I had an opportunity to read an advanced copy of Seven the new novel by Farzana Doctor. I will purchase a hard copy when it is released in the United States on September 29, 2020. You should too. The story begins with the simple act of two women drinking tea. Tea drinking is an innocent act. It is a pleasurable experience paired with reading on a rainy day. Thoughts of drinking tea invoke images of spending enjoyable afternoons with friends, relatives, or acquaintances.
There is a secret, however, behind this cup of tea. Farzana uses this innocent act to introduce us to characters whose lives play out before us in the novel. She immediately raises the reader’s tension as she tells us that one’s life is about to change. She subtly places readers inside the head of Sharifa, one of the women. We hear her thoughts, concerns, and questions about the life change. We also feel her tension as we sense the fears she holds.
Farzana provides a glimpse of Sharifa’s dilemma and we perceive there is no good answer. She thinks “I cannot stop this moving train. What good will it do to announce the crash?” (Doctor, 1) Consequently, before the end of the novel’s third paragraph, we are captivated, almost mesmerized by the emotions.
Seven is described as “an inter-generational family tale that brings visibility to the practice of female genital cutting.” It is a practice that continues as a religious tradition in the Dawoodi Bohra community. Seven in many ways is every woman’s story. Farzana writes a story of the clash between traditional and modern practices. Her story expounds on the basic human right women must make decisions about their own bodies. Additionally, she brings to the forefront the intersectionality of being a women, wife, mother, and daughter.
Readers are moved to consider the roles that are expected of them. Furthermore, they must also acknowledge the challenges to their individuality created by these roles. Many questions are raised in the first two pages of this novel. Most are clearly related to the story. Who is this character? What causes her to think these things? Where does the story go from here?
Readers may ask questions of themselves. Can I relate to this situation? Have I wanted to share something, but was too afraid? What else will this book incite me to ask of myself?
The question of loyalty also appears inside Sharifa’s mind. Loyalty has a compelling nature. It is expected among groups of connected people. Guilt arises when the expectation of loyalty creates conflicts within oneself. We see this conflict as Sharifa reflects on her own wishful thinking.
Ironically, loyalty has become a hot button issue in the United States. Many are asking about the facility of loyalty to whom, to what, and to what end? The character must also resolve these questions related to her family, culture, and religious beliefs.
Seven is a masterful work written by an acclaimed author. Farzana won the 2012 Lambda Literary Award for her second novel Six Metres of Pavement. It was also short-listed for the 2012 Toronto Book Award. Additionally, it was voted the One Book One Brampton 2017 winner. Farzana’s third novel All Inclusive received accolades and named the Kobo 2015 and National Post Best Book of the Year. She is one of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Books “100 Writers in Canada You Need to Know Now.”
Seven is published by the Dundurn Group and will be released in the United States on September 29, 2020. You may also pre-order.
Sources:
Doctor, Farzana. Seven. Dundurn, 2020.
“Bio.” Farzana Doctor, 29 Dec. 2019, farzanadoctor.com/bio/.
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