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aliciablack's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thebookguru's review
4.0
i really enjoyed this book
it made me think a lot about forced marriages and how boys can also be ostracized from society and their families for refusing to marry someone
in addition, i think it's incredibly informative for those who are unaware of the boundaries between culture and religion and how there's a BIG difference between an arranged marriage which is quite common compared to a forced marriage which is just plain wrong but an old cultural practice
i think this is a book everyone should read as it's a big eye opener about culture, previous misconceptions and what people go through just because they're born into it.
it made me think a lot about forced marriages and how boys can also be ostracized from society and their families for refusing to marry someone
in addition, i think it's incredibly informative for those who are unaware of the boundaries between culture and religion and how there's a BIG difference between an arranged marriage which is quite common compared to a forced marriage which is just plain wrong but an old cultural practice
i think this is a book everyone should read as it's a big eye opener about culture, previous misconceptions and what people go through just because they're born into it.
nightshade_novels's review
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book, so much so that i read it all in one day. It had me hooked right from the very beginning. I also appreciated that the events in the blurb happen very soon in the book, so you aren't waiting for them but rather looking forward to how they will be resolved.
It was so interesting to learn more about a culture and religion different to my own. But I also found parts of it hard to read. This is because I am more used to reading very fantasy-type fantasies rather than stories that could be real-life. Therefore I found it hard because some of the things that happened in this book do happen to people, even now.
I will definitely read this book again at some point, I really enjoyed it.
It was so interesting to learn more about a culture and religion different to my own. But I also found parts of it hard to read. This is because I am more used to reading very fantasy-type fantasies rather than stories that could be real-life. Therefore I found it hard because some of the things that happened in this book do happen to people, even now.
I will definitely read this book again at some point, I really enjoyed it.
zinelib's review
4.0
Imagine yourself 16 and visiting the old country (Pakistan) for the summer and learning that [spoiler]. I won't say what it is, but for Zeba, raised in the UK, it's not what she would have chosen for herself, and she is shocked into paralysis. Thank blob for her grandmother Nannyma and another teen she meets who is in the same position as Zeba, but the layers of betrayal feel impossible to navigate.
Nannyma also gives an excellent (dire) presentation of how capitalism works in tandem with men's fragile egos.
Nannyma also gives an excellent (dire) presentation of how capitalism works in tandem with men's fragile egos.
kba76's review
3.0
Zeba has just finished her GCSEs and her parents plan to take her to Pakistan for a holiday. Upon arrival, it's very clear that she is to be forced into marriage.
The story focuses on Zeba's experience in this remote village. She comes to understand more of her parents' culture, and we see some of the consequences of these beliefs.
As a young girl alone in what is, to all intents and purposes, a foreign country Zeba struggles. Thankfully her grandmother is a little more forward thinking than some and does her best to help Zeba return to her home.
If I'm being honest, the story felt contrived. I think Sehar's story is probably more common, but it felt that events were manipulated to fit the author's message.
The story focuses on Zeba's experience in this remote village. She comes to understand more of her parents' culture, and we see some of the consequences of these beliefs.
As a young girl alone in what is, to all intents and purposes, a foreign country Zeba struggles. Thankfully her grandmother is a little more forward thinking than some and does her best to help Zeba return to her home.
If I'm being honest, the story felt contrived. I think Sehar's story is probably more common, but it felt that events were manipulated to fit the author's message.
holl_yreads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So heartbreaking, very eye opening and although this was a happy ending it’s sad to know most people aren’t so lucky.
saarahn's review
3.0
A thoughtful novel of a family burdened by circumstance and traditions within a Pakistani culture.
h4mza_person27's review
4.0
This book is phenomenal. It is full of tragedy and hope and talks about forced marriage. I 100% recommend.
plum_shortcake's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5