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أسرار فتاة الحنّة
في هذه الرواية الحارقة والمشوّقة، تفضح صوفية أحمد هذه العادة الصادمة والمفجعة.
الحياة، كما تعرفها زيبا، قد تنتهي حقاً...
زيبا كأيّ فتاة في السادسة عشرة من العمر: تستمتع بالحياة، تنتظر نتائج الامتحانات المدرسية، وتحلم باليوم الذي تلتقي فيه بحبّها الحقيقي...
لكنّ لوالديها خططاً أخرى.
في عطلة الصيف، تزور زيبا باكستان، بلد أهلها الأصلي، حيث ينهار عالمها. لم تكن تتوقع أن يُفرض عليها واجبٌ يحمي شرف والدها، لكنه يهدّد مستقبلها.
فهل تملك الأسرار الكفيلة بنجاتها؟
الحياة، كما تعرفها زيبا، قد تنتهي حقاً...
زيبا كأيّ فتاة في السادسة عشرة من العمر: تستمتع بالحياة، تنتظر نتائج الامتحانات المدرسية، وتحلم باليوم الذي تلتقي فيه بحبّها الحقيقي...
لكنّ لوالديها خططاً أخرى.
في عطلة الصيف، تزور زيبا باكستان، بلد أهلها الأصلي، حيث ينهار عالمها. لم تكن تتوقع أن يُفرض عليها واجبٌ يحمي شرف والدها، لكنه يهدّد مستقبلها.
فهل تملك الأسرار الكفيلة بنجاتها؟
328 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Sufiya Ahmed
63 books34 followersSufiya Ahmed was born in India and arrived in the UK as a baby. She lived in Bolton, Lancashire, before moving to London where she still lives. Sufiya has worked in advertising and in the House of Commons, but is now a full-time author. In 2010 Sufiya set up the BIBI Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to arrange visits to the Houses of Parliament for diverse and underprivileged school children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 7, 2012
Sixteen-year-old Zeba Khan is waiting for her exam results to come, when her parents decide on a family vacation to their home country of Pakistan. Zeba considers herself British, and visiting her parents’ home country isn’t exactly on her top vacation picks.
But to Pakistan she goes, to the blistering heat, where she finds out that her parents have decided she is to marry her cousin Asif, her father’s older brother’s son, who is in the military. Zeba becomes a scapegoat in a battle of family politics, as she is forced to sacrifice her dreams and desires for the welfare of her cousin, whose parents want out of the army.
But Zeba won’t go without a fight and does whatever she can to escape her parents plans…
Hmmm. This is a tough book to review. I personally avoid books about my own culture and religion (in fiction, that is), because I find the issue of arranged or forced marriage to have been done to death, and I’m sick of hearing about yet another heroine who is forced to marry against her wishes, because her religion forces her to.
Before going into my review, let me just make the difference between arranged and forced marriages clear. This is a definition that Sufiya Ahmed abides by as well, and doesn’t confuse as the same. An arranged marriage is one that is arranged by the parents or other relatives of the bride and groom, one in which both bride and groom consent to. Since in Islam it is prohibited to date, arranged marriages are a common way for young Muslims to meet their future spouses.
A forced marriage, on the other hand, is one in which one or either party does not consent to the marriage and is forced into it. This is both prohibited in Islam and is illegal.
Arranged marriages are often thought of as being forced, and I just wanted to make it known that that is not the case.
Ahmed makes this point quite clearly in the novel as well. Zeba does not wish to marry Asif, and she is being forced against her will. Because of the volatile conditions of Pakistan, her uncle wants Asif, his son, to leave the army, and he figures that marrying him to his younger brother’s daughter, Zeba, and sending him to Britain with them is the best way to save his life.
Zeba doesn’t go without a fight though. She tries her hardest to convince her parents, and when they don’t agree, she’s sent to spend the rest of her summer, before her wedding, at her maternal grandmother’s house, where she learns humility and humanity, as she watches how her grandmother holds the whole village together. She makes friends with another British girl, one who was also wed against her wishes, and her attendant, and the three band together in the Sindhi village to make life more bearable for each of them.
Zeba is a strong character and one that grows and matures throughout the story. Her parents, though, seemed like caricatures and didn’t seem real in any way. They were presented as the evil foreign parents who were so tightly bound by tradition and honour that they couldn’t even understand the plight of their daughter. I understand that situations like these are common throughout the world, but I would have loved to see some depth beneath their veneered surfaces, some sort of heart beneath their masks. I feel like Ahmed failed on that count.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, the Secrets of the Henna Girl lacked depth. The story was pretty straight-forward; there weren’t very many surprises or new things to discover. Like I mentioned, this issue has been done to death, and I was hoping for some depth in Zeba’s character or in the way the story was told, but unfortunately there was none.
For someone who is unfamiliar with the issue, I would definitely recommend it. It describes the issue well and also shows possible solutions to fight it.
3/5.
But to Pakistan she goes, to the blistering heat, where she finds out that her parents have decided she is to marry her cousin Asif, her father’s older brother’s son, who is in the military. Zeba becomes a scapegoat in a battle of family politics, as she is forced to sacrifice her dreams and desires for the welfare of her cousin, whose parents want out of the army.
But Zeba won’t go without a fight and does whatever she can to escape her parents plans…
Hmmm. This is a tough book to review. I personally avoid books about my own culture and religion (in fiction, that is), because I find the issue of arranged or forced marriage to have been done to death, and I’m sick of hearing about yet another heroine who is forced to marry against her wishes, because her religion forces her to.
Before going into my review, let me just make the difference between arranged and forced marriages clear. This is a definition that Sufiya Ahmed abides by as well, and doesn’t confuse as the same. An arranged marriage is one that is arranged by the parents or other relatives of the bride and groom, one in which both bride and groom consent to. Since in Islam it is prohibited to date, arranged marriages are a common way for young Muslims to meet their future spouses.
A forced marriage, on the other hand, is one in which one or either party does not consent to the marriage and is forced into it. This is both prohibited in Islam and is illegal.
Arranged marriages are often thought of as being forced, and I just wanted to make it known that that is not the case.
Ahmed makes this point quite clearly in the novel as well. Zeba does not wish to marry Asif, and she is being forced against her will. Because of the volatile conditions of Pakistan, her uncle wants Asif, his son, to leave the army, and he figures that marrying him to his younger brother’s daughter, Zeba, and sending him to Britain with them is the best way to save his life.
Zeba doesn’t go without a fight though. She tries her hardest to convince her parents, and when they don’t agree, she’s sent to spend the rest of her summer, before her wedding, at her maternal grandmother’s house, where she learns humility and humanity, as she watches how her grandmother holds the whole village together. She makes friends with another British girl, one who was also wed against her wishes, and her attendant, and the three band together in the Sindhi village to make life more bearable for each of them.
Zeba is a strong character and one that grows and matures throughout the story. Her parents, though, seemed like caricatures and didn’t seem real in any way. They were presented as the evil foreign parents who were so tightly bound by tradition and honour that they couldn’t even understand the plight of their daughter. I understand that situations like these are common throughout the world, but I would have loved to see some depth beneath their veneered surfaces, some sort of heart beneath their masks. I feel like Ahmed failed on that count.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, the Secrets of the Henna Girl lacked depth. The story was pretty straight-forward; there weren’t very many surprises or new things to discover. Like I mentioned, this issue has been done to death, and I was hoping for some depth in Zeba’s character or in the way the story was told, but unfortunately there was none.
For someone who is unfamiliar with the issue, I would definitely recommend it. It describes the issue well and also shows possible solutions to fight it.
3/5.
October 5, 2015
First off, thank you to Penguin Group for sending me this book for review. I was particularly interested in this novel based on the culture and mix of different ideas that Sufiya Ahmed promised to bring forth - a taste of something different.
Being a Muslim myself, throughout the book, I found myself nodding along with certain phrases and the ideas that were presented from the parents of the main character Zeba as well as the relatives she visits when she goes abroad. Though it's quite a step back from modern culture that other readers of different cultural backgrounds may face, it encapsulates perfectly, in the 20th century, the existence of traditional and family ties that Sufiya Ahmed successfully replicates in the novel. The issues she deals with, such as arranged marriage, family ties, tradition, culture and identity aren't too heavy in the book and allows for easy reading. Yet at the same times, brings educational enlightenment to readers, and helping them to understand why certain things are how they are in certain cultures.
We are drawn, as readers, to Zeba's pain and find understanding and comfort in the character of her grandma, amidst the chaos of her parents and other relatives. Enter a friend who can connect to Zeba and feel her pain, and we have the perfect characters to take us on this journey. While there were twists and turns, and one very shocking one which I didn't want to see, Sufiya definitely captures your attention with the drama and weaves in the key messages which she hopes to get across - and she does this successfully.
An interesting book, something which will bring educational enlightenment of differences in culture and tradition to its readers and a great book by Sufiya.
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Being a Muslim myself, throughout the book, I found myself nodding along with certain phrases and the ideas that were presented from the parents of the main character Zeba as well as the relatives she visits when she goes abroad. Though it's quite a step back from modern culture that other readers of different cultural backgrounds may face, it encapsulates perfectly, in the 20th century, the existence of traditional and family ties that Sufiya Ahmed successfully replicates in the novel. The issues she deals with, such as arranged marriage, family ties, tradition, culture and identity aren't too heavy in the book and allows for easy reading. Yet at the same times, brings educational enlightenment to readers, and helping them to understand why certain things are how they are in certain cultures.
We are drawn, as readers, to Zeba's pain and find understanding and comfort in the character of her grandma, amidst the chaos of her parents and other relatives. Enter a friend who can connect to Zeba and feel her pain, and we have the perfect characters to take us on this journey. While there were twists and turns, and one very shocking one which I didn't want to see, Sufiya definitely captures your attention with the drama and weaves in the key messages which she hopes to get across - and she does this successfully.
An interesting book, something which will bring educational enlightenment of differences in culture and tradition to its readers and a great book by Sufiya.
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July 15, 2016
Zeba has just finished her GCSEs and her parents plan to take her to Pakistan for a holiday. Upon arrival, it's very clear that she is to be forced into marriage.
The story focuses on Zeba's experience in this remote village. She comes to understand more of her parents' culture, and we see some of the consequences of these beliefs.
As a young girl alone in what is, to all intents and purposes, a foreign country Zeba struggles. Thankfully her grandmother is a little more forward thinking than some and does her best to help Zeba return to her home.
If I'm being honest, the story felt contrived. I think Sehar's story is probably more common, but it felt that events were manipulated to fit the author's message.
The story focuses on Zeba's experience in this remote village. She comes to understand more of her parents' culture, and we see some of the consequences of these beliefs.
As a young girl alone in what is, to all intents and purposes, a foreign country Zeba struggles. Thankfully her grandmother is a little more forward thinking than some and does her best to help Zeba return to her home.
If I'm being honest, the story felt contrived. I think Sehar's story is probably more common, but it felt that events were manipulated to fit the author's message.
February 6, 2017
عميقة للغاية، تأخذ بيديك بخفّه لتعيش في حيّ من باكستان مع ابطال الرواية.
احببت زيبا وسيهار وخادمتها فرحات، اعجبتني رجولة أسيف فالنهاية، وأحببت جدتها نانيما، تمنيت زيارتهم لأحكي لهم ماذا فعلت قصتهم تلك بأوقاتي حينما كنت أدفن رأسي بين دفتيّ الكتاب.
بالفعل هي من الروايات التي حزنتُ عندما اقتربت من النهاية.
احببت زيبا وسيهار وخادمتها فرحات، اعجبتني رجولة أسيف فالنهاية، وأحببت جدتها نانيما، تمنيت زيارتهم لأحكي لهم ماذا فعلت قصتهم تلك بأوقاتي حينما كنت أدفن رأسي بين دفتيّ الكتاب.
بالفعل هي من الروايات التي حزنتُ عندما اقتربت من النهاية.
December 4, 2013
Secrets of the Henna Girls started as a typical tale by a foreign writer who has spiced up the novels by adding Patriarchal commands in the highest ratio... Zeba a British raised and British nationality holder went to Pakistan for summer vacations, but ends up knowing that she is to be married to her only male patriotic army officer cousin to save him from sudden death or to say death of martyr... she protested but for Honour she gave in and became ready to meet her fate written by her father and her only Taya Ji.. but this typical tale turns into a revolutionary tale in the lives of those women who are taught "Men knew better".... I would like to say what Ibsen had done in his Doll's House Sufiya Ahmed has done in The Secrets of Henna Girls.. She with the help of her Nannyma and american resident Khala contacted British officials and an organization working against forced marriages.. They came to help her on the day her Resm e Henna as about to begin. She sneaked with them and sent back to Britain where after some months of loneliness at a hostel she finally re conciliated with her parents who had known from the start that that marriage was forced....
A well written novel against forced marriages... i have rated the book for the boldest step Zeba has taken, otherwise she would have ended up like her friend Saher another British Bakri for Pakistani cousins, who never accepted her so called nikah and was murdered during childbirth, to the public known as death of internal bleeding.
A well written novel against forced marriages... i have rated the book for the boldest step Zeba has taken, otherwise she would have ended up like her friend Saher another British Bakri for Pakistani cousins, who never accepted her so called nikah and was murdered during childbirth, to the public known as death of internal bleeding.
April 6, 2015
Finished this with tears in my eyes. Loved Zeba's relationship with Nannyma!
Secrets of the Henna Girl by Sufiya Ahmed is a very different book to what I'd normally read. It is very much an 'issues book' as the main thrust of the story involves forced marriage. While I found some parts of the book felt like a learning exercise and therefore didn't feel like natural to the story, other parts were very emotional. This book tells the story of 16 year old Zeba and how her and family went on holiday back to Pakistan and while there, her parents force her into remaining there for the purpose of marrying a wealthy cousin.
It's a pretty heart-breaking turn of events. Whilst in Pakistan, Zeba does have allies though. She stays with her grandmother, Nannyma, and becomes friends with another British girl, Sehar, who has also been forced into marriage amongst the family. I think one of the most interesting aspects aside from the forced marriage, is how much Zeba learns about gender roles and about power throughout her struggles in Pakistan. Overall, an interesting and thought-provoking read, one that I'm very happy to have read!
Secrets of the Henna Girl by Sufiya Ahmed is a very different book to what I'd normally read. It is very much an 'issues book' as the main thrust of the story involves forced marriage. While I found some parts of the book felt like a learning exercise and therefore didn't feel like natural to the story, other parts were very emotional. This book tells the story of 16 year old Zeba and how her and family went on holiday back to Pakistan and while there, her parents force her into remaining there for the purpose of marrying a wealthy cousin.
It's a pretty heart-breaking turn of events. Whilst in Pakistan, Zeba does have allies though. She stays with her grandmother, Nannyma, and becomes friends with another British girl, Sehar, who has also been forced into marriage amongst the family. I think one of the most interesting aspects aside from the forced marriage, is how much Zeba learns about gender roles and about power throughout her struggles in Pakistan. Overall, an interesting and thought-provoking read, one that I'm very happy to have read!
January 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book but I was so frustrated at the same time. At the fact that these girls who are forced into arranged marriages have no choice and are manipulated by men who are arrogant, unfeeling, cold and barbaric. Even the women who serve these men condone this and I felt myself really annoyed with Zeba's parents because they see their honour as being more important to them than their own daughter. They are also cowardly as they could not tell her the truth until she was stranded in Pakistan with no way to escape.
I loved Sehar's character and was reall sad at what happened to her.
A really good book all round!
I loved Sehar's character and was reall sad at what happened to her.
A really good book all round!
February 9, 2013
It's late, so I'll write a better review for this another time.
I've never been outside of my country since I got here when I was a wee lil one. I haven't left the city for an overnight stay in years and I work in the summer. But if you have a life and go places in the summer, then imagine being sixteen and going to visit your home land. The beautiful landscapes, the relatives, and the food, all await your arrival. Your parents seem testy, but you're not too bothered. It's been awhile for them since they've been back home.
But once you arrive, you realize why they were acting so differently. Not only do you get to visit your home country, but you also get to get married against your will. It's what every little girl dreams for. Only not.
Zeba Khan thought a trip to Pakistan would be a summer without much fun, but all that changes when she's told that she will get married to her cousin Asif and that her consent doesn't matter. Zeba doesn't want to be married to him. She's only sixteen and has her whole life ahead of her. However, her parents will not listen to her, her uncle won't either, and everyone keeps telling her that she should simply put up and shut up. (not exactly like that, but it's the same thing).
Will Zeba find happiness with Asif, will she make her escape, or will she die trying? Dun Dun Dunnnnnn!
Before getting to the actual review, I just want to send some major props to Sufiya Ahmed for making a clear distinction between forced marriages and arranged marriages. They're not the same, and surprisingly, not many people know that. Often, when it comes to books like this or articles or tv shows, they don't mention that Islam condemns forced marriages. There is no marriage without the girls consent. Since this isn't mentioned, when non Muslims see this, they think our religion is all for it.
Let me make it clear, Islam forbids the practice of forced marriages. Arranged marriages are very different and are more like marriage meetings or blind dates. You get set up by your parents, but you get to decide whether you want to go through with it or not. A good example of this is found in Love In A Headscarf
Forced marriages. It's illegal, it's stupid, and it's completely from culture and not Islam.
Arranged marriages. It's okay and not as drama inducing.
With that out of the way, here's the review.
The Good
The setting, the topic, the characters, and the writing was great. You feel horrible for Zeba and wondered how her parents could ever think of doing this to her. At the same time, you kind of understood where her father was coming from. Shame is a big thing for them and he wanted to keep his nephew safe. It was wrong, but it was somewhat understandable.
Nannyma, Sehar, and Farhat were my favourite characters in the novel. All of these women were strong in their own way. Nannyma had respect and status in her village and tried to get people to see women and the world differently. Sehar was feisty and never gave up her dream to escape and live her own life. She was stubborn, but she had a good heart. Farhat, despite her upbringing, was cute and always tried her best to do the best job that she could possibly do. Her love for Sehar and her change in attitude was a real joy to see. I wanted to meet and befriend all of them while reading this.
I loved that religion was seen as a good thing. Like I mentioned before, whenever you see stories like this, Islam is always to blame. As a Muslim, this always saddens me, because Islam is as much against this as everyone else.
In the novel, we're told that there is an Imam (religious leader) who ordained the marriage of Sehar and her husband against her will. At first, he's seen as part of this horrible system and that there will be no hope. Later on, we find out that he's against this practice and thought that she accepted. Had he known that she was against it, he never would have done it. I loved that this was revealed and that the Imam was actually a good guy.
The Okay
Zeba's parents forcing their daughter to marry her cousin, is something I can never understand. But I'm also left wondering how her mother truly felt. While her dad was fleshed out nicely and had some nice conflict going on with him, the mother just seemed cold and distant. I wonder why she didn't try to have a proper relationship with Zeba and how she could be so different from her mother and sister.
The book is straight forward, and while there are some twists, you know how the story will be in the end. This doesn't make it a bad book. With a topic like this, you only have three possible directions to go. 1. She escapes. 2. She dies. 3. She ends up falling in love with Asif and lives happily ever after. Since this is in the YA category, I guess there is another option. 4. She starts to fall for Asif, but starts to fall for the mysterious stranger who promises to help her escape.
So yea, there isn't much of a change up in this story, but that doesn't really hinder it.
The Bad
I kind of wish we got to see more of Asif. He ends up being a decent enough guy, who is simply oblivious to the world around him, so it was kind of a shame that we didn't see enough of him.
This bad isn't really a bad thing for the book, it's more of depressing. Through Secrets of the Henna Girl, we got to see a different side of Pakistan and it's one that I hope changes, because I don't want to see stories like this in real life. The men kept talking about their honour this and their honour that, never realizing that the honour that they have in God's eyes diminishes while they do stupid things like this. It's sad. That's all you can really say. I do hope it's changing though and it's not as bad as what was written in the book. It's such a stupid mentality that really needs to be changed.
Overall:
I really loved this book. The characters were great, the message was important to tell, and the writing was clean and crisp. The only downside is that Zeba's mom never really warmed up or felt human and Asif wasn't shown as much. Despite all that, Secrets of the Henna Girl a lovely book that more people should read.
I've never been outside of my country since I got here when I was a wee lil one. I haven't left the city for an overnight stay in years and I work in the summer. But if you have a life and go places in the summer, then imagine being sixteen and going to visit your home land. The beautiful landscapes, the relatives, and the food, all await your arrival. Your parents seem testy, but you're not too bothered. It's been awhile for them since they've been back home.
But once you arrive, you realize why they were acting so differently. Not only do you get to visit your home country, but you also get to get married against your will. It's what every little girl dreams for. Only not.
Zeba Khan thought a trip to Pakistan would be a summer without much fun, but all that changes when she's told that she will get married to her cousin Asif and that her consent doesn't matter. Zeba doesn't want to be married to him. She's only sixteen and has her whole life ahead of her. However, her parents will not listen to her, her uncle won't either, and everyone keeps telling her that she should simply put up and shut up. (not exactly like that, but it's the same thing).
Will Zeba find happiness with Asif, will she make her escape, or will she die trying? Dun Dun Dunnnnnn!
Before getting to the actual review, I just want to send some major props to Sufiya Ahmed for making a clear distinction between forced marriages and arranged marriages. They're not the same, and surprisingly, not many people know that. Often, when it comes to books like this or articles or tv shows, they don't mention that Islam condemns forced marriages. There is no marriage without the girls consent. Since this isn't mentioned, when non Muslims see this, they think our religion is all for it.
Let me make it clear, Islam forbids the practice of forced marriages. Arranged marriages are very different and are more like marriage meetings or blind dates. You get set up by your parents, but you get to decide whether you want to go through with it or not. A good example of this is found in Love In A Headscarf
Forced marriages. It's illegal, it's stupid, and it's completely from culture and not Islam.
Arranged marriages. It's okay and not as drama inducing.
With that out of the way, here's the review.
The Good
The setting, the topic, the characters, and the writing was great. You feel horrible for Zeba and wondered how her parents could ever think of doing this to her. At the same time, you kind of understood where her father was coming from. Shame is a big thing for them and he wanted to keep his nephew safe. It was wrong, but it was somewhat understandable.
Nannyma, Sehar, and Farhat were my favourite characters in the novel. All of these women were strong in their own way. Nannyma had respect and status in her village and tried to get people to see women and the world differently. Sehar was feisty and never gave up her dream to escape and live her own life. She was stubborn, but she had a good heart. Farhat, despite her upbringing, was cute and always tried her best to do the best job that she could possibly do. Her love for Sehar and her change in attitude was a real joy to see. I wanted to meet and befriend all of them while reading this.
I loved that religion was seen as a good thing. Like I mentioned before, whenever you see stories like this, Islam is always to blame. As a Muslim, this always saddens me, because Islam is as much against this as everyone else.
In the novel, we're told that there is an Imam (religious leader) who ordained the marriage of Sehar and her husband against her will. At first, he's seen as part of this horrible system and that there will be no hope. Later on, we find out that he's against this practice and thought that she accepted. Had he known that she was against it, he never would have done it. I loved that this was revealed and that the Imam was actually a good guy.
The Okay
Zeba's parents forcing their daughter to marry her cousin, is something I can never understand. But I'm also left wondering how her mother truly felt. While her dad was fleshed out nicely and had some nice conflict going on with him, the mother just seemed cold and distant. I wonder why she didn't try to have a proper relationship with Zeba and how she could be so different from her mother and sister.
The book is straight forward, and while there are some twists, you know how the story will be in the end. This doesn't make it a bad book. With a topic like this, you only have three possible directions to go. 1. She escapes. 2. She dies. 3. She ends up falling in love with Asif and lives happily ever after. Since this is in the YA category, I guess there is another option. 4. She starts to fall for Asif, but starts to fall for the mysterious stranger who promises to help her escape.
So yea, there isn't much of a change up in this story, but that doesn't really hinder it.
The Bad
I kind of wish we got to see more of Asif. He ends up being a decent enough guy, who is simply oblivious to the world around him, so it was kind of a shame that we didn't see enough of him.
This bad isn't really a bad thing for the book, it's more of depressing. Through Secrets of the Henna Girl, we got to see a different side of Pakistan and it's one that I hope changes, because I don't want to see stories like this in real life. The men kept talking about their honour this and their honour that, never realizing that the honour that they have in God's eyes diminishes while they do stupid things like this. It's sad. That's all you can really say. I do hope it's changing though and it's not as bad as what was written in the book. It's such a stupid mentality that really needs to be changed.
Overall:
I really loved this book. The characters were great, the message was important to tell, and the writing was clean and crisp. The only downside is that Zeba's mom never really warmed up or felt human and Asif wasn't shown as much. Despite all that, Secrets of the Henna Girl a lovely book that more people should read.
August 17, 2020
3.5 stars.
An important and moving book that details a situation that still occurs way too often in the world we live in.
An important and moving book that details a situation that still occurs way too often in the world we live in.
April 28, 2013
I read this book as part of the Rotherham's children's book awards as I work in a school. We basically have 4 books to read and then vote for the best in our opinion. This is the first one I've read but I've got to say I can't see any of the others topping it. What a fantastic story and what an eye opener it has been I suggest anybody who is prejudiced in any way against people of different race and religion reads this book. The story is about a young girl named Zeba a British Muslim with Pakistani parents. Zeba has just finished sitting her GCSE exams and is excited at the prospect of beginning her A levels when she returns from her four week summer holiday to her parents home town in Pakistan. Zeba's dreams are shattered when she arrives in Pakistan to find that a marriage to her cousin Asif has been arranged behind her back. At 24 Asif is 8 years older than her and Zeba does not want to marry him she is young and carefree and sees herself as completely British, desperately she tries to convince her family to cancel the wedding but her father has given his word to his brother Asif's father, Asif is in the army and his parents are scared he will be killed they believe that marrying Zeba will force their son to move to England with her out of harms way. whilst waiting for the imminent marriage unable to convince her parents to change their minds Zeba moves in with her maternal grandmother who is trying to help her get out of the marriage too. Zeba soon befriends a local girl Sheha who has also been forced into an arranged marriage feisty but heavily pregnant Sheha disrespected her husbands family with her continued refusal to accept her husband and in return he constantly beats her encouraged by his evil mother. When Sheha dies in childbirth Zeba takes a stand and contacts the British officials who help her escape back to London. Finding out she has passed her exams with flying colours she enrols in college to complete her A levels whilst living in a hostel in London. This book not only outlines the horrific charade these women are put through being forced against their will to marry in order to serve a purpose, how poor some people live in rural Pakistan and the beliefs and cultures we westerners find shocking it also tells the sad truth about how the way certain Muslims behave clouds our vision to make us believe they are all the same. Passages from the Q'ran are mentioned explaining that forced marriages are actually against the Muslim religion. For me this book was informative, courageous and extremely well written I would definitely recommend this book to anybody old or young!
