rbecks123's review against another edition
5.0
This book was such a page turner for me. I usually don't read much non fiction as I find it difficult to focus on, but this book was one of a few exceptions because it has everything; strong narrative, beautiful and haunting descriptions, commentary on women's rights and how they're affected geographically - not to mention the insight into Syria as a place before the war.
Many people, myself included, won't have heard a first-hand account of Syrian culture, the wonders of the country and it's people prior to seeing news coverage about the war. This book is an incredibly important artifact in recognising the preconceived ideas we all have based on news, social media etc. and the author offers us a striking glimpse into the place she calls home.
Many people, myself included, won't have heard a first-hand account of Syrian culture, the wonders of the country and it's people prior to seeing news coverage about the war. This book is an incredibly important artifact in recognising the preconceived ideas we all have based on news, social media etc. and the author offers us a striking glimpse into the place she calls home.
aminasbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
enbeefinery's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
“We all come from somewhere. However, when someone asks where I come from, I pause, for longer than I should, before I answer. And every time I say I am from Syria, I feel like I’m standing at a funeral while Syria lies in an open casket and mourners tell me how sorry they are for my loss.”
i wept for hours.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Pregnancy and Xenophobia
Minor: Abortion
aoileann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
lucifer_the_cat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
aliyyah's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
I forgot for a second that I don’t rate non-fiction because I was about to give this five stars.
I loved reading about Suad’s life, from when she was a child growing up in Saudi Arabia and Syria, all the way to her becoming a mother and settling in Ireland. I learned a lot about the war in Syria, and reading about someone who experienced it was gut wrenching. My heart ached for Suad and all of the people who lost so much.
This was written beautifully and I felt so many things throughout. What an amazing story.
lastcabtonowhere's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
the thread seems to break down a little towards the end of the book, but the beginning is pretty great
thebowandthebook's review
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
4.75
Really good memoir. Very sad how objectified women were in those areas, and her experiences growing up were really interesting to read about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and War
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Racism, Death, Islamophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Abortion and Child abuse