Title: Invisible Ties
Author: Nadya A. R.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Language: English
Setting Place: Karachi, Singapore
Major Characters: Noor, Daisy, Kamal, Meekaal Kalim, Ella
Narration Type: Third Person Limited Point of View
Book Summary : Invisible Ties
As Karachi burned in the 1990s, the painfully shy Noor Kamal found refuge in an antique jade mirror stolen from Daisy, her social butterfly mother. One fateful day, the violence hits home as a motley crew of burglars storm the Kamal residence, killing Joseph, the faithful driver who tried to shield Noor and kidnapping Daisy in the process.
Traumatized by the turn of events and succumbing to familial pressure, Noor reluctantly agrees to start life afresh in Singapore as the wife of Meekaal Kalim, an investment banker. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Noor finds succour in studying psychotherapy.
Her attempt to heal others brings her close to Ella, her neighbour and Jake, a handsome American who is struggling to deal with his emotional breakdown. As she tries to exorcise ghosts from the past and break free from the shackles, where will Noor’s longing for love take her? Would she be able to liberate herself from her strong cultural values and ties?
A saga of love and trials, against a rich contrasting background, Invisible Ties is sure to appeal to the readers.
Book Review: Invisible Ties
Invisible Ties by Nadya A R is an incredible, heart-breaking read that really messes with your mind until the very end. The writing, while not for everyone I’m sure, had me mesmerized. It’s so different and poetic and full of carefully crafted imagery. It’s a writing style that’s really out of the box, you’ll either love it or hate it. Me, I was thoroughly compelled.
When I first started reading the book, I was a little put off, feeling it was an extremely pretentious novel. Nadya’s descriptions were crisp and precise, often using words that one rarely hears spoken or even read. But that only remained within the first two pages, because after that I became absorbed. The writing that I was a little sketchy about at first helped me visualize the setting and get to know the characters. There are a few times I was confused about the timeline, but it did not upset me.
The writing was unique and although it may not suit everyone’s taste, I relished it. I thought the author’s use of descriptive imagery was creative and applied with a gentle hand—nothing over-the-top or showy.
The story is told through the voice of an emotional, and dejected girl, Noor, and the writing remained consistent with her distinctive perspective. It was poetic and profound—drifting in as a gentle breeze and building to the swirling force of a hurricane. It may not knock your socks off, but it certainly took my breath away.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a plot that persuades you to wonder. To readers who can accept the bittersweet circumstances of life displayed within their fiction. This is a character-driven novel, But the story shines brighter. I fully connected with character, Noor, and the fact that I was moved to tears by the finish is what made this a five-star read for me.
Although I found this story entirely unique, if I had to compare, I’d say its structure reminds me a bit of On the Jellicoe Road. Its haunting tone, as well.
Buy Now: Invisible Ties by Nadya A R
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