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Payback
Like some of her friends, 18-year-old Halima, a Muslim, has moved with her family to London, and her horizons are beginning to expand. Then, just as she is about to start university, she discovers her father's secret plan: to marry her to the son of a distant relation in Pakistan who once did him a favor. Halima is to be the repayment of the debt, and it's payback time. The question is, will Halima, who is now immersed in a new life far from her former village, find the inner resources to resist? Or will she give in to the pressures of family and culture and forsake her new life in London, along with her dreams? This timely book offers an exciting story of courage and friendship set against a background of traditional cultural attitudes in conflict with contemporary feelings. Payback questions the custom of arranged marriages and Hindu and Muslim attitudes toward them, while inviting young readers to do the same.
207 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Rosemary Hayes
66 books15 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Rosemary Hayes was brought up and educated in the UK but has also lived in France, America and Australia. She has written over fifty books for children many of which have won, or been shortlisted for awards and several translated into different languages. She has recently turned her hand to writing historical fiction for adults, and the first in this genre, the award winning 'The King's Command' is about the terror and tragedy of a Huguenot family living in Louis XIV's France. The second, 'Traitor's Game' is the first in the trilogy 'Soldier Spy' and follows the exploits of Will Fraser, disgraced soldier, lover and reluctant spy, during the Napoleonic Wars. For many years Rosemary was a reader for a well known Authors’ Advisory Service; she now runs creative writing courses and workshops for adults.
To find out more about Rosemary or to order her books, visit her website www.rosemaryhayes.co.uk
Follow her on Facebook and X @HayesRosemary
Rosemary Hayes was brought up and educated in the UK but has also lived in France, America and Australia. She has written over fifty books for children many of which have won, or been shortlisted for awards and several translated into different languages. She has recently turned her hand to writing historical fiction for adults, and the first in this genre, the award winning 'The King's Command' is about the terror and tragedy of a Huguenot family living in Louis XIV's France. The second, 'Traitor's Game' is the first in the trilogy 'Soldier Spy' and follows the exploits of Will Fraser, disgraced soldier, lover and reluctant spy, during the Napoleonic Wars. For many years Rosemary was a reader for a well known Authors’ Advisory Service; she now runs creative writing courses and workshops for adults.
To find out more about Rosemary or to order her books, visit her website www.rosemaryhayes.co.uk
Follow her on Facebook and X @HayesRosemary
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 4, 2014
This story is about a Pakistani girl, Halima, who received education in London, has her own aspirations and dream to be a successful career woman. Unlike the typical Pakistani girls who will be married off to the guy chosen by their dad, Halima wanted different things in life. She thought that the guy, Mahmmood, would be the kind of husband that her Dad would accept. However, her Dad has already decide on her future husband.
I like the way how the author provides an insight on the real life of a Pakistani family, since the author said that it was a true story told by a Pakistani woman. Since I have just read all books written by Khaled Hosseini, I grew interest in finding out the life in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the honour killing, forced marriage. What I dislike of this story is the slow build-up and I felt like the story was more suitable for young readers. I was expecting a good climax but all I got was such a mundane storyline. Probably I was comparing it to Khaled Hosseini's writings, hence, the higher expectation. All in all, it was a big disappointment!
I like the way how the author provides an insight on the real life of a Pakistani family, since the author said that it was a true story told by a Pakistani woman. Since I have just read all books written by Khaled Hosseini, I grew interest in finding out the life in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the honour killing, forced marriage. What I dislike of this story is the slow build-up and I felt like the story was more suitable for young readers. I was expecting a good climax but all I got was such a mundane storyline. Probably I was comparing it to Khaled Hosseini's writings, hence, the higher expectation. All in all, it was a big disappointment!
July 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Reading the author's note at the end about the book being based on another persons story really tied everything in place. I will admit that I thought the book was more action-packed based on the cover design and its little sentiment towards the bottom of the cover, but overall it was an enjoyable read. The small thrilled cliffhangers in the beginning and throughout the middle were very small, and just enough to keep you engaged. The pacing was done perfectly. This story represents realistic real world religious issues that may be overlooked by many, especially individuals whom are not Muslim. Although it does not give the best representation of Islam, it leaves much room for inquiry and ambiguity in how the reader should feel towards Islam, and I believe this is best highlighted with the character Kate. Her dynamism is much appreciated in the later chapters of the book, as I will admittedly say that I found her rather annoying in the beginning.
