Scan barcode
A review by badrborne
A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar
4.0
I have to admit that, in my darkest moments, the fight for more representation in literature (especially those books that could pass as YA/are directed at young adults) seems futile to me.
Then I read a book like A Map of Home .
While it's important to note that this book is one of the first I've read with a young bi Arab-American woman at the center of it's narrative, I have to say that what really resonated with me were the geographies that Nidali inhabited at some point or another throughout the novel. It's hard - probably impossible, or maybe I just haven't been looking hard enough - to find coming-of-age novels about young girls who grew up in the Gulf, much less young lesbian/bi girls who did so. I think this is the first time I've been able to so deeply relate to a fictional character's upbringing. Nidali's relationship with her parents was also so beautifully represented, with all the nuance and sensitivity I could've ever hoped for. There are also thematic elements that pleasantly reminded me of the stuff I came across - and really enjoyed - while reading Ananya's Bless Me, Ultima . This book definitely pulled me out of a dark moment. I only wish I had found it when I was younger. It might've made all the difference in the world.
Then I read a book like A Map of Home .
While it's important to note that this book is one of the first I've read with a young bi Arab-American woman at the center of it's narrative, I have to say that what really resonated with me were the geographies that Nidali inhabited at some point or another throughout the novel. It's hard - probably impossible, or maybe I just haven't been looking hard enough - to find coming-of-age novels about young girls who grew up in the Gulf, much less young lesbian/bi girls who did so. I think this is the first time I've been able to so deeply relate to a fictional character's upbringing. Nidali's relationship with her parents was also so beautifully represented, with all the nuance and sensitivity I could've ever hoped for. There are also thematic elements that pleasantly reminded me of the stuff I came across - and really enjoyed - while reading Ananya's Bless Me, Ultima . This book definitely pulled me out of a dark moment. I only wish I had found it when I was younger. It might've made all the difference in the world.