changed her family forever. (I’m almost ashamed to admit that I didn’t know more about Partition until I read this book. It was such a heartbreaking time for the up to 20 million people displaced and up to 2 million killed.) Rozeena and her three best friends – Haaris, AAlya and Zohair –played closely in childhood, but now face differences in social standing. As Rozeena gets ready to start her medical career, Haaris plans a large neighborhood party. Someone will die at this party, and the futures of the four friends will be forever changed.
The story from the past alternates with one in 2019, which finds an aging Rozeena receiving a telephone call from a voice from the past, asking if she can offer her niece (grand-niece?) an internship of sorts helping in her garden. Rozeena agrees to the plan, not realizing that this will put into motion the uncovering of secrets long buried.
This book was organized exactly to my liking, with hints to the secrets being presented early and the uncovering of the history behind the secrets following. It’s a layered story, with myriad secrets from both the past and the present. I raced to find out what was behind each character’s actions and how the story would end. This is an impressive novel, especially for a debut. I recommend it and look forward to this author’s output in the years to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.
Rozeena’s story starts in Pakistan in 1964, 17 years after Partition changed her family forever. (I’m almost ashamed to admit that I didn’t know more about Partition until I read this book. It was such a heartbreaking time for the up to 20 million people displaced and up to 2 million killed.) Rozeena and her three best friends – Haaris, AAlya and Zohair –played closely in childhood, but now face differences in social standing. As Rozeena gets ready to start her medical career, Haaris plans a large neighborhood party. Someone will die at this party, and the futures of the four friends will be forever changed.
The story from the past alternates with one in 2019, which finds an aging Rozeena receiving a telephone call from a voice from the past, asking if she can offer her niece (grand-niece?) an internship of sorts helping in her garden. Rozeena agrees to the plan, not realizing that this will put into motion the uncovering of secrets long buried.
This book was organized exactly to my liking, with hints to the secrets being presented early and the uncovering of the history behind the secrets following. It’s a layered story, with myriad secrets from both the past and the present. I raced to find out what was behind each character’s actions and how the story would end. This is an impressive novel, especially for a debut. I recommend it and look forward to this author’s output in the years to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.
November 20, 2022
This story was beautiful - heartbreaking at times and often infuriating (characters making choices we'd rather them not, and Sweetie was just maddening) but ultimately, the story of four friends in Pakistan after many of their lives were so upended after Partition was uplifting. That anyone could survive an event like that and come out with positives in their life was touching.
The past vs current time lines at time made it slightly harder to keep the characters straight, but it was so well done, it was mostly not even an issue.
I'd absolutely recommend this book, even if it's your first introduction to Partition and you consider yourself more of a "general historical fiction" fan.
The past vs current time lines at time made it slightly harder to keep the characters straight, but it was so well done, it was mostly not even an issue.
I'd absolutely recommend this book, even if it's your first introduction to Partition and you consider yourself more of a "general historical fiction" fan.
March 24, 2023
Under The Tamarind Tree is a story that bounces back and forth between dual timelines, about life changing events for a set of friends in Karachi, Pakistan. The story is captivating and heartbreaking, there’s just so much going on. There are SO many secrets, twists/turns and jaw dropping moments.
I knew nothing of the Partition in India in the 40’s until I read this book, so I was grateful to learn that history. I found the main character Rozeena to be a very likeable character and adored her relationship with her longtime friend Haaris’s granddaughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read a copy of this book.
I knew nothing of the Partition in India in the 40’s until I read this book, so I was grateful to learn that history. I found the main character Rozeena to be a very likeable character and adored her relationship with her longtime friend Haaris’s granddaughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read a copy of this book.
November 15, 2023
This is a tribute to those that were forced to flee when Pakistan became its own country. I did not know the story of the Partition at all and this part of the story fascinated me - it was almost unbelievable and yet it happened. I would have rated it higher except I got lost a bit on who was who in the story too often. That’s on me though. A beautiful story of what you can endure and the secrets held deep.
