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A review by year23
Bride of the Sea by Eman Quotah
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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
5.0
A heartbreaking portrait of a family navigating gender, culture, and religious expectations and 'isms and making difficult and at times, traumatic choices in that process.
I wish there was more of Saeedah's voice & perspective, you get glimpses but it doesn't take up nearly enough of the narrative. Instead it's much more focused on the people around her. I'm still thinking about this choice and what the author was going for - perhaps how what matters much less is the why behind this choice and more the what and impact of those choices. She remains a mystery still through to the end.
I highly recommend - especially those looking to delve into the immigrant experience, particularly for Saudi Arabians, and all challenges & questions that brings around identity, agency, home, family.
I wish there was more of Saeedah's voice & perspective, you get glimpses but it doesn't take up nearly enough of the narrative. Instead it's much more focused on the people around her. I'm still thinking about this choice and what the author was going for - perhaps how what matters much less is the why behind this choice and more the what and impact of those choices. She remains a mystery still through to the end.
I highly recommend - especially those looking to delve into the immigrant experience, particularly for Saudi Arabians, and all challenges & questions that brings around identity, agency, home, family.