HOME FIRE

Here’s a tragedy that’s worthy of the ancient Greeks, but truly of our time. Isma and twins Aneeka and Parvaiz are the British orphans of Pakistani parents. They’re tainted by the history of their jihadist dad, who is believed to have died en route from Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase jail to Guantanamo Bay. Isma coolly navigates the difficulties that presents, making a life for herself while holding onto her faith. Beautiful Aneeka is more passionate and less sensitive to the “fragility of her place in the world”. And Parvaiz, he’s a lost boy, vulnerable to ISIS recruiters who manipulate him with terrifying ease. Beautifully written, Home Fire was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize this year. It cleverly draws you from the domestic to the political and on to a climax that is both tragic and optimistic.