lianareadss's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this book follows three generations of Palestinian woman raised in a conservative Arab household. it addresses the issues with forced marriages and the struggles women face in such communities, no matter where they reside. a lot of the topics discussed in this book are about the extreme misogyny and prejudice engrained in women and men, the generational trauma that is caused because of it, and what the realistic worst case outcome is of such harsh mindsets.
the way these topics are addressed is something i have mixed feelings about. for a book that is focusing on the issue that conservative Arab traditions are ultimately the problem, it shifts focus to religion unnecessarily. i don't agree with the way the characters shifted blame to God instead of the root of the problem, which is literally men and the extremely patriarchal system in conservative Arab culture which has nothing to do with religion.
culture ≠ religion and Islam is already vilified in all forms of media, so seeing it being also used in a negative light when its unnecessary to do so is disappointing. vilifying it as a muslim author as well is only fueling the narrative that Islam is the issue when it actually goes against everything these men do to women. instead, the author could've addressed the way Islam went against such extremist traditions and held the male characters accountable for their actions.
as for the feminism in this book, a lot of reviews were saying it was repetitive but i believe that it was realistic. women face all of this and more in real life and this is just one story about fictional characters when it really is much worse in reality. the whole point is to showcase the impact of generational trauma on women so its only natural that the author would reiterate those points.
i liked the three POVs because it really takes you into the minds of each of these characters, and you get to understand their thought process and character development more. fareeda's POV was especially interesting because she was one of the antagonists in this book, so it was interesting to see how her mindset is enforced through generations, and how she was not so different from her daughter-in-law and granddaughter at the end.
overall, this was an interesting read. i think it did a great job at addressing generational trauma and the misogyny that is so deeply rooted in culture. it is flawed and it could have been better but it's still worth reading. i do want to note that you should go into this knowing that this is an example of a conservative toxic Arab family and that this book does not represent all Arabs or Muslims. Rum did generalize and make it seem like this is the norm around here when it isn't really that common anymore.
paulea's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Abortion
hermusings's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Captivating & devastating.
sabinaleybold's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hopeanne's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
moonbites's review against another edition
4.0
A bittersweet story about family & growing up. This story deals with how it feels to not only be an immigrant in America, but a woman who must rely on her husband. It's a multi-generational story focused on the grandmother, mother and daughter. The characters were portrayed beautifully. Each woman was unique in how she saw the world through her culture & religion, with common themes scattered throughout. I also liked the writing style, it was story based rather than flowery prose.
The story tackles themes revolving around patriarchy & culture in realistic and digestible ways. I can see this novel going places.
I will give a quick warning though there is domestic abuse portrayed throughout the story.
The story tackles themes revolving around patriarchy & culture in realistic and digestible ways. I can see this novel going places.
I will give a quick warning though there is domestic abuse portrayed throughout the story.
tkamen626's review against another edition
5.0
This book ties together so beautifully- if you're not paying attention, the ending won't make sense. If you are paying attention, you'll notice how Deya's last memory is from the day Isra dies. This book shows what seems to be the harsh reality of being an Arab-American woman growing up in the United States. The multi-generational perspectives added a different level of depth to the book which I greatly appreciated. Overall- an excellent read.
affectionatelyyrs's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jennydurnan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emilyjmasters's review against another edition
slow-paced
4.0
this book was captivating, first of all. normally i don't love split POV types but I found this incredibly difficult to put down once I started reading it. it made me feel a a huge range of difficult emotions from rage and despair to hope, to anxiety, to compassion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape