"The Lovers" is a story of a relationship between Amir and Jamila, written from both of their perspectives from the beginning to the end. It's a very interesting exploration of two points of view, that include expectations around love, but also the issues of class, wealth and life goals.

There were tender, as well as painful moments that the couple endured, written in a very poetic manner. Utilising metaphors and placing stories within the story, Yumna Kassab created a beautiful narrative, yet challenging at times.

A pared down, poetic novella that explores one couple's experience of finding the love of their life after being disappointed for so long, and how they navigate it. Ultimately it asks if true love is enough to sustain a relationship against all the social mores of the day and communities and expectations of others.

This was a little uneven for me. I loved some bits of it. Others less so. Ultimately it felt I had more questions at the end than I did at the beginning and I found that a little frustrating.

A more beautifully written novel you are unlikely to find. The Lovers was rich and emotional, distilling love and attraction down to stunning language. The affair between Amir and Jamila is told from both their perspectives and feels completely like the unmatchable fresh blush of new love. How words could capture that feeling so exquisitely makes me marvel. At times I felt confused by the story, and where we might be within the arc of their relationship, but didn't mind too much as I let the well crafted novel carry me gently on its tide.

There is great wisdom here. The many stories nested within the greater work are genius and little gems on their own. This small exceptional work does perfectly encapsulate the nub that is a new relationship and how it evolves over time. So well observed. A beautiful novel.