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So, I have read quite a few reviews about this book (I even wrote one a while back). Some people said that religion as a theme was not very prominent in the book. Others said that religion was forced a little too much. I am a Christian so references to Allah and worship at a mosque did catch my attention. I appreciate that the authors seemed to want to promote their faith in a low key way.
What were your views on the religious theme in this novel?

I didn't see much religion in the book. If it was there, it was barely note-worthy. If anything, there was more magic in the story than religion.

I also noticed the references to Allah and worship, but I didn't pay them any mind. There wasn't too much of it, but some of the characters did rant about it (which made for a tedious read).

I don't think religion was a big part of the book as it was culture. The theme of culture in Jordan and Marrakesh was strong throughout the whole book. I enjoyed learning about their traditions, laws, and even superstitions. Religion, however, was involved in the marital problems between Yaser and his wife.

I appreciate that the authors seemed to want to promote their faith in a low key way.
What were your views on the religious theme in this novel?
I also appreciate that the authors tried to promote their faith in a subtle way. It is pretty obvious that the authors tried not to give big emphasis on religion especially that we are talking about protagonists who are Adele avid fans. It will be a big contradiction in the story.

I felt that religion was presented as a part of the authors' culture in the same way that many early American novels hint at the Christian faith. It seemed to a fact of life for Yaser as we got to know his character/motivation.

Religion and politics are in my opinion something that shouldn't take the main part in books unless they belong to that genre and it is clearly said so. Sometimes it's a bit confusing when the author doesn't mention that the book has a very religious themes. In general, it's always alright if the character is driven by his beliefs, it defines him as a person and explains his motivation. This book is a good example of how to incorporate religion and culture but not in an imposng way. It's also not saying that the specific religion is better than others or somehow more ''right'' which I appreciate. Religious and cultural motifs are quite subtle here and help develop the story and characters.

I would agree that there are some mentioning on religion, but I don't think it was playing a significant role in the book either.

ChillAndRead wrote:I would agree that there are some mentioning on religion, but I don't think it was playing a significant role in the book either.

Indeed, but it did play a significant role in some characters' lives who were driven by their beliefs.

Yes gali, that part is true as it outlines sides of their character!

Religion and culture are the two most important topics of the modern world which are intentionally or unintentionally are made the part of stories. However, in this book I did not find that the author was promoting the religion, but I found the more influence of the culture in the story. It is good to have the knowledge of every culture and religion.

Gnome wrote:I felt that religion was presented as a part of the authors' culture in the same way that many early American novels hint at the Christian faith. It seemed to a fact of life for Yaser as we got to know his character/motivation.

I agree. The touch of religion in a story even if it is not the story's central theme reflects the author. A good story touches several aspects of the life of humans like religion, politics, and culture.

I did not particularly notice any promotion of any particular religion in the book. The magic and emotional connect played a far more important role in the book than the religion.

This forum topic made me realize that one can preach or teach the doctrines of religion effectively through a good story with a religious theme.

I don't think that religion was imposed in the book as I don't find much religion in it. But there are some area where religion is shown.