Hmmm. So, this book was an enjoyable read--once Vikram came into the picture. It was very slow up to that point. Maybe part of that is due to the fact that Vikram was far and away the best character; maybe part of it is from the fact that he's the first real 'occult' member of the story. Either way, s l o w up to that point.

Sometimes it felt like plot threads just kind of fell away, or dissolved into nothing, and it also felt like some actions were happening for the sake of actions happening. I wasn't super into it; I wish she'd gone for depth over breadth.

I also reeeeeeeeally didn't like Alif. I don't really think he grew as a person or underwent much character development beyond "switched the girl he was in love with." I think the *nature* of each girl is supposed to represent his personal growth, but I also don't think I'm super into the implication of that statement.

Overall: it was different and fun, but I don't know how into the idea of "a white woman who converted to Islam while attending BU writes an Eastern narrative that kind of takes a crap on Western narrative" I am.