Seven
Seven by Farzana Doctor, published by Dundurn Press on September 29, 2020, is a 416-page novel written in English. This work explores the complexities of kinship and cultural heritage through the journey of Sharifa, who travels to India with her husband in an attempt to save their marriage. While initially focused on her great-great-grandfather’s legacy, Sharifa becomes engrossed in the mysteries surrounding his four wives and the political unrest within her conservative religious community.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of inheritance and resistance, particularly as Sharifa navigates the contentious issue of khatna, or female genital cutting, amidst her family’s differing viewpoints. The novel presents an intricate portrait of personal and communal struggles, highlighting the challenges of balancing tradition with the need for change. Through her journey, Sharifa uncovers unexpected truths that compel her to confront her beliefs and take a stand.
Official synopsis Publisher
FINALIST FOR THE 2021 TRILLIUM AWARD • FINALIST FOR THE 2021 EVERGREEN AWARD • AN INDIGO BEST BOOK OF 2020 • A GLOBE AND MAIL BEST INDEPENDENT READ FOR FALL 2020 • AN APPLE BOOKS BEST BOOK OF 2020 • A CBC BOOKS BEST CANADIAN FICTION BOOK OF 2020 • A NOW MAGAZINE TOP TEN BOOK OF 2020
“Be prepared for this novel to stay with you for a long time, especially its ending.”—GLOBE AND MAIL
“[An] extraordinary book… packed with discovery and jarring emotional arcs.”—TORONTO STAR
“Penetrating and subtle … [An] immersive, absorbing portrait.”—EDEN ROBINSON
“Explores with courage and storytelling finesse the harsh truths within the ideals of kinship and community.” —DAVID CHARIANDY
“An urgent and passionate read.” —VIVEK SHRAYA
“Visceral and emotional… a courageous feat.”—QUILL & QUIRE (starred review)
A brave, soulfully written feminist novel about inheritance and resistance that tests the balance between kinship and the fight against customs that harm us.
When Sharifa accompanies her husband on a marriage-saving trip to India in 2016, she thinks that she’s going to research her great-great-grandfather, a wealthy business leader and philanthropist. What captures her imagination is not his rags-to-riches story, but the mystery of his four wives, missing from the family lore. She ends up excavating much more than she had imagined.
Sharifa’s trip coincides with a time of unrest within her insular and conservative religious community, and there is no escaping its politics. A group of feminists is speaking out against khatna, an age-old ritual they insist is female genital cutting. Sharifa’s two favourite cousins are on opposite sides of the debate and she seeks a middle ground. As the issue heats up, Sharifa discovers an unexpected truth and is forced to take a position.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Seven” about?
Who is the author of “Seven”?
When was “Seven” published?
What is the ISBN for “Seven”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
