The Halfways Review

I love a story about family drama, sisters, and intergenerational houses, so The Halfways by Nilopar Uddin was a must. Sisters Nasrin and Sabrina travel to their parents’ home in Wales, from London and New York, respectively, for their father’s funeral. At the will reading, their father’s shocking secret is finally revealed and the sisters lives are turned upside down by the surprise and the following uncertainty.

Uddin made her characters tread the fine line of being relatable, but unlikeable, which is a true feat. I love reading about unlikeable characters, as long as they are compelling, and The Halfways delivered. Jahanara, Afroz, Nasrin, and Sabrina can be selfish, petty, and mercurial, but ultimately put their family and each other first. I find unlikeable characters to be compelling when done correctly, which these characters are. I am definitely hoping for more unlikeable characters in any future writings Uddin brings out.