Aneesa Marufu
Chicken House, March 2022
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781913696078
The Balloon Thief is the type of novel you can re-read as many times as you want and be just as engrossed in the story as you were the first time. Annesa Marufu’s stunning debut novel is wonderfully relevant and deftly tackles heavy themes woven into this fantasy adventure inspired by South Asian mythology.
In this epic tale full of compelling characters and shifting loyalties, we are told the story from the alternating perspective of two teenagers: Khadija (a ruling Ghadaean woman) and Jacob (an oppressed hāri working as a lowly glassblower’s assistant). We follow them as they confront their prejudices in a land crippled by conflicts that extend into the supernatural realm. Marufu’s memorable and thought-provoking writing does not shy away from the rough and often painful subject of discrimination and the raw emotions that come with it.
Despite her vehement objections, Khadija is expected to find a husband, and soon. She realises that the only way to avoid a loveless marriage is to take a leap of faith — literally, into a rogue hot air balloon! She soon finds an unlikely partner in Jacob, who is fleeing his own demons. They explore their differing experiences and reactions to the deep roots of hatred that poison the world they wish to save.
Throughout the narrative, Khadija’s femininity does not get sacrificed; she is allowed to be a teenage girl and frequently reacts in ways that reveal her age and privileged upbringing. With its fast-paced plot and highly relevant themes and commentary, this book is well worth a read … or two!
Aoife McCarron, 17
