Manjit is the main character and he prefers to be called Manny. Even though Manny is born and raised in England he has to live under a very strict lifestyle as a Punjabi, an Indian culture. Manny wants to live a normal life without his father nagging him all the time about being a good Punjabi. You get to really know Manny when you read about his thoughts, feelings and how he handles different situations. He is a smart kid with a broken soul. He often does things against his father’s will, which gets him in trouble. His father has already plans for his son’s life, marriage when Manny turns seventeen and he feels like that’s going to be the end of his life.
The author starts off the whole story with writing about Manny in a bathroom, on his way to his own wedding. A wedding planed by his father and a woman who his father has chosen for him is waiting. He is only seventeen, angry but determined to do his own thing, which isn’t to go through with this. By just reading the prologue you know how it all will end. The first chapter takes you back in time and you begin to read about Manny when he’s thirteen. My first thoughts were ‘why is he putting up with this? Couldn’t he say no to his father before the wedding was planed? Why does he let his father treat him that way?’
Manny and his father have got a crappie relationship to be honest. His father, who is a very strict man, has also got an alcoholic problem. When he gets upset his anger turns into violence and Manny becomes the victim. Manny has also got two older brothers, one who’s already married and one how is getting married away at the age of seventeen like Manny him self. He doesn’t get along very well with his brothers all the time, almost never, but we all know siblings are not made for getting along with each other. Manny has got a very hard time at home because of this and it makes him feel depressed. I’m just waiting to find out how it all will end, is Manny going to be happy? Is he going to get married at the age of seventeen and if his relationship with his father is going to improve? Well, I’ve to keep on reading.
Well done with your first blog! By using a varied language I was never bored. To make your second blog even better, you could use a more advanced vocabulary.
SvaraRaderaA resemblance between the books is the writer's way of starting the story. The story starts with flashbacks, which allows the reader to see how the childhoods have shaped the protagonists.
Another similarity is, as you said, the main characters realtionships between their fathers.
I believe both Manny and Amir are facing a difficult choice. Should Amir go back to Afghanistan to face his past and find redemption, and should Manny let his father control his life? Well, that is left to see.
Looking forward to your next blog!