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A review by zahraaloujain
When Life Gives You Lemons by Noor Sasha
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"When Life Gives You Lemons" by Noor Sasha certainly offers a unique reading experience. The beautiful cover art is what initially caught my attention, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of aesthetic appeal. However, the journey through the pages was quite an interesting one, reminiscent of the early days of Wattpad, but not always in the best way.
The novel shines in its representation of Pakistani culture and the nuanced portrayal of a character with epilepsy. This is particularly significant given the rarity of such representation in literature. Knowing that the author herself has epilepsy adds a layer of authenticity and bravery, as she channels her personal struggles into the narrative, providing a rare and invaluable perspective.
It's important to recognize that women of color often face an uphill battle in gaining recognition. The mediocrity of white authors frequently garners undue praise, while authors of color have to surpass extraordinary expectations to be noticed. Although this book may not be a literary masterpiece, it certainly surpasses many works by more celebrated authors. It’s a commendable effort that deserves acknowledgment.
One aspect that didn’t quite resonate with me was the portrayal of religion. While I understand that the author did not intend for the story to represent Muslims universally, the depiction felt somewhat inauthentic. It seemed more like an attempt by an outsider to earn inclusivity points rather than a genuine portrayal. Personally, I would have preferred if religion had been omitted entirely.
Despite these critiques, I am open to exploring more of Noor Sasha’s work in the future. Her debut may have had its flaws, but it also showcased a promising talent.
The novel shines in its representation of Pakistani culture and the nuanced portrayal of a character with epilepsy. This is particularly significant given the rarity of such representation in literature. Knowing that the author herself has epilepsy adds a layer of authenticity and bravery, as she channels her personal struggles into the narrative, providing a rare and invaluable perspective.
It's important to recognize that women of color often face an uphill battle in gaining recognition. The mediocrity of white authors frequently garners undue praise, while authors of color have to surpass extraordinary expectations to be noticed. Although this book may not be a literary masterpiece, it certainly surpasses many works by more celebrated authors. It’s a commendable effort that deserves acknowledgment.
One aspect that didn’t quite resonate with me was the portrayal of religion. While I understand that the author did not intend for the story to represent Muslims universally, the depiction felt somewhat inauthentic. It seemed more like an attempt by an outsider to earn inclusivity points rather than a genuine portrayal. Personally, I would have preferred if religion had been omitted entirely.
Despite these critiques, I am open to exploring more of Noor Sasha’s work in the future. Her debut may have had its flaws, but it also showcased a promising talent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness