Reviews

I love to read, and I will read pretty much anything even though like most I have my favorites. However, because this is a well known fact about me I tend to receive a lot of book recommendations or gifts, and I have a severe issue of not being able to say no to anyone.

That said, I did find this book interesting for its depiction of the main characters' lives, the terror and the multicolored beauty that I envisioned when the Sibi fair & wedding clothes were described.

rachaelb27's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really liked this book once I got into it. The only thing confusing me is that the excerpt from the sequel in the back of this book changed the facts. I think I won't read the sequel. I'm fine with just leaving the story at the end of this first book.

ginger_d's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This (along with the sequel) was one of my absolute favorite books as a young teen. In retrospect, it probably planted some seeds about girls breaking out of the narrow pathways expected of them.

junimocats's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

i’ve had this book in my collection for a while and haven’t read it. it’s from 1989. i didn’t realize until i finished reading that the author is white, but this is a story about a pakistani girl and her struggle with arranged marriage and now i just wonder how much of it is actually realistic and how much is just racism. there are also two sequels i probably won’t read. but two stars because the writing itself was good for a middle grade.

kibbles15's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

jessdance34's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I have read many books from this area of the world, but none like this. This one took place in a rural area in the desert whereas many books I have read from the Pakistan/Afghanistan area are set in the city. This gives me a different perspective of the difference between our culture and their culture, which I really liked. The story and plot line is relevant for being in that part of the country and realistic to my knowledge. The way the book ended set up for the second one perfectly, and I enjoyed that ending change in character. There were two things that really bothered me with this book. The first, throughout the beginning of the book, I found Shabanu extremely annoying. As she makes her great discovery at the end, I began to like her more, and I can't wait to see where her character goes in the next one. The other piece is that the back of the book talks about a great tragedy that comes to the family that changes her life, that great tragedy took to page 150 before it happened. It was too much anticipation if you ask me. Overall, I am excited to see where the second book goes! :)

raygina's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I read this book many times when I was younger. I didn't realize until now I hadn't rated it, or that there was more to the story.

More...