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sapphisms's review
5.0
CW: CSA, explicit and graphic sexual assault, age difference
I don't know how else to phrase it- this book is Important.
From beginning to end, Lee gave me a 'coming of age' story of a girl belonging to a group that's so quickly and easily dismissed. Tell me, when was the last time you'd read about a South African, Muslim Indian-African mixed girl? When was the last time you'd read a book that confronts the sexuality of Muslim girls, instead of dismissing all of us as chaste little baby bunnies who couldn't think of a swear if we tried? There's no equal to this book- I'd rave about it, even if the writing was infantile, if the plot was hanging together by strands.
But this book is a masterpiece. This is a book I regret waiting so long to read. Lee's writing style is something I haven't seen before- it's incredibly vivid and realistic, to the point where you could (Life of Pi-style) trick people into thinking this is a nonfiction autobiography. It's fast, it's quick-witted, and it's unafraid to talk about the harsh truths of Africa. I've complained about this to friends- being half-Moroccan, it's so rare that we see any African Muslims in YA (with the exception of exotified Egyptians or a bellydance allusion). And reading The Story of Maha was like taking one big gulp of the dry air- you don't realize how desperate you are to read something (anything) that reminds you of your culture until you're reading about nikah certificates and marriage contracts to give women rights (instead of the narrative that everything in Islam is to further demean the Woman).
I don't think I have the right words to describe how good this book is, but I'll try- it's an experience, and I recommend reading it yourself to see exactly what I mean.
Truly, what is The Story of Maha without Maha herself? The book hit me particularly hard because, being in the first person, we get a blow-by-blow of every single reaction she has to anything. Her commentary on colorism and racism (all of which are exceptionally accurate, and don't sugarcoat at all) within Africa- as it's during Apartheid (and, with her being mixed Indian and black and in a solely Indian family), there's nothing unrealistic with her constant frustrations with how she's treated. I think this book is incredibly poignant because of Maha stands at the crux of the sociopolitical problems within this time period- she's the clash of cultures that sparked the want for the destruction of Apartheid.
Aside from the political view of her character, her characterization was flawless- it's a rare thing for you to be able to watch a character grow into an adult without a suddenly, disjointed transition in between them becoming a teenager, and in between them becoming an adult. You can see the seed of frustration implanted in Maha when she views Gorinani and her daughters' being treated better because of their fairer skin, little bits of her personality gleaned from Zeenat (that was something I really enjoyed-). Another thing I really enjoyed was how Maha was allowed to be a Muslim Teenager... instead of the Muslim Mini-Adults we're always written as. I Twitter-ranted on this before, but teenagers are rarely allowed to be written as lonely without it being dismissed as teenage angst and invalidated. I think something that Lee did incredibly well is to describe Maha's emotional state and how isolated she felt.
As said before, I really appreciated how the book didn't shy away from the idea that Muslims Have Sex. Like, there's even a paragraph that just jokes about how everyone assumes we're prudish, but we literally have entire ceremonies to "celebrate consummation with five hundred or more people", and aunties and uncles? The Worst when it comes to dirty jokes when they're alone and allowed to be themselves. Maha is also allowed to experience sexual desire, though. I really liked how Zeenat's aunt was so casual about talking about sex as well, citing how the Creator discusses it with nonchalance as well, and that it's only cultural that we feel so ashamed of it.
As terrible as it is, one of my favorite parts is when Maha
In a similar vein, my one fear reading this book was how Maha's father was going to be treated in the narrative- he's the only 100% black African in the novel with a major role (save for the mentions of political figures in the background) and, initially, I was pretty upset when it was revealed that he was cheating. It's such a stereotype All Black Men Cheat that I was worried it was internalized antiblackness (especially because he cheats twice, and it's emphasized that the woman he was cheating with was a black woman)- but it's inevitably resolved by Maha very bluntly asking Zeenat if he cheated just because he was black (something she had internalized form Gorinani). To which Zeenat responds that, no, cheating men come in all races, and not one of them is predisposed to it- which gives Maha closure. Which gave me closure, because I was sweating having to review this book if that thread was left unresolved.
I think, aside from Maha (who I painfully related to, being on the cusp of adulthood myself and feeling as though I'm Barely Grasping It), Zeenat was my favorite character. I feel like she was written to be a likable character, to be honest, but that doesn't erase the fact that she felt like the older sister I always wanted- and, really, I appreciated her being the voice of reason on more than one occasion. Maha's occasional melodrama and problems caused by her acting before she could think needed to be called out ()- because she's so isolated from the family because of her parentage, Zeenat's voice is really the only one that reaches her (like I said above, she's the only one to have a positive and honest relationship with her-one where she can curse up a storm and ask about her parents).
All in all, what a way to end my year!
I don't know how else to phrase it- this book is Important.
From beginning to end, Lee gave me a 'coming of age' story of a girl belonging to a group that's so quickly and easily dismissed. Tell me, when was the last time you'd read about a South African, Muslim Indian-African mixed girl? When was the last time you'd read a book that confronts the sexuality of Muslim girls, instead of dismissing all of us as chaste little baby bunnies who couldn't think of a swear if we tried? There's no equal to this book- I'd rave about it, even if the writing was infantile, if the plot was hanging together by strands.
But this book is a masterpiece. This is a book I regret waiting so long to read. Lee's writing style is something I haven't seen before- it's incredibly vivid and realistic, to the point where you could (Life of Pi-style) trick people into thinking this is a nonfiction autobiography. It's fast, it's quick-witted, and it's unafraid to talk about the harsh truths of Africa. I've complained about this to friends- being half-Moroccan, it's so rare that we see any African Muslims in YA (with the exception of exotified Egyptians or a bellydance allusion). And reading The Story of Maha was like taking one big gulp of the dry air- you don't realize how desperate you are to read something (anything) that reminds you of your culture until you're reading about nikah certificates and marriage contracts to give women rights (instead of the narrative that everything in Islam is to further demean the Woman).
I don't think I have the right words to describe how good this book is, but I'll try- it's an experience, and I recommend reading it yourself to see exactly what I mean.
Truly, what is The Story of Maha without Maha herself? The book hit me particularly hard because, being in the first person, we get a blow-by-blow of every single reaction she has to anything. Her commentary on colorism and racism (all of which are exceptionally accurate, and don't sugarcoat at all) within Africa- as it's during Apartheid (and, with her being mixed Indian and black and in a solely Indian family), there's nothing unrealistic with her constant frustrations with how she's treated. I think this book is incredibly poignant because of Maha stands at the crux of the sociopolitical problems within this time period- she's the clash of cultures that sparked the want for the destruction of Apartheid.
Aside from the political view of her character, her characterization was flawless- it's a rare thing for you to be able to watch a character grow into an adult without a suddenly, disjointed transition in between them becoming a teenager, and in between them becoming an adult. You can see the seed of frustration implanted in Maha when she views Gorinani and her daughters' being treated better because of their fairer skin, little bits of her personality gleaned from Zeenat (that was something I really enjoyed-
Spoiler
watching Maha grow to drive, swear, and smoke like Zeenat, who was, more or less, her only positive influenceSpoiler
particularly why she hung around Walid so often, despite being uncomfortable with his age and the idea of being his second wife (because she craved emotional gratification so desperately that she wasn't picky about where it came from)As said before, I really appreciated how the book didn't shy away from the idea that Muslims Have Sex. Like, there's even a paragraph that just jokes about how everyone assumes we're prudish, but we literally have entire ceremonies to "celebrate consummation with five hundred or more people", and aunties and uncles? The Worst when it comes to dirty jokes when they're alone and allowed to be themselves. Maha is also allowed to experience sexual desire, though
Spoiler
I'm really glad the relationship with Walid never came to marriage, because the scene where he got her off made me really uncomfortable, considering how she said 'no', and she was sixteen at the time (sexual contact outside of marriage is illegal in Saudi Arabia and the age of consent for marriage is eighteen, so it's not exactly a cultural thing- it's him being an advantageous asshole). I can understand why she kept coming back to talk to him, however- she'd never really experience sexual pleasure and, especially considering how she'd been previously assaulted (and experienced proper revulsion), realistically, she probably wouldn't connect what happened as sexual assault (because Walid was So Charming and Rich and Handsome)As terrible as it is, one of my favorite parts is when Maha
Spoiler
opens the letter from her mom. It's a complete anticlimax and I think that's what makes it so great. Books and children build parents up to be more than they really are- just human beings, like anyone else. Maha's mother probably wrote that letter in a fit of rage or depression and, thinking that she'd probably be able to take it away from Maha's hands before she was 18 herself, never finished it. We're so often giving idolizations of parents in novels that, seeing Maha's perception of her parents come slamming into the reality of it was incredibly satisfying (if not really painful).In a similar vein, my one fear reading this book was how Maha's father was going to be treated in the narrative- he's the only 100% black African in the novel with a major role (save for the mentions of political figures in the background) and, initially, I was pretty upset when it was revealed that he was cheating. It's such a stereotype All Black Men Cheat that I was worried it was internalized antiblackness (especially because he cheats twice, and it's emphasized that the woman he was cheating with was a black woman)- but it's inevitably resolved by Maha very bluntly asking Zeenat if he cheated just because he was black (something she had internalized form Gorinani). To which Zeenat responds that, no, cheating men come in all races, and not one of them is predisposed to it- which gives Maha closure. Which gave me closure, because I was sweating having to review this book if that thread was left unresolved.
I think, aside from Maha (who I painfully related to, being on the cusp of adulthood myself and feeling as though I'm Barely Grasping It), Zeenat was my favorite character. I feel like she was written to be a likable character, to be honest, but that doesn't erase the fact that she felt like the older sister I always wanted- and, really, I appreciated her being the voice of reason on more than one occasion. Maha's occasional melodrama and problems caused by her acting before she could think needed to be called out (
Spoiler
like when she messes around with the Aapa's brother solely because she's on a power trip and feels untouchableSpoiler
Maha also had Main Character Syndrome halfway through and, assuming that she's just So Important, calls Zeenat to ask for advice for her problems... Even though she hasn't called in so long to just talk. Zeenat calls her out on her shit and, really, that was a Good Moment.All in all, what a way to end my year!
thebookguru's review
5.0
This book is so good.
Not only is it the first book of its kind (South African Muslim author writing about the South African Indian Muslim community) but it also highlights the fact that Apartheid impacted EVERYONE including the Indians in South Africa!
Although it is set in Apartheid South Africa, the book is also really funny, even if you don't speak gujarati and aren't from South Africa it is still a good read and highlights a lot of issues within certain communities.
also i really like Adam i think he was the cutest. ;)
Anyways, so glad there is a sequel!
Happy Reading. =)
Not only is it the first book of its kind (South African Muslim author writing about the South African Indian Muslim community) but it also highlights the fact that Apartheid impacted EVERYONE including the Indians in South Africa!
Although it is set in Apartheid South Africa, the book is also really funny, even if you don't speak gujarati and aren't from South Africa it is still a good read and highlights a lot of issues within certain communities.
also i really like Adam i think he was the cutest. ;)
Anyways, so glad there is a sequel!
Happy Reading. =)
penguininabluebox's review
3.0
3.5*
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is an own voices book about a girl who loses her parents at a political rally and then grows up at her loving but strict grandparents. It's about her as a rebellious teenager but in the end inevitably facing marriage to a suitable young man and it really just feels like an account of a young person's life.
I thought it was very good. The fact that it's #ownvoices obviously makes it even better, and I really enjoy reading books like these written by people who know what they're talking about. It was overall really enjoyable, even though there were parts of the book that I just didn't quite click with. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking to expand their reading horizons and wanting to read more diversely without wanting to read books with - for example - Muslim characters where their religion and their struggle with it is the main focus, but instead want normal every day life stories like you get so many from white characters and authors, but for people from other cultures.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is an own voices book about a girl who loses her parents at a political rally and then grows up at her loving but strict grandparents. It's about her as a rebellious teenager but in the end inevitably facing marriage to a suitable young man and it really just feels like an account of a young person's life.
I thought it was very good. The fact that it's #ownvoices obviously makes it even better, and I really enjoy reading books like these written by people who know what they're talking about. It was overall really enjoyable, even though there were parts of the book that I just didn't quite click with. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking to expand their reading horizons and wanting to read more diversely without wanting to read books with - for example - Muslim characters where their religion and their struggle with it is the main focus, but instead want normal every day life stories like you get so many from white characters and authors, but for people from other cultures.
wordwoonders's review
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review*
This book was quite the hilarious, honest ride. Despite being a Muslim myself,I rarely -if ever- read books about Muslim main characters because I feel like they mostly revolve around religion as the main plot and I. DON’T. LIKE. THAT. So when I saw the author offering e-copies of her book on Twitter I jumped on the occasion and requested it. And what a refreshing surprise it was, I really enjoyed it.
Before reading it, I perused the Goodreads reviews most of which were really positive but one thing that stood out to me is how people kept saying that the book is heavy on South-african slang, that it was basically written that way, and that people who weren’t familiar with it wouldn’t get it. I must admit it has A LOT of it, which is quite normal but fret not, even though it gets confusing at times, that rarely happens and everything is pretty understandable from contexte. That goes for the religious elements as well, they’re well explained so even non-muslims won’t have any trouble understanding what was happening.
The writing is so witty and funny that it had me laughing out loud quite a few times, despite it being set in times of apartheid, the book managed to stay light. And what was really surprising and amazing about this is how freely it explored puberty -oh the GLORIOUS period talk- and sex among other subjects that are rarely tackled in books and that can be quite taboo in muslim culture. Moving on.
The story starts with a brieve story of how Maha’s parents met, how they die etc.. and it moves on flowing nicely to when she goes to live with her grandparents and how her life unfolds after that. What I liked above all is that this was a story about a Muslim girl growing up like every other person, yes, religion is a non-negligeable part of it but it is not everything. She goes about her life, growing up, having crushes, making mistakes, gossiping and all but here’s the thing: Her grandparents are the most ancient backwards thinking creatures ever.
Maha cannot go to college, she has to have a specific type of friends and her life basically revolves around getting married. From the day she gets her period, her grandma starts training her in doing various domestic works so that she can become the perfect wife any suitor dreams of but she’s against that and rebels against it in every small, possible way she could. She’s a little feminist in her own way if you ask me.
What I loved about this book though is how it didn’t limit itself to the conservative type of Muslim family. Through Maha’s friends and distant family, Sumayya Lee presents various kinds of muslim families, from the most conservative to the most open-minded.
I didn’t have anything bad against this book whatsover, I was LOVING it, up until a certain thing happens that made me uneasy and it just didn’t sit well with me. Maha was with her granparents in Mecca -which is the holiest place to us Muslims- for the small pilgrimage and that is a 100% spiritual experience to strenghten our relationship with God and all. No distractions. What happens? Maha wonders off kissing pretty prince boy who makes her feel things she never felt before and that just made me cringe so much because realistically speaking no one would do that there, no matter how young and foolish. I’m really curious what my fellow muslim reviewers think of this, so please, tell me because I need to know if you think that’s normal. So, eventhough I loved everything before and after that, from that point forward I kept thinking about that scene especially when she was talking to/about him.
I really loved Maha for how confident and sassy she was but also for how much of a typical teenager she was. She threw tantrums, was immature at times. She had doubts as she was trying to figure out herself and how to balance religion and her granparents very severe restrictions with the things she wanted to do and have. Some aspects of that were really relatable to me. And I also adored her with Zeenat, she was completely herself around her. Their relationships is so realistic, full of ups and downs and Zeenat was kind of a big sister to her.
To wrap this all, Maha got her happy ending. I loved how it was sort of a compromise making everyone happy. Her grandparents included.
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review*
This book was quite the hilarious, honest ride. Despite being a Muslim myself,I rarely -if ever- read books about Muslim main characters because I feel like they mostly revolve around religion as the main plot and I. DON’T. LIKE. THAT. So when I saw the author offering e-copies of her book on Twitter I jumped on the occasion and requested it. And what a refreshing surprise it was, I really enjoyed it.
Before reading it, I perused the Goodreads reviews most of which were really positive but one thing that stood out to me is how people kept saying that the book is heavy on South-african slang, that it was basically written that way, and that people who weren’t familiar with it wouldn’t get it. I must admit it has A LOT of it, which is quite normal but fret not, even though it gets confusing at times, that rarely happens and everything is pretty understandable from contexte. That goes for the religious elements as well, they’re well explained so even non-muslims won’t have any trouble understanding what was happening.
The writing is so witty and funny that it had me laughing out loud quite a few times, despite it being set in times of apartheid, the book managed to stay light. And what was really surprising and amazing about this is how freely it explored puberty -oh the GLORIOUS period talk- and sex among other subjects that are rarely tackled in books and that can be quite taboo in muslim culture. Moving on.
The story starts with a brieve story of how Maha’s parents met, how they die etc.. and it moves on flowing nicely to when she goes to live with her grandparents and how her life unfolds after that. What I liked above all is that this was a story about a Muslim girl growing up like every other person, yes, religion is a non-negligeable part of it but it is not everything. She goes about her life, growing up, having crushes, making mistakes, gossiping and all but here’s the thing: Her grandparents are the most ancient backwards thinking creatures ever.
Maha cannot go to college, she has to have a specific type of friends and her life basically revolves around getting married. From the day she gets her period, her grandma starts training her in doing various domestic works so that she can become the perfect wife any suitor dreams of but she’s against that and rebels against it in every small, possible way she could. She’s a little feminist in her own way if you ask me.
What I loved about this book though is how it didn’t limit itself to the conservative type of Muslim family. Through Maha’s friends and distant family, Sumayya Lee presents various kinds of muslim families, from the most conservative to the most open-minded.
I didn’t have anything bad against this book whatsover, I was LOVING it, up until a certain thing happens that made me uneasy and it just didn’t sit well with me. Maha was with her granparents in Mecca -which is the holiest place to us Muslims- for the small pilgrimage and that is a 100% spiritual experience to strenghten our relationship with God and all. No distractions. What happens? Maha wonders off kissing pretty prince boy who makes her feel things she never felt before and that just made me cringe so much because realistically speaking no one would do that there, no matter how young and foolish. I’m really curious what my fellow muslim reviewers think of this, so please, tell me because I need to know if you think that’s normal. So, eventhough I loved everything before and after that, from that point forward I kept thinking about that scene especially when she was talking to/about him.
I really loved Maha for how confident and sassy she was but also for how much of a typical teenager she was. She threw tantrums, was immature at times. She had doubts as she was trying to figure out herself and how to balance religion and her granparents very severe restrictions with the things she wanted to do and have. Some aspects of that were really relatable to me. And I also adored her with Zeenat, she was completely herself around her. Their relationships is so realistic, full of ups and downs and Zeenat was kind of a big sister to her.
To wrap this all, Maha got her happy ending. I loved how it was sort of a compromise making everyone happy. Her grandparents included.
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