The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
Where to find this book at Reed Memorial Library:
- Adult science fiction and fantasy
- Call number: SF Chakraborty
- View it on our catalog
Ahoy! Today’s book, The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, is recommended not by one, but two librarians!
Anne from Adult Services and Brittany from Youth Services are teaming up to recommend one really awesome fantasy book. Keep reading to learn about why they love it!
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is a historical fantasy book that takes place in the Indian Ocean and its surrounding countries during roughly the 1200’s.
“Amina al-Sirafi is a retired pirate, trying to live the quiet life for her daughter,” Anne summarizes. “She is approached by the family of one of her former crew and must return to her pirating ways for one last mission. Our heroine must get the crew back together for an adventurous, hijinks filled mission to save the daughter of her fallen friend.”
Anne describes why she enjoyed this book so much, commenting, “It was adventurous, funny, fast-paced and heartfelt. I couldn’t help but root for Amina even when the author reveals her flaws and mistakes. And who doesn’t love a pirate adventure?”
“The narrative voice was really compelling for me,” Brittany adds. “I was also pleasantly surprised by how funny it was. The humor is sharp and understated, and the characters have a great dynamic with each other and their banter.”
It’s a little bit Pirates of the Caribbean and a little bit The Princess Bride. It feels like a perfect retelling of a myth.
Anne, on The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
In addition to The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, Shannon Chakraborty also has four other fantasy books published, which Brittany also highly recommends. “I just love Chakraborty’s stories,” she says. The City of Brass is the first book in Chakraborty’s other series, the Daevabad trilogy, which is also set in the same world as Amina’s adventures, centuries later. “You don’t have to read any of her other books to enjoy The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. But, if you do like Amina, then you’ll probably love her other books, too,” Brittany explains. Check out all of Shannon Chakraborty’s books here.
Thanks for the recommendation, Anne and Brittany!
Sincerely, Cornelius 