My only complaint was that certain characters feel rather flat. This is understandable as the protagonist is telling her story in reverse order from where she ends up at the end, but I feel like we could have known more about who Asmaa and Habib were. Having more forced interactions between the protagonist and her father would have made us understand her father more outside of "family honor", and further reinforce his importance to the plot.
My only complaint was that certain characters feel rather flat. This is understandable as the protagonist is telling her story in reverse order from where she ends up at the end, but I feel like we could have known more about who Asmaa and Habib were. Having more forced interactions between the protagonist and her father would have made us understand her father more outside of "family honor", and further reinforce his importance to the plot.
October 1, 2023
Summary:
Halima learns that her father has secretly arranged her marriage to a man she has never met. She finds herself questioning what is more important, her loyalty to her family or the dreams she has for her future.
My Thoughts:
Payback is based on a true story & it provides a glimpse into another world based on the Muslim religion. I found myself learning quite a bit from this novel & I feel bad for those who are forced into these arranged marriages. It is a powerful novel with an important message.
My Rating: * * * *
Halima learns that her father has secretly arranged her marriage to a man she has never met. She finds herself questioning what is more important, her loyalty to her family or the dreams she has for her future.
My Thoughts:
Payback is based on a true story & it provides a glimpse into another world based on the Muslim religion. I found myself learning quite a bit from this novel & I feel bad for those who are forced into these arranged marriages. It is a powerful novel with an important message.
My Rating: * * * *
December 28, 2024
the writing style is so unsatisfactory. this book should've given more rounds of editing. also the cover design is so unpleasant to look at. i picked it up because i dont judge a book by its cover, but maybe i should have.
July 31, 2015
This book, oh man, where should I start?
This book, is one of the most nerve wrecking books I have ever read, and I've read quite a few.
The story is ultimately about Halima, a young woman who after an entire life (which would be about 18 years if I'm correct) of obeying her father, finally learns to find her own voice.
Her childhood, at least early childhood, takes place in a small Pakistani village, before her father decides to bring the entire family to London, where he've been working for years.
In London, Halima ends up at an all girls school, where she ultimately forms a strong friendship with Kate, the opinionated Irish girl, and joins the debate club, where she meets the rest ever woman who is not controlled by any man, or the idea of "family honour".
As I said in the beginning, this helps Halima find her own voice, as well as forming her own ideas of what is right, and what isn't.
Therefore, when her father tells her that she's to be married to a sexist pig, who literally told her that she "belonged to him", as well as she would have to leave her home, friends, educations AND dreams, to be his picture-perfect wife; she decided she had had enough, and decides to run away.
I think the reason why this book LITERALLY crushed my soul, is
A: it's based on a true story.
B: we all know that forced marriages happens way too often, thereby meaning that the true story which inspired this book is far from being the only incident of this bullshit.
And C: Halima wouldn't even have thought twice about marrying this guy, if it hadn't been because of Kate, her education and the debate club teacher.
Halima wouldn't have thought "oh well, it's pretty shit ain't it? I don't know this guy, and my dad will only marry me off to him to pay off an old debt." If it wasn't for the fact, that she'd been exposed to RATIONAL THINKING, and the fundamental ideas of feminism.
If her dad had never brought her to London, into a society where debate, education and the thought of forced marriages is grotesque, is a part of life, she'd married that shitface, simply because that was what she was supposed to do, that was what was right in the small Pakistani village.
It breaks my heart to think about how different everything would have been, if Halima hadn't learned the stuff she had during her time in London. It frightens me, that her family would totally reject her for refusing to marry a guy she'd never even met.
And it worries me that it still happens till this day, that for some girls out there, THIS is their reality; THIS is their life. And they don't think it's wrong, because they've been taught to accept it.
This book has somehow managed to open my eyes even more and make me think about stuff that I haven't really considered before, even tho it isn't even 200 pages long.