December 26, 2014
آلاف الزيجات القسرية للقاصرات تتم يوميا في أغلب مجتمعاتنا العربية ولا أحد يتحرك لمنعها لعدة أسباب أهمّها غياب النص القانوني الذي يجرّم مرتكبيها بالدرجة الأولى ومباركة بعض رجال الدين لهذا النوع من الزيجات بالدرجة الثانية.. زيبا هي واحدة من المحظوظات التي نجت من مصيرٍ مؤلمٍ وربما حتى الموت بفضل جنسيتها البريطانية التي ساعدتها للوقوف بوجه هذه الجريمة الانسانية بإسم القانون أولا وأخيرا ، فمن يقف بجانب سعاد العراقية أو ليلى السورية أو تهاني المصرية أو أو …. تمنيت وأنا أقرأ في سطور هذه الرواية أن ألمس ولو قليلا تعاطف الرجل الباكستاني المعاصر والمثقف وتفهمه لمعنى كلمة قاصر ومحاولته لمنع مثل هذه الجرائم بحق القاصرات ولكن للأسف لم يحصل فالجميع من الرجال وبضمنهم والد زيبا ، كان محكوم ومسير وفق التقاليد والأعراف السائدة التي تتمحور حول شرف المرأة والولاء للعائلة فوق حرية الفتاة لأختيار شريك حياتها أو حتى للتعبير عن رأيها في حال رفضها لزوج المستقبل كما في حالة المسكينة سيهار مثلا.. بشكل عام فأن الرجل الشرقي أنّى كان ومهما وصل اليه من علم وثقافة فأنه لا يزال أسير ( برغم إرادته) لتلك العادات القبلية الجائرة بحق المرأة بشكل عام ناهيك عن كونها قاصرة!
بالرغم من أن موضوع الرواية متداول بكثرة وربما قد أصبح مستهلكا بعض الشي ، ولكن أهميته الكبيرة تحتم علينا نحن كنساء بشكل خاص أن نشجع ونطالب بتثقيف الفتيات في الأرياف والمدن و نساهم بنشر الوعي للوقوف بوجه مثل هذه الجرائم التي ترتكب يومياً و زوراً بأسم الدين وشرف المرأة والأواصر القبلية لمفهوم العائلة والمجتمع. والدور الأكبر والأهم هو علينا استحصال مساندة ودعم الرجل وتفهمه لهذا النوع من الظلم بحق المرأة القاصرة والبالغة على حد سواء ومطالبته بالشروع لسن أحكام ونصوص قانونية لوقف مثل هذه الممارسات المغلوطة والمحرمّة دينيا لكونه صاحب السلطة العليا في الأسرة والمجتمع.
بالرغم من أن موضوع الرواية متداول بكثرة وربما قد أصبح مستهلكا بعض الشي ، ولكن أهميته الكبيرة تحتم علينا نحن كنساء بشكل خاص أن نشجع ونطالب بتثقيف الفتيات في الأرياف والمدن و نساهم بنشر الوعي للوقوف بوجه مثل هذه الجرائم التي ترتكب يومياً و زوراً بأسم الدين وشرف المرأة والأواصر القبلية لمفهوم العائلة والمجتمع. والدور الأكبر والأهم هو علينا استحصال مساندة ودعم الرجل وتفهمه لهذا النوع من الظلم بحق المرأة القاصرة والبالغة على حد سواء ومطالبته بالشروع لسن أحكام ونصوص قانونية لوقف مثل هذه الممارسات المغلوطة والمحرمّة دينيا لكونه صاحب السلطة العليا في الأسرة والمجتمع.
June 4, 2013
From a professional book reviewer
The secrets of the henna girl by Sufiya Ahmed -
A story that can be highly captive for the west but no so much for us asians. It is a touche topic no doubt but I think the author chooses to gain sympathy for the protagonist by portraying what's worst of our tradition and society. Remember there are good things and there are bad things in every culture and every deed cannot be called following culture. it varies from person to person too. lets us not be biased about nations for that matter.
The henna girl is a 16 year old school girl who is forced into marriage in the name of honor of the family. how she deals with the trials and tribulations and how she escapes it makes the story.
I have to give it to the author for her writing style which is mainly what held me to the book. all in all a fair and thought provoking read
The secrets of the henna girl by Sufiya Ahmed -
A story that can be highly captive for the west but no so much for us asians. It is a touche topic no doubt but I think the author chooses to gain sympathy for the protagonist by portraying what's worst of our tradition and society. Remember there are good things and there are bad things in every culture and every deed cannot be called following culture. it varies from person to person too. lets us not be biased about nations for that matter.