February 27, 2024
Nice book set in the context of the partition of India and Pakistan.
I received this book as a recommendation thanks to a gift from one of my best friends this Christmas. I was looking for sweet, entertaining and somewhat intriguing stories for the everyday, and "Under the Tamarind Tree" has lived up to all expectations!
The only drawback I have, and that's why I take away one star, is that Nigar Alam uses many colloquial words typical of that context and language that the international reader would miss. I think it is beautiful that she uses them, since one of her main goals, as she says in the endnote, is to preserve the history of those who had to migrate during the partition, but I would have appreciated a glossary with all those expressions to get into the context and not have the feeling that I am missing something important.
I received this book as a recommendation thanks to a gift from one of my best friends this Christmas. I was looking for sweet, entertaining and somewhat intriguing stories for the everyday, and "Under the Tamarind Tree" has lived up to all expectations!
The only drawback I have, and that's why I take away one star, is that Nigar Alam uses many colloquial words typical of that context and language that the international reader would miss. I think it is beautiful that she uses them, since one of her main goals, as she says in the endnote, is to preserve the history of those who had to migrate during the partition, but I would have appreciated a glossary with all those expressions to get into the context and not have the feeling that I am missing something important.
August 8, 2023
I was interested to read this story set in Pakistan, touching on Partition, as I knew very little about this setting or this tragic part of history. known as Partition. This book taught me so much about the feelings of displacement that must have been felt throughout Pakistan and India. The partition caused Muslims to flee to Pakistan and Hindus to flee to India - in many cases leaving their whole life behind and being forced to relocate and start anew.
This dual-timeline story revolves around four friends - Rozeena, Haaris, Aayla and Zohair. The reader is introduced to Rozeena in a current timeline while her memories take the reader back to a neighborhood in Karachi, Pakastan where the friends met while growing up. Some of the families are in this neighborhood following Partition, while other families are well established here. The friends' families are of various financial means. Central to this story are the long-standing beliefs and traditions of Indian families. As one tragic event snowballs, secrets and loyalties are tested.
I really enjoy reading about different cultures. There were so many aspects to this story that would have happened so differently in my growing up years. It was so helpful to have the context that the author provided in order to understand the family and community pressures. The mystery of the tragedy and how it affected each of the friends unwinds slowly through memories.
As a slow burn novel with explorations of grief, expectations, friendship, atonement and forgiveness, this is a melancholic and what I would call more "serious" read. It was beautifully written but I do wish there was a little more character development for each of the friends. I recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam and Sons for the ARC to read and review. Put date: 8.15.23
This dual-timeline story revolves around four friends - Rozeena, Haaris, Aayla and Zohair. The reader is introduced to Rozeena in a current timeline while her memories take the reader back to a neighborhood in Karachi, Pakastan where the friends met while growing up. Some of the families are in this neighborhood following Partition, while other families are well established here. The friends' families are of various financial means. Central to this story are the long-standing beliefs and traditions of Indian families. As one tragic event snowballs, secrets and loyalties are tested.
I really enjoy reading about different cultures. There were so many aspects to this story that would have happened so differently in my growing up years. It was so helpful to have the context that the author provided in order to understand the family and community pressures. The mystery of the tragedy and how it affected each of the friends unwinds slowly through memories.
As a slow burn novel with explorations of grief, expectations, friendship, atonement and forgiveness, this is a melancholic and what I would call more "serious" read. It was beautifully written but I do wish there was a little more character development for each of the friends. I recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam and Sons for the ARC to read and review. Put date: 8.15.23
September 1, 2023
I was so excited for this one and am so sad it didn’t completely work for me😭 for whatever reason I just wasn’t drawn into the story and the timeline jumping was a little bit confusing for me in the first half.
I did enjoy the second half a little bit more but it just isn’t a story that will stick with me. Not a bad book by any means! Just not an overall winner for me.
I did enjoy the second half a little bit more but it just isn’t a story that will stick with me. Not a bad book by any means! Just not an overall winner for me.
September 11, 2023
Sad. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.
May 29, 2023
This novel spoke to my heart; as a daughter who has experienced loss and wants nothing but the best for her family. Set in Pakistan the reader is exposed to the aftermath of war, cultural traditions, starting again in so many ways in life. Loss of family, life, tradition, being in the social circle……all things anyone of any culture can relate too. Four friends face difficult situations in their lives that altar their relationships and future. Through the descriptions I was taken to the intimate settings in my mind and always had a craving for chai tea and warm potato samosas. The story weaves the characters past with events of the future; the reader is taken back and forth throughout the novel. Although it has not been released as of yet I have high hopes for the novel and its author. Thank you #NetGalley #NigarAlam #UnderTheTamarindTree #G.P.Putnam’sSons for the opportunity to read a free ARC for my honest review.
October 13, 2023
Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam. Pub Date: August 15, 2023. Rating: 3 stars. In this debut, the author takes the reader on a journey through the Partition weaving the stories of 4 friends together. This book started off strong with an intriguing premise and a historical topic that is not widely written about in the historical fiction genre. Told through multiple POV, the reader gets to experience life through differing eyes during a time of strife, terror and unexpected consequences. I enjoyed this novel, but I did not love it. I felt it started to slow down the more I read and did not keep my attention as much as in the beginning. Overall, a solid debut. Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #netgalley #underthetamarindtree
October 26, 2023
This book grabbed my interest because of the focus on Partition that occurred in 1947 which created the nation of Pakistan as we know it today. The boundary lines that were drawn between India and Pakistan were created regardless of ethnicities. This created a large scale loss of life and massive migration when people found themselves on the wrong side of the boundary lines.
Under the Tamarind Tree is a dual timeline book that pivots between 1964 and present day. I happen to love the back and forth of dual timeline books. The 1964 story focuses on four neighborhood friends, who were children when the Partition occurred and all four of their families relocated to Karachi, where they built new lives for themselves. Some of them hiding secrets of their pasts that they left behind in India. In 1964, they are no longer children, but emerging adults and their lives are about to take an unexpected turn.
The modern-day story line is told from the perspective of one of these friends, who is now an elderly woman. Her past comes back to haunt her when the granddaughter of Haaris, a friend that she was almost engaged to that she hasn't seen for over fifty years, ends up on her doorstep. The memories she suppressed from a fateful night that broke up their friendship return when the granddaughter, Zara, begins to ask questions.
The strength of this novel is how the author highlights the turmoil the children of refugees face even years later when their families are forced to upend their lives due to government interference. The development of Karachi, the writing style, and how she slowly builds the tension were also strengths. Personally, I enjoyed the 1960's storyline slightly more than the present day story. I would have preferred a different ending, but I was able to appreciate it was realistic based on what had happened.
Under the Tamarind Tree is a dual timeline book that pivots between 1964 and present day. I happen to love the back and forth of dual timeline books. The 1964 story focuses on four neighborhood friends, who were children when the Partition occurred and all four of their families relocated to Karachi, where they built new lives for themselves. Some of them hiding secrets of their pasts that they left behind in India. In 1964, they are no longer children, but emerging adults and their lives are about to take an unexpected turn.
The modern-day story line is told from the perspective of one of these friends, who is now an elderly woman. Her past comes back to haunt her when the granddaughter of Haaris, a friend that she was almost engaged to that she hasn't seen for over fifty years, ends up on her doorstep. The memories she suppressed from a fateful night that broke up their friendship return when the granddaughter, Zara, begins to ask questions.
The strength of this novel is how the author highlights the turmoil the children of refugees face even years later when their families are forced to upend their lives due to government interference. The development of Karachi, the writing style, and how she slowly builds the tension were also strengths. Personally, I enjoyed the 1960's storyline slightly more than the present day story. I would have preferred a different ending, but I was able to appreciate it was realistic based on what had happened.
November 23, 2023
This was OK, I guess....
First of all, there is such a thing as too many plot twists.
Second of all, it took waaay too long to get to those plot twists.
And third - there seem to be an assumption that readers know and understand certain customs and terminology, which was not the case for me. So it left me super confused.
It would have been a 1 star but I learned a part of history I knew little about. Well...not exactly learned it from the book, but at least it gave me something to look up and research and I like that.
First of all, there is such a thing as too many plot twists.
Second of all, it took waaay too long to get to those plot twists.
And third - there seem to be an assumption that readers know and understand certain customs and terminology, which was not the case for me. So it left me super confused.
It would have been a 1 star but I learned a part of history I knew little about. Well...not exactly learned it from the book, but at least it gave me something to look up and research and I like that.
July 28, 2023
4.5 rounded up. loved this story!!! it was so sweet. i loved the back and forth timelines, the mystery involved, all of the relationships-family and not family related. also loved that the book was set in a country i’m not too familiar with
Read
August 18, 2023Upon reading this, I realize historical fiction isn’t quite my thing (not the book’s fault though). It is very much historical fiction (not quite like the intergenerational family stories or English published books to educate about racism and trauma). While this does touch on historical events, particularly Rozeena (the MC) and her family being impacted by the Partition since fleeing India, it’s very much a historical drama revolving around friendships, secrets, and class differences. I love seeing more historical fiction that isn’t just about euro-centric history, and I love that this isn’t a book written just to educate white people. This feels very true to the historical fiction genre and I’d highly recommend this to people that enjoy historical drama stories.
This was gifted to me by Putnam Books for an honest review. Thank you!
This was gifted to me by Putnam Books for an honest review. Thank you!
May 19, 2024
Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam is a sweeping tale of those ties that bind us and how the truth can set us free. Rozeena, now nearing the end of life, is contacted by her long lost love asking her for a favor. She is reluctant to allow her past and present to collide, but is unable to say no.
The story jumps back and forth between two timelines, that of the present time and that of their youth. Young Rozeena is a pediatrician struggling to make her way in Pakistan after Partition. We meet Rozeena’s friends all struggling in different ways while living in Pakistan during this time period. We see a glimpse into the world these characters live in, cheering on their friendship and hoping for a happy ending, but ultimately the secret that destroys them is revealed.
This book is beautifully written, introducing me to a place and time that I know nothing about. The characters are multifaceted and the social norms of the time are almost a character of their own. I was easily able to get lost in the beautiful descriptions. Now I can’t wait to find out what this author has up her sleeve for her sophomore book!
I had bought this book from @bighillbooks after learning this author was a Minnesota author. Funny story, soon after that I met @nigaralamwrites at a brunch for the Minnesota chapter of @womensfictionwriters. And at that brunch I learned that Nigar is my NEIGHBOR!!!!
Small world indeed.
The story jumps back and forth between two timelines, that of the present time and that of their youth. Young Rozeena is a pediatrician struggling to make her way in Pakistan after Partition. We meet Rozeena’s friends all struggling in different ways while living in Pakistan during this time period. We see a glimpse into the world these characters live in, cheering on their friendship and hoping for a happy ending, but ultimately the secret that destroys them is revealed.
This book is beautifully written, introducing me to a place and time that I know nothing about. The characters are multifaceted and the social norms of the time are almost a character of their own. I was easily able to get lost in the beautiful descriptions. Now I can’t wait to find out what this author has up her sleeve for her sophomore book!
I had bought this book from @bighillbooks after learning this author was a Minnesota author. Funny story, soon after that I met @nigaralamwrites at a brunch for the Minnesota chapter of @womensfictionwriters. And at that brunch I learned that Nigar is my NEIGHBOR!!!!
Small world indeed.
September 16, 2023
This was definitely an interesting read. I feel like I have learned a lot about the origins of Pakistan. I loved following the characters and the journeys they all experienced.
December 9, 2022
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of Under the Tamarind Tree.
Brief: The story of Rozeena who’s family escaped from Delhi to Karachi the night of Partition when she was 7, her life growing up and finding her way as a doctor as a young adult woman rather than marrying when most others would. In 1964 as a young adult, a tragedy would affect the lives of her and her best friends that would end in some dying and some moving away. In 2019, long after retiring, she unexpectedly reconnects with her first love and ends up meeting his granddaughter and teachers her how to live after her brother is killed in a car accident.
It was a good book, beautiful to read, however I wish the storyline(s) was developed more fully in some places. I love when a story can bring me to a different place, especially if I have never been there, and this book did that very well.
Liked the most about the book:
-The relationship 80+ year old Rozeena developed with teenage Zara, the sharing of loss of a brother and how to fit in by not trying to replace him
-Learning about life in Karachi after Partition until know, also learning more about partition in general.
-The descriptions of the people, food, gardens. I didn’t like all of the characters, but I don’t think I was supposed to (Sweetie)
-Appreciated that Rozeena made the decision to be an independent woman in those times when it was not typically accepted
Spoiler alert warning! Comments below include some specifics about the story, do not continue reading if you don't want to read spoilers.
Wasn't crazy about:
I didn’t like the flow of the story, it felt disjointed. Not the back and forth in time, but the multiple storylines seemed forced together. Some didn't add enough to the story when the current storylines could have been more completely developed. I am not sure they were all needed. For example:
-losing her brother at partition led to the neighbor taking care of them after her father died: yes; but the fact that they were servants, that Aalaya's mother was killed with Rozees brother, no
- the addition of the adopted son seemed like an afterthought. How he came be and his role in the story seemed unnecessary.
-I think the story of the friends Aalaya and Zohair falling in love even though they were of different social status could have been developed better without the party and subsequent rooftop scene.
- Rozeena and Haaris ending up apart was fine, but the connection to the welcome home party storyline seemed too contrived to quicky impart a lot of undeveloped story information. I think that storyline could have been better developed (edited?).
I didn’t like the ending. It felt unfinished, like a page and/or epilogue was missing before the author went into acknowledgements.
Brief: The story of Rozeena who’s family escaped from Delhi to Karachi the night of Partition when she was 7, her life growing up and finding her way as a doctor as a young adult woman rather than marrying when most others would. In 1964 as a young adult, a tragedy would affect the lives of her and her best friends that would end in some dying and some moving away. In 2019, long after retiring, she unexpectedly reconnects with her first love and ends up meeting his granddaughter and teachers her how to live after her brother is killed in a car accident.
It was a good book, beautiful to read, however I wish the storyline(s) was developed more fully in some places. I love when a story can bring me to a different place, especially if I have never been there, and this book did that very well.
Liked the most about the book:
-The relationship 80+ year old Rozeena developed with teenage Zara, the sharing of loss of a brother and how to fit in by not trying to replace him
-Learning about life in Karachi after Partition until know, also learning more about partition in general.
-The descriptions of the people, food, gardens. I didn’t like all of the characters, but I don’t think I was supposed to (Sweetie)
-Appreciated that Rozeena made the decision to be an independent woman in those times when it was not typically accepted
Spoiler alert warning! Comments below include some specifics about the story, do not continue reading if you don't want to read spoilers.
Wasn't crazy about:
I didn’t like the flow of the story, it felt disjointed. Not the back and forth in time, but the multiple storylines seemed forced together. Some didn't add enough to the story when the current storylines could have been more completely developed. I am not sure they were all needed. For example:
-losing her brother at partition led to the neighbor taking care of them after her father died: yes; but the fact that they were servants, that Aalaya's mother was killed with Rozees brother, no
- the addition of the adopted son seemed like an afterthought. How he came be and his role in the story seemed unnecessary.
