Thanks NetGalley and Neem Tree publications for an advanced e-book version of this book.

this was a whole lot of... nothing. I went into it with a lot of expectations with the blurb of murder mystery, thrilling with expositions on sufism and spiritual exploration. What it did offer was a disjointed, direction-less narrative about family dynamics, identity and gender. I'm not complaining that it explores these themes, I'm just merely annoyed at how these themes were captured with no sense of plot and drive. Honestly, it struggles under the weight of its ambition.

The diverse cast lacked any sense of development, their interactions driven by accusations, no reconciliation, just endless conflict for the sake of drama. It constantly collapses onto academic jargon for storytelling to tell a story. By the time the plot remembers itself of a murder (multiple), I was praying for the killer to simply show up. I felt like I was watching a soap opera at some point. and not even a good one.

Mira's trauma was difficult to endure, not because of the gravitas of the narrative, but the way it concentrated all the violence onto a single character, and the other character not even willing to understand and empathise with it. It felt the dynamics between the characters, mother-daughter, was made complicated for the sake of it, and it felt superfluous. At some point, you think of Layla's age of being 36, and how her wits should have caught onto her as well.

Honestly, my favourite character was Sultan, the cat. Not to leave it on a negative note, but I enjoyed the aspects of exploring storytelling through different lenses of gender, class, textile, and how it tethers traditions and sometimes breaks them apart too.

End.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75/5)

In "The Sufi Storyteller," Faiqa Mansab weaves a beautiful tale exploring the power of storytelling and the profound wisdom of Sufism. The story follows a young woman, Shabnam, who embarks on a journey to connect with her roots and understand her past through the narratives passed down by a wise Sufi master. As she delves into the tales of her ancestors and the lessons they carry, Shabnam discovers not just her heritage but also the importance of compassion, love, and the spiritual quest.

Mansab's prose is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the heart of the cultural and spiritual landscape of the characters. While the pacing can be a bit slow at times, the heartfelt messages and the intricate storytelling make it a worthwhile read. The way the author intertwines folklore with contemporary issues adds depth to the narrative. Overall, it’s a moving exploration of identity and the healing power of stories, earning it a solid 3.75 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Unbound for an eArc of this book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review!

This was quite an interesting book. I really liked Mansab's writing style, it was quite poetic and lovely to read.

Layla is a lecturer at a college, teaching stories about women. Then we have Mira, who is a Sufi storyteller.
I will not mention how and if they are related to increase the thrill.
A murder is committed and the two make use of Sufi storytelling to solve the mystery, and explore their own lives.
The Sufi aspect was the highlight for me. It was a brilliant idea to use that aspect as a narrative device.
Overall, this was 3 stars enjoyment for me. I cannot wait to see what Mansab does next because of the promise this book had.

While this wasn't the read for me, I have to say the writing is superbly descriptive and beautifully poetic.
The story flows because of how well the author tell the tale.
I actually was hooked more by how the story is told rather than what the story was.

What draw me to this book was the cover and the title. I am more of fantasy and speculative fiction reader, and I want to expand a bit of my horizon. This book seemed like a good pick, especially since it has such a strong link with stories.

Unfortunately, it fell short for me. I don't know if it was a 'not the right moment' kind of thing, if the book is simply not for me or something else. But I quickly realised it wasn"t going to be as interesting as I hoped for.

One of the reason is that, despite the book being sold as somewhat of an mystery novel, with a need to resolve a murder, it isn't so much at the centre of the story. Similarly, the reunion between mother and daughter is there, but it felt a bit shallow, distant. I guess I didn't get into this book with the right expectations.

It is well enough written, nothing that strike me as very engaging, but still good. Stories do play a big role in the narrative, but in a more scholarly way, erasing a bit of the mysticism and wonder for me. The book is using the murders as a tool to get the main character to explore herself, her past and the hollowness where her birth mother resided. Then they reunite, and we delve into the mother's past, before getting a sort of family drama reolsution (I am not using the word drama to be negative, the events are quite dramatic). The part of the stories in the resolution of the murder is there, but too structural for me, again.

In the end, this book is too much like a a reflexion about identity, family history and constructing ourselves. I love these kind of stories, but when it is not so much obvious, using a thin plot and characters to create that reflection. I prefer the other way around. So. Not a good fit for me, but it should be really enjoyable for people who like such stories !

Faiqa Mansab’s The Sufi Storyteller is an evocative tapestry of language and atmosphere, masterfully blending lyrical prose with vivid descriptions that transport readers across continents and into the realm of Story itself. Mansab’s writing is rich, immersive, and poetic, weaving a hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the traditions of Sufi storytelling. Each page resonates with a sensory depth—whether she is describing the intricate details of a small American college town or the rugged beauty of the Afghan mountains.

What truly sets this book apart is Mansab's command of language; her sentences flow with a fluidity that feels almost musical, drawing readers into a world where words hold both beauty and power. The layers of meaning embedded in the descriptions invite reflection and linger long after the final page. If you appreciate stories where the prose feels like art, The Sufi Storyteller is a must-read.