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sakisreads's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
This was harrowing but I could not put it down; I read it in 2 sittings 😳
It came up on my BookTok whilst I was searching for Palestinian authors. I’m so glad to have read it. The narratives of Fareeda, Isra and Deya were incredibly engaging. I’m also very grateful to have learned some Arabic terms (e.g. naseeb = destiny/fate).
I was shaken up when Sarah shared the newspaper clipping of Isra’s murder with Deya. But I am grateful that the actual murdering by Adam was never shared in the story. Isra had that last shred of hope 🥲
4.5 out of 5 stars for me, thank you ✨ Content warnings included below!
It came up on my BookTok whilst I was searching for Palestinian authors. I’m so glad to have read it. The narratives of Fareeda, Isra and Deya were incredibly engaging. I’m also very grateful to have learned some Arabic terms (e.g. naseeb = destiny/fate).
4.5 out of 5 stars for me, thank you ✨ Content warnings included below!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
michaelion's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I read Evil Eye last month and gave it 5 stars, and it's near impossible for me to give things 5 stars, so I figured this woman must be amazing I gotta read what else she has. Only one other book?! How heartbreaking! I need more! Etaf Rum the woman that you are!!!
I do feel that if I had read this book first and Evil Eye second, I still would've given Evil Eye 5 stars. These books were written for the culture. Not my culture, but the importance of them, the weight of them, were not just to represent Palestinians and Arabs, but to show other Arabs "this is who we are, we have stories to tell, and we have to be honest with ourselves" and I love that SO much. Etaf Rum you will always be famous!!!
I do feel that if I had read this book first and Evil Eye second, I still would've given Evil Eye 5 stars. These books were written for the culture. Not my culture, but the importance of them, the weight of them, were not just to represent Palestinians and Arabs, but to show other Arabs "this is who we are, we have stories to tell, and we have to be honest with ourselves" and I love that SO much. Etaf Rum you will always be famous!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Confinement, Genocide, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Abandonment, Colonisation, War, and Deportation
Minor: Body horror, Drug use, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Islamophobia, Stalking, and Car accident
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