Scan barcode
raindrops333's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Classism, Confinement, Sexism, and Slavery
Minor: Mental illness and Injury/Injury detail
lawbooks600's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Representation: Asian characters
Score: Seven points out of ten.
I wanted to read this for a while but never got around till now. Soon enough, it was time to read Amal Unbound. I glanced at the blurb, making it seem like an intriguing, yet heavy read, despite being targeted for a younger audience. That aspect doesn't automatically cheapen a novel like this, as some can be hits. The ratings were high, so I headed in with high expectations. When I closed the final page, I enjoyed it, but I've read better.
It starts with the titular character, Amal, living in an impoverished neighbourhood in Pakistan, longing to be a teacher. The only problem is the society Amal lives in, as her family forced her to stay at home to care for the people there instead of going to school. I could understand that some communities are sexist since they are biased against women, which is sad to see on the pages. After the opening pages, Amal unexpectedly encounters the son of a landlord and has to work at the landlord's mansion as punishment. The middle of Amal Unbound is the saddest section to read as I must see Amal at the lowest point of her life: being a slave. However, the situation becomes less bleak from there, as Amal meets a minor character and plans to escape the mansion. For a narrative above 200 pages, it can get slow-paced at times, but that does not ruin my enjoyment. I liked all the protagonists, especially Amal, and I appreciate how the author wrote her so that I could connect and relate to her. The conclusion is satisfying as Amal exposes the antagonist's actions, causing his arrest and finishing Amal Unbound on a high note.
Score: Seven points out of ten.
I wanted to read this for a while but never got around till now. Soon enough, it was time to read Amal Unbound. I glanced at the blurb, making it seem like an intriguing, yet heavy read, despite being targeted for a younger audience. That aspect doesn't automatically cheapen a novel like this, as some can be hits. The ratings were high, so I headed in with high expectations. When I closed the final page, I enjoyed it, but I've read better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Blood, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, and Murder
Full trigger warnings: Slavery, physical injury, blood depiction, sexism, depression, death, arson and murder mentionedthedemogorgon's review
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Am I outside of the age range for this book?
Yes.
Did I still enjoy it?
Yes.
This is a book I have nothing but praises to sing for. I was scrolling through my library's selection on Libby when I saw this book. The cover caught my attention, and for good reason. It. Is. Gorgeous. I read the plot summary, and even though I'm an adult, I knew I had to read this book. It grabbed my attention, and I wanted to know what would happen!
Amal Unbound tells the story of Amal, who is sent to an estate to be a servant after standing up to one of the men in charge. Throughout the story, we see her resilience and kindness shine through. She forms close bonds with the other servants, my favorite of which being hers with little Fatima. Fatima was my second favorite character, I would've loved to see more of her or even her story.
This book touches upon things, such as gender inequality in countries like Pakistan and the right to an education. These are big topics to be exploring in a kid's book, and I think the author did it flawlessly. It's presented in a way that's easy for the target audience to understand without talking down to or dumbing it down.
I think this is a great book for kids to read, and even other adults too. It's easy to follow and a quick read, but a great one nonetheless.
Yes.
Did I still enjoy it?
Yes.
This is a book I have nothing but praises to sing for. I was scrolling through my library's selection on Libby when I saw this book. The cover caught my attention, and for good reason. It. Is. Gorgeous. I read the plot summary, and even though I'm an adult, I knew I had to read this book. It grabbed my attention, and I wanted to know what would happen!
Amal Unbound tells the story of Amal, who is sent to an estate to be a servant after standing up to one of the men in charge. Throughout the story, we see her resilience and kindness shine through. She forms close bonds with the other servants, my favorite of which being hers with little Fatima. Fatima was my second favorite character, I would've loved to see more of her or even her story.
This book touches upon things, such as gender inequality in countries like Pakistan and the right to an education. These are big topics to be exploring in a kid's book, and I think the author did it flawlessly. It's presented in a way that's easy for the target audience to understand without talking down to or dumbing it down.
I think this is a great book for kids to read, and even other adults too. It's easy to follow and a quick read, but a great one nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Death
brookey8888's review
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very educational(for everyone not just for middle grade readers). I don’t know a lot about Pakistan, but I did learn a lot in this book. I really admired Amal and how brave she was fighting for what she believes in. It’s really sad that what happens in this book happens and is usually a lot worse. I did really like the relationships she has and makes in the book. I do also think there’s a lot of good life lessons in this the main one being don’t be afraid to be brave.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexism, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Police brutality, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Child abuse, Classism, and Grief
More...