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laurenleigh's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
I love how The StoryGraph’s translated fiction challenge expands my horizons! This sweet novel was a fun ride, like a Saudi version of Sex and the City. It also had major Bridgerton vibes with the secret identity storyteller giving us all the hot gossip. I really appreciated how seamlessly the narrator included the footnotes, which helped me better understand elements of the Saudi Arabian culture. I can also tell the writer worked very closely with the translator. I didn’t love how the author’s introduction told me what she wanted me to feel after reading this, but damn it she was totally spot on! (I’m just a stubborn Aries sometimes lol.) I know Saudi culture, especially for women, is externally very different than here in America. But internally, we’re all humans wanting to love and be loved. Despite our differences, these relationships were so relatable at their core. In the early 2000’s, I too could feel that double standard where I was expected to be smart and capable, but not too independent and outspoken, so as to not threaten or intimidate men. I too came up against that bullshit “sexy/slutty” boundary. I have a lot of love for these characters, as they explored these issues in their own lives in a deeply patriarchal society.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy