Book Review: In a Kingdom by the Sea

It’s a story of evocation, betrayal, a self-obsessed husband and an almost torn marital life. Gabby is the main character, which narrates the whole story. The story is set in two contrasting cultures: A western culture depicted by London and a tormenting, violent, at times dim but the beautiful and enchanting city of Lights, Karachi of 2010-16.

Gabby lefts London to stay with his husband in Karachi, who works as director in Pakistan Atlantic Airlines.

The story starts after a very long wait, when Gabby receives a letter from her sister, telling her of a dark secret buried in their past, a disturbing truth that crushes Gabby’s cherished, idyllic past and makes her feel gloomy in the terrorizing Karachi. At the very same time, another betrayal -bomb explodes in front of her, when her husband reveals that he is besotted by someone. In severe tension and distress, Pakistani people with their ever-loving, hospitable and comforting nature help her to get back on her feet. The Gabby that evolves from this crisis is different, strong and decisive thanks to the horrors of Taliban war, bombing and target killing she saw in Karachi. She leaves for London afterwards but knowing that Karachi has taken some part of her.

But something happens on the flight back, and after sometime she comes back in an entirely different environment. At the same time, Flood strikes Pakistan and the situation all over the Pakistan is terrifying and gloomy. In this testing times, Gabby finds a new solace, a new life and a new ambition.

Overall, I think the story is too farfetched. At times, the book seemed like someone’s writing without any story and purpose. Some of the characters are just too perfect, and the characters change their emotions way too quickly, which makes this book slightly less practical. As I’m not that much into young, historical fiction, this book seemed very dry to me. It’s more like a writer giving an account of betrayal in the backdrop of cultural clash, which for me doesn’t add up that well. This book leaves a lot to be desired.

For me, this book was dry, boring and pointless at times.

Image credits: Booktopia.com

I would rate this book as Average.