Analysis

In the following section you can read our suggestions for an analysis of the novel Brick Lane by Monica Ali.

The novel follows a chronological structure and includes big time-skips and several flashbacks. The narrative switches back and forth between Nazneen’s perspective and letters from her sister Hasina, detailing her life in Bangladesh.

The main characters of the novel are Nazneen, her husband Chanu, and her sister Hasina. The novel follows their life in London and Bangladesh, respectively. Other characters such as Nazneen’s friend Razia and Nazneen’s lover Karim also play important roles. 

The physical setting of the novel is the borough of Tower Hamlets in London where Nazneen lives. Bangladesh is also an an important location. The novel spans over thirty years but the biggest part of it is focused on one year of Nazneen’s life when she is 34. 

The events of Brick Lane are told by a third-person narrator who is limited to Nazneen’s perspective. The narrator helps to offer important information about Nazneen’s thoughts and feelings, which she rarely shares with other characters.

The language in the novel is neutral and features several intertextual references and multilingual elements. The novel includes many significant symbols such as clothing and sewing, which add additional layers of meaning to the story.

You can read a full analysis of the novel in the following pages.

Excerpt from the study guide: