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Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2018
Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award 2017
Long listed for the Man Booker Prize 2017
Home Fire is a contemporary reimagining of the Greek tragedy Antigone. It is a powerful exploration of the clash between society, family and faith in the modern world, while tipping its hat to the same dilemma in the ancient one.
The main themes include sacrifice, loyalty, and identity. Isma is the embodiment of sacrifice who discontinues her higher education to earn a living for her family consisting of a brother and a sister, twins. Her frugality helps her family survive difficult times. Through Aneeka, the author talks of a sister, who must defy her state to fight for her brother, Parvaiz's return after he joins ISIS. British Home Secretary, Karamat Lone leaves behind his Muslim identity to appeal to the wider British audience as he climbs the ladder of success in politics.
Eleven of us met on Friday the 28th of February at Marianne’s lovely resort home. The discussion was very spirited as usual, especially as the subject of the book is very current.
All these various points and a few more very discussed vociferously!
Religious prejudices
Civil disobedience
Fidelity
Love for family or country
Relevance and meaning of the title home fire
We had some wonderful news and some sad news!
Meredith, who is a brand new momma to Amelia, managed to join us for the meeting and had read the book! Kudos!
Sadly this was Diana’s last meeting before she departs for foreign shores! Farewell, you will definitely be missed!
Nisha Dobberstein
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