-I think the story of the friends Aalaya and Zohair falling in love even though they were of different social status could have been developed better without the party and subsequent rooftop scene.
- Rozeena and Haaris ending up apart was fine, but the connection to the welcome home party storyline seemed too contrived to quicky impart a lot of undeveloped story information. I think that storyline could have been better developed (edited?).
I didn’t like the ending. It felt unfinished, like a page and/or epilogue was missing before the author went into acknowledgements.
Read
February 19, 2023Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam begins in 1964 in Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena is struggling to build her medical practice and save her family home. Her parents fled India during the Partition of India. Since her father passed away, Rozeena takes on the responsibility of being the head of household.
Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair are all close friends of Rozeena. Aalya and Zohair have been meeting secretly – sometimes under the Tamarind tree. They are working on a way to become engaged. Rozeena and Haaris are also in love and hope to be married eventually. It seems that money and social status affects all of their potential marriages. No one could just marry the one that they loved. It wasn’t easy to love the one they were with either.
Unfortunately, Waleed follows Aalya to the rooftop of her house on the night of Haaris’s party. Zohair is close behind and a fight ensues. Waleed and Zohair fall off of the roof. Rozeena, Aalya and Haaris witness the incident and swear to keep the truth a secret. The only thing that people know is that Waleed did not survive and Zohair is critically injured.
Only one person finds out the truth – Waleed’s estranged widow, Kulsoom. She blackmails Haaris and Rozeena into keeping her secrets. If they keep her secret and do a few major tasks, then she will keep their secret about the party.
None of their lives are the same after that night but Haaris and Rozeena do what they have to do to protect their family and friends.
Years later in 2019, Rozeena is asked to look after Haaris’s granddaughter after a family tragedy. Zara, the granddaughter, and Rozeena strike up a friendship that helps them both with their feelings of loss. Their friendship seems authentic and sweet. It is one of my favorite things about the book.
Under the Tamarind Tree Recommendation
If you enjoy mysteries and secrets, then you will probably enjoy Under the Tamarind Tree. If you are a Petty Spaghetti who can’t sacrifice anything for anybody, then you should read Under the Tamarind Tree so you can learn what love is.
Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair are all close friends of Rozeena. Aalya and Zohair have been meeting secretly – sometimes under the Tamarind tree. They are working on a way to become engaged. Rozeena and Haaris are also in love and hope to be married eventually. It seems that money and social status affects all of their potential marriages. No one could just marry the one that they loved. It wasn’t easy to love the one they were with either.
Unfortunately, Waleed follows Aalya to the rooftop of her house on the night of Haaris’s party. Zohair is close behind and a fight ensues. Waleed and Zohair fall off of the roof. Rozeena, Aalya and Haaris witness the incident and swear to keep the truth a secret. The only thing that people know is that Waleed did not survive and Zohair is critically injured.
Only one person finds out the truth – Waleed’s estranged widow, Kulsoom. She blackmails Haaris and Rozeena into keeping her secrets. If they keep her secret and do a few major tasks, then she will keep their secret about the party.
None of their lives are the same after that night but Haaris and Rozeena do what they have to do to protect their family and friends.
Years later in 2019, Rozeena is asked to look after Haaris’s granddaughter after a family tragedy. Zara, the granddaughter, and Rozeena strike up a friendship that helps them both with their feelings of loss. Their friendship seems authentic and sweet. It is one of my favorite things about the book.
Under the Tamarind Tree Recommendation
If you enjoy mysteries and secrets, then you will probably enjoy Under the Tamarind Tree. If you are a Petty Spaghetti who can’t sacrifice anything for anybody, then you should read Under the Tamarind Tree so you can learn what love is.
January 19, 2023
“under the taramind tree” is a masterpiece. nigar alam has written a wonderful debut novel that takes place in both pakistan in the early days after the trauma of partition as well as present day 2019. rozeena loses her brother during partition, and her family never quite recovers. she makes a promise to treat a young girl, aayla, like her sister. as rozeena grows up and starts working as a doctor, aayla seems to be hanging around the wrong kind of men. something particularly cruel happened that made haaris leave pakistan for america, and rozeena laments over it for most of her life. in 2019, haaris’s granddaughter zara has just lost her brother to a car accident and is sent off to karachi to be rozeena’s maali. they tend the garden and zara starts asking questions, curious about what truly happened during partition and what life was like in pakistan for her grandfather. dark family secrets are revealed, but old friendships are rekindled, as the past comes to light.
full of wonderfully interesting characters with so much pain in their hearts, this debut is an emotional rollercoaster with the beautiful backdrop of karachi. alam has crafted a story that spans generations and captivates the reader at every turn. from the gardens, to the rooftops, to the little milk shops, there is much to appreciate. while it can feel a bit slow in some moments, the pacing is well done for the majority of the novel. watching the relationship between rozeena and zara bloom was absolutely heartwarming.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
full of wonderfully interesting characters with so much pain in their hearts, this debut is an emotional rollercoaster with the beautiful backdrop of karachi. alam has crafted a story that spans generations and captivates the reader at every turn. from the gardens, to the rooftops, to the little milk shops, there is much to appreciate. while it can feel a bit slow in some moments, the pacing is well done for the majority of the novel. watching the relationship between rozeena and zara bloom was absolutely heartwarming.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 26, 2023
Under the Tamarind Tree is a beautiful story of love and secrets. Rozeena Masood and her family are forced to flee from Delhi to Karachi because of Partition. In Pakistan, she meets three friends and neighbors whose stories culminate in a deadly secret when she is a young woman in 1964. In 2019, out of the blue, Rozeena receives a phone call from one of her childhood friends asking Rozeena to allow their granddaughter to come "intern" for her after the girl has suffered the loss of her brother. The book bounces back and forth between 1964 and 2019, telling the story of many family losses, secrets and sacrifices.
Rozeena is a strong female lead and I love that her character shows growth even though she's in her 80s in 2019. I felt transported to Karachi reading this book; I loved all of the culture and history woven into this story.
The book does start off a bit slow (just keep going, don't worry) and references secrets from pretty early on. I had the fear that it would be one of those books that makes you read the entire thing just to reveal a very underwhelming secret, but it did not disappoint. The secrets were big and there were many!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
Rozeena is a strong female lead and I love that her character shows growth even though she's in her 80s in 2019. I felt transported to Karachi reading this book; I loved all of the culture and history woven into this story.
The book does start off a bit slow (just keep going, don't worry) and references secrets from pretty early on. I had the fear that it would be one of those books that makes you read the entire thing just to reveal a very underwhelming secret, but it did not disappoint. The secrets were big and there were many!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
March 5, 2023
A story of enduring love.
This book follows a family and their neighbors and friends before and after multiple tragic events in their lives.
We are transported back and forth from 1964 to 2019 throughout the novel.
Rozeena is a strong female lead who truly wants the best for those in her life and strives her entire life to make that happen.
For me this book did start somewhat slow, but give it a chance. The story is definitely worth it.
This story takes place in Pakistan and for me it was a refreshing dive into this culture. I loved learning about the clothing, terms of endearment, and Partition while reading this story.
So much changes.
We lose so much in our lives.
But love remains.
This book follows a family and their neighbors and friends before and after multiple tragic events in their lives.
We are transported back and forth from 1964 to 2019 throughout the novel.
Rozeena is a strong female lead who truly wants the best for those in her life and strives her entire life to make that happen.
For me this book did start somewhat slow, but give it a chance. The story is definitely worth it.
This story takes place in Pakistan and for me it was a refreshing dive into this culture. I loved learning about the clothing, terms of endearment, and Partition while reading this story.
So much changes.
We lose so much in our lives.
But love remains.
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