Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday by Jamaluddin Aram #Afghanistan

Welcome, or Welcome back! My name is Amanda and this is where I share spoiler-free book reviews and other bookish things. Not every book is my cup of tea – and that’s ok. Even if I didn’t like it, I attempt to find readers that would. Thanks for visiting. Let’s get Smitten For Fiction.

Today I’m sharing my thoughts about a book written by Jamaluddin Aram who was born in Afghanistan and now lives in Toronto, Canada. I received a digital arc from Netgalley of this debut novel.

“This is a moving and original debut novel from a very talented writer. I loved its inventive structure, which guides the reader through the linked lives of the people of Wazirabad. Chapter by chapter we’re invited into their dreams, to experience the tenderness and troubles of their lives. The result is resonant and communal storytelling about people and a place that will stick with you for a long time.”
— ALIX OHLIN, award-winning author of We Want What We Want and Dual Citizens

About The Book 📚

Title: Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday

Author: Jamaluddin Aram

Publication Date: June 6, 2023

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 287

PG-13 Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. May include profanity, violence, sexual situations, or drug use.

About The Author

“Jamaluddin Aram is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and writer from Kabul, Afghanistan. His works have appeared in Numero Cinq, The Write Launch, and Cagibi literary magazine among others. Jamaluddin’s short story “This Hard Easy Life” was a finalist for RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers in 2020. He was selected as a mentee by Michael Christie for the Writers’ Trust of Canada Mentorship program for his book Marchoba, now titled Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday, his debut novel. He is the associate producer of the Academy Award–nominated film Buzkashi Boys. Jamaluddin has a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Union College in Schenectady, New York. He lives in Toronto. Connect with him on Facebook @Jamaluddin.Aram or on Instagram and Twitter @JamaluddinAram.” https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Nothing-Good-Happens-in-Wazirabad-on-Wednesday/Jamaluddin-Aram/9781668009857

My Review

› The stories in this novel take place in the 1990s during the civil war in Kabul, Afghanistan after the Russian occupation.

› “In Wazirabad the walls had mice and the mice had ears and listened when people talked.”

› Aziz has a strange dream that motivates him to build a wall made from clay and glass. He told his friends, Sikandar and Hossain, the grandsons of store owner Baba Gul Ahmad about the dream. Hossain works for the “Bucktoothed Tailor” and has a crush on “the Widow”. He wears his best jacket every day in case he runs into her. Sikandar likes the “Water Seller’s Wife”.

› Aziz’s father was killed in the war and Aziz has a leg injury from when one of the Militiamen let their dog loose which chased and attacked Aziz. His mother is a sex worker. Children bullied Aziz and his sister, Seema, about this which is why Aziz decided to quit school to look for a job and Seema decorates flags with calligraphy and catches scorpions to sell.

› “At that moment, Seema returned from school and the Widow’s Welsummer rooster appeared on the wall. It was a big, beautiful, flaming-red bird with a magnificent crimson comb and long green tail feathers.”

› At first glance, the rooster’s appearances seem random, but, the rooster shows the passage of time and by paying close attention to when each character mentions the rooster and how it helps them you’ll be able to piece together the linear story. To name just a few instances: the rooster confirms that Aziz’s wall of glass works, it tells Husnia when to take the herb, and it enables the Water Seller’s wife to give him eggs.

The novel is written in a non-linear, vignette style, with different narrators and overlapping stories. This is a snapshot of a small town in Afghanistan and how their lives are affected by war.

› I rate reviews similar to the CAWPILE method
0-3 Really bad
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really good
10 Outstanding

› Characters: 5
There is a large cast: The Vegetable Seller, the Mule, the Bucktoothed Tailor, the Widow, the Water Seller’s Wife, the Calligrapher, the Watchmaker, the Bonesetter’s Shop, the Bakery Owner, the Porter, the Old Barber, the three Militiamen, the Electrician.
I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. I felt confused about their goals and motivations, and I was hoping for more character development showing their strengths, flaws, characteristics and backstory.

› Atmosphere: 5
I wanted more description and found it hard to picture the settings. I didn’t feel emotion.

› Writing Style: 10
Beautiful writing style. I didn’t find it wordy or repetitive. Great readability and enjoyed the point of view.

› Plot: 6
The story is told in a non-linear manner, which is a little confusing at times.

› Intrigue: 6

› Logic: 7
The same story is sometimes re-told from another character’s perspective which can be confusing.

› Enjoyment: 6
Overall, this is a good debut. I didn’t laugh or cry, but I do enjoy the writing style and creativity.

Average 6.4

1.1-2.2 = ★
2.3-4.5 = ★★
4.6-6.9 = ★★★
7-8.9 = ★★★★
9-10 = ★★★★★

My Rating ★★★

› Final Thoughts
• Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday is a hopeful novel about how civil war touches the lives of the townspeople and whose tales weave into one narrative about survival, peace, family, and love. I recommend this novel to fans of literary fiction or historical fiction.