I hate this book, and I absolutely adore it, therefore I simply HAVE to break its sad rating-statistics, and give it 5 stars.
And now, please excuse me as I cry my eyes out, and rereads it all over again.
This book, is one of the most nerve wrecking books I have ever read, and I've read quite a few.
The story is ultimately about Halima, a young woman who after an entire life (which would be about 18 years if I'm correct) of obeying her father, finally learns to find her own voice.
Her childhood, at least early childhood, takes place in a small Pakistani village, before her father decides to bring the entire family to London, where he've been working for years.
In London, Halima ends up at an all girls school, where she ultimately forms a strong friendship with Kate, the opinionated Irish girl, and joins the debate club, where she meets the rest ever woman who is not controlled by any man, or the idea of "family honour".
As I said in the beginning, this helps Halima find her own voice, as well as forming her own ideas of what is right, and what isn't.
Therefore, when her father tells her that she's to be married to a sexist pig, who literally told her that she "belonged to him", as well as she would have to leave her home, friends, educations AND dreams, to be his picture-perfect wife; she decided she had had enough, and decides to run away.
I think the reason why this book LITERALLY crushed my soul, is
A: it's based on a true story.
B: we all know that forced marriages happens way too often, thereby meaning that the true story which inspired this book is far from being the only incident of this bullshit.
And C: Halima wouldn't even have thought twice about marrying this guy, if it hadn't been because of Kate, her education and the debate club teacher.
Halima wouldn't have thought "oh well, it's pretty shit ain't it? I don't know this guy, and my dad will only marry me off to him to pay off an old debt." If it wasn't for the fact, that she'd been exposed to RATIONAL THINKING, and the fundamental ideas of feminism.
If her dad had never brought her to London, into a society where debate, education and the thought of forced marriages is grotesque, is a part of life, she'd married that shitface, simply because that was what she was supposed to do, that was what was right in the small Pakistani village.
It breaks my heart to think about how different everything would have been, if Halima hadn't learned the stuff she had during her time in London. It frightens me, that her family would totally reject her for refusing to marry a guy she'd never even met.
And it worries me that it still happens till this day, that for some girls out there, THIS is their reality; THIS is their life. And they don't think it's wrong, because they've been taught to accept it.
This book has somehow managed to open my eyes even more and make me think about stuff that I haven't really considered before, even tho it isn't even 200 pages long.
I hate this book, and I absolutely adore it, therefore I simply HAVE to break its sad rating-statistics, and give it 5 stars.
And now, please excuse me as I cry my eyes out, and rereads it all over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
I got this book at a fundraising bazaar organized by an erstwhile chairman of ANA Lagos, and I’m glad I picked this one amongst so many choices. I was intrigued by the title and the tagline, initially thinking it was a crime/thriller novel, but the description said otherwise.
A young Pakistani girl, Halima is promised to a man in her village many years back for helping her father out of a difficult situation, an arrangement she knows nothing about, until years later after she’s moved to England with her sister and mother to join her father and brothers and finds a Pakistani guy she likes.
Brought up in a setting where matchmaking and fixed marriages are a norm, Halima doesn’t contest it, though she begins to have some doubts after she gets exposure in the western world. However, after her sister is married off to a suitable man who she agreed to, Halima has some hope. She believes she can accept or refuse a man proposed by her father, then she meets a cousin of her sister’s husband and suggests him as a husband. No one pays her any attention until her sister finally lets her in on the full story. Her father promised her to a man and must keep to his word.
Halima understands the importance of family and honour, not just to her family but to the family of the man she’s promised to. And given her exposure to the western world and their different ways of thinking, she is caught between making her own choices and respecting her family. Her immediate older brother, the model child of the family had quit school and run away, and in return, he got cut off from the family and was disowned. Halima doesn’t want this but has no choice.
With the help of two trusted women, she makes a choice.
Read more on my blog: http://cmokonkwosblog.blogspot.com/20...
A young Pakistani girl, Halima is promised to a man in her village many years back for helping her father out of a difficult situation, an arrangement she knows nothing about, until years later after she’s moved to England with her sister and mother to join her father and brothers and finds a Pakistani guy she likes.
Brought up in a setting where matchmaking and fixed marriages are a norm, Halima doesn’t contest it, though she begins to have some doubts after she gets exposure in the western world. However, after her sister is married off to a suitable man who she agreed to, Halima has some hope. She believes she can accept or refuse a man proposed by her father, then she meets a cousin of her sister’s husband and suggests him as a husband. No one pays her any attention until her sister finally lets her in on the full story. Her father promised her to a man and must keep to his word.
Halima understands the importance of family and honour, not just to her family but to the family of the man she’s promised to. And given her exposure to the western world and their different ways of thinking, she is caught between making her own choices and respecting her family. Her immediate older brother, the model child of the family had quit school and run away, and in return, he got cut off from the family and was disowned. Halima doesn’t want this but has no choice.
With the help of two trusted women, she makes a choice.
Read more on my blog: http://cmokonkwosblog.blogspot.com/20...
July 15, 2012
The picture on the cover makes this book look super dramatic and scary when in reality it's a bit slow. It's written from the point of view of Halima, a Pakistani Muslim who moves to England, with a couple chapters from Kate, her new Irish agnostic friend. The challenge of trying to stay true to oneself when facing family censure is depicted here as are the dangers of forced marriage, and certainly YA readers will leave this book wanting the law to keep all young girls safe and not turn the other way under the guise of religious tolerance when families pressure girls to marry against their will. But overall for me, I found the book pretty dull, and though Halima is described as defending Muslim beliefs in her debate class, none of her arguments or beliefs are actually stated. A dedicated reader might be willing to read to the end to get a glimpse of another culture, but in general I think this book is too slow for most YA readers.
November 5, 2010
A YA book inspired from a true story.
On the form of first-person narrative from Halima, the main character who has been promised as payback to her father's friend, and her friends Kate and Mahmoud. Of course, Halima wants a better life... and is in love with a cool dude (Mahmood)
The cover image gives away part of the plot, but its hint to a ring of shady people adept at finding and "retrieving" unwilling runaway brides.
I am certain the story stems from a real experience. Howerver, the extraordinary efficiency of the two friends when Halima is kidnapped seemed to me more YA novel fancy stuff than reality. But those are modern youths, and cell-phones are used abundantly in the novel.
All in all, an excellent inner view in the life of a Pakistani family recently immigrated in Britain, and adapting.
On the form of first-person narrative from Halima, the main character who has been promised as payback to her father's friend, and her friends Kate and Mahmoud. Of course, Halima wants a better life... and is in love with a cool dude (Mahmood)
The cover image gives away part of the plot, but its hint to a ring of shady people adept at finding and "retrieving" unwilling runaway brides.
I am certain the story stems from a real experience. Howerver, the extraordinary efficiency of the two friends when Halima is kidnapped seemed to me more YA novel fancy stuff than reality. But those are modern youths, and cell-phones are used abundantly in the novel.
All in all, an excellent inner view in the life of a Pakistani family recently immigrated in Britain, and adapting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2010
I am getting really tired of portrayals of Pakistan that only show one aspect of the culture and society--uneducated villagers who marry off their daughters for some sort of monetary gain. Not that this isn't a terrible and real problem, but I'm wondering where all the stories are about educated urban Pakistanis who leave their hair uncovered and let their children have input into who they marry. Yes, they exist.
February 23, 2012
I would add this book to our classroom library with slight reservations. I have Pakistani families whose dynamics are pointedly different than the dynamic in Halima's family but, that being said, I'm still not sure they'd love their daughters to read a book about running away from home. I also would hate to think that adolescents would read this book and potentially assume that every Pakistani family is this destructive to their children.
December 14, 2009
A great read about a teenager put into a horrible situation by a cruel, inflexable father.
June 15, 2010
Fast-paced, realisitc story about a Pakistani girl living in London rejecting an arranged marriage made by her father when she was eight-years-old for payment of a debt.
Read
March 18, 2015Halima discovers her father's secret plan: to marry her to a distant relation in Pakistan to repay a debt.
January 8, 2010
this book is awesome
Read
October 27, 2011I HATED THIS BOOK!!! i had to read it for school and didnt enjoy any part of it!
July 4, 2013
It Was Okay.. /:
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews