Review by Shakira Jahan Haque
The book Dark Diamond is written by Shazia Omar where she talks about the 17th century, the era of the Mughals in Bengal. As a high school student, I found this book to be a wealth of information about the richness of history and culture. Pir Bhadur is the protagonist of this novel and he sets out on a journey for a hidden treasure. He had to navigate through various political conspiracies, paranormal challenges, and self-recovery. Shazia Omar successfully captured the core of that period in a way that made the historical aspect of the Mughals come alive for the readers to enjoy and experience. She does this through intricate, well-researched details and by providing imagery and vivid descriptions of her story. Her blend of history and fantasy created a narrative that was not only engaging but also kept me hooked on the story the entire time. Omar focused on the themes of power, self-discovery, and power in depth in her book which added multi-faceted interpretations to this plot of adventure.
For me, the political tactics and ethical conflicts that the characters faced were very compelling as I always aspired to study law and am passionate about the justice system. Not only this but the way the book explored the dynamics of power and maneuvers alongside the complex moral conflicts of the characters in the book piqued my academic interest in the subject and my passion for this field in my career.
Title Information: Dark Diamond
Author: Shazia Omar
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (India)
ISBN: 9789385936463
Language: English
Genre: Historical Fiction, also a side note, this book has been added to the MYP English curriculum at International School Dhaka.
” A Sparkling Evening: The Launch of Dark Diamond.” Dhaka Tribune Review, 2016
Shazia Omar is an author and a psychologist from Bangladesh who is well known for her social commentary and fiction work. She explores the historical as well as social themes through her writings. Not only this, she adds her mysticism touch to it. She is also actively engaged in various Bangladeshi social as well as environmental causes. This enhances her deep connection to human nature and the dynamics of the culture is showcased in one of her most famous works, “Like a Diamond in the Sky”.
Instagram: @shazzyom, @dhakaflowofficial
Shakira Jahan Haque, A writer, a dreamer, and finally a high school student from International School Dhaka (ISD), currently studying in Grade 12. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am also an aspiring writer and the author of the book “Nine Windows Into The Realm”. The book is a compilation of short stories of multiple genres which makes it interesting and also helps ignite the imagination and creativity within young minds. My love for literature as well as storytelling helped me stay connected to the diverse narratives that I presented in my book. I am eager to dig deeper into literature, as it encourages me to explore how storytelling shapes our interpretation of the world around us. Literature acts as an incentive for me to engage with various texts that inspire me both as a student and a writer.
Check out Shakira’s book, Nine Windows Into Different Realms, Publisher, Young Author Academy, ISBN: 978854996013, @2023
Curator of the #BangladeshiLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative:
Erin Wilson currently works as a Teacher Librarian at International School Dhaka, Bangladesh and has worked internationally for 10 years in the following countries; China, India, and now Bangladesh. She has vast experience working in diverse cultures from Native American students to inner-city students and the international community. Her other passion lies in studying Asian dances. Currently she is focused on Odissi classical dance, and uses this dance vocabulary for storytelling in the library to actively engage children. It’s never boring in the library.
You can follow the school where she works, International School Dhaka Instagram: @ isd_library
Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.
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