Book Review: ‘The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years’ by Shubnum Khan

Book Title: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years
Author: Shubnum Khan
Publisher: Magpie
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-0861546244
Date Published: Feb. 29, 2024
Price: INR 384

Book Review

Because it may provide an escape from existential concerns about mortality, supernatural literature continues to be widely read. In this genre, mystery, suspense, and otherworldly beings are frequently included, with intrigue taking precedence over action and adventure. Moreover, supernatural literature explores dark and uncharted territory by fusing supernatural aspects with detective fiction principles. Set in Durban, South Africa, Shubnum Khan’s “The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years” is a compelling combination of historical story and paranormal mystery.

The plot unfolds over two connected timeframes, giving it a fairy-tale feel that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. Sana, the heroine, unravels the mystery of Akbar Manzil, a colonial house converted into apartments, all while dealing with her own frightening personal difficulties. The house, packed with vivid Indian immigrants, serves as a background for a dreamy story that blurs the distinction between fact and fiction.

The novel deftly intertwines history and present, depicting the narrative of Akbar Ali Khan, an Indian immigrant in 1919, and his difficult relationships within the great home he constructs. Khan’s journey parallels Sana’s quest to discover the mysteries concealed within Akbar Manzil, which leads her to journals that reveal a complicated saga of love, treachery, and cultural disputes. Khan’s wife, Jahanara, and his second wife, Meena, represent opposing wants and ambitions set against the backdrop of colonial Durban.

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Khan’s writing style creates a sense of surprise and mystery, evoking the mansion’s secrets and mirrored the emotional agony of its residents. Sana’s journey reflects her search for love and acceptance, drawing parallels between her own struggles and historical characters. The story explores themes of love, grief, and perseverance.

“The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years” is a captivating historical fiction novel by Shubnum Khan, examining ethnic identity, familial relationships, and love’s eternal power. The novel spans time and place, offering a complex analysis of human experiences. It is a must-read for readers who enjoy engrossing narratives and intriguing characters set against a backdrop of history and magic. Khan’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to create a unique reading experience make her a literary masterpiece.

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