The henna girl is a 16 year old school girl who is forced into marriage in the name of honor of the family. how she deals with the trials and tribulations and how she escapes it makes the story.
I have to give it to the author for her writing style which is mainly what held me to the book. all in all a fair and thought provoking read
August 21, 2015
انتهيتُ للتو من الرواية بعد إحاح صديقةٍ مغرمة بهكذا نوع من القصص. لغة الرواية جاءت سهلة وبسيطة جداً يُمكن للقارئ أن يُنهيها في سويعات أو يومين على الأكثر. اختلفتُ مع صديقتي في مواضع الصفحات التي استنزفت فيها دموعنا ولكننا اتفقنا أن الكتلة التي استوطنت حناجرنا لم تغادرها مطلقا حتى مع الانتهاء من أسرار فتاة الحنة. ذلك لأننا كنا كما أرادت سيهار دوماً، أخوات ونتضامن معاً. نفهمُ أحزان بعضنا البعض وآلامنا ودموعنا ونقاط ضعفنا وما يجرحُنا نحنُ القوارير التي أوصى بها الله ثم رسوله الكريم، فذهبت وصية الله وحبيبه هباءً منثورا إلا من رحم ربي. لستُ نسويّة مطلقاً ولكن يحق لكل أنثى أن ترفع رأسها بكبرياءٍ شديد لتقول للعالم أنها تفكر وتفرح وتبكي وتعيش وتستحق حياةً أفضل ليس لأنها نِدا للرجل ولكن لأن الله يراها تماما مساوية للرجل. الرواية جميلة وتُستحق أن تُدرج في المنهج التربوي للمرحلة الإعدادية للشباب والبنات معاً.
May 26, 2013
I love this book my mum brought it for me I just can't get enough of it!!!
July 20, 2020
I loved this book. I was always thinking what's going to happen next plus Its one of my new favourite author Sufiya Ahmed. So I think your next book be secrets of the henna girl. it had some really nice word language especially language that we call Urdu.
I totally recommend this book
I totally recommend this book
January 14, 2021
This was a fantastic, sobering, eye-opening read. I really engaged with the story and the characters, especially the protagonist Zeba, her friend Sehar and her wonderful grandmother. This is an important story about the all-too common practice of forced marriage and the repercussions on the individual and their families.
May 16, 2024
Great
Will I read it again? No, it's too heartwrenching for my liking but it's a great read. Shines light on horrific honour killings/forced marriages in Muslim communities.
Will I read it again? No, it's too heartwrenching for my liking but it's a great read. Shines light on horrific honour killings/forced marriages in Muslim communities.
July 13, 2018
مهمة القضايا التي تحاول الكاتبة تسليط الضوء عليها في هذه الرواية، منها قضية الزواج القسري، والطبقية، والسلطة الذكورية، ورضوخ المرأة، وسطوة العادات والتقاليد. أحب القراءة في هذه المواضيع الإنسانية ولكن ما أفسد عليّ متعتي هو تعلق الشخصية الرئيسية في الرواية ببلاد الغرب بشكل جنوني. أعلم بأن حقوقها نهبت بشكل شبه كامل في بلدها الأم، باكستان، ولكن إدعاء انتمائها لبريطانيا وطريقة عرضها لهذا الانتماء والحب الشديدين جعلني أنفر منها. بالرغم من كون "زيبا" الشخصية الرئيسية والتى تدور حولها أحداث الرواية فتاة باكستانية الأصل وتعيش مع والدين باكستانيين المولد والأصل، إلا أنها لا تتقن قراءة الأردية حتى! ولا تعرف كيفية التصرف في باكستان ولا العادات والتقاليد المتبعة هناك، فقد بدت في صدمة تامة حين وصلت إلى قريتها أول مرة.
الترجمة العربية جيدة ومفهومة، إلا أنني لم أحب بعض التعابير التي استخدمتها الكاتبة لتصف (على سبيل المثال) عمّها وهيمنته وسطوته على سكان أرضه، فقد بدت الكلمات في كثير من المواضع أشبه بتعبيرات مراهقة طائشة تحاول لفت الانتباه.
هناك الكثير من المفاهيم والمصطلحات الموجودة في الثقافة الباكستانية التي لم أفهمها وودت لو أن المترجمة أدرجت توضيحا بسيطا لمعانيها لتيسير الفهم على القارئ العربي. مصطلحات متكررة مثل: الهافلي، واللاختصارات التي تشبك بأسماء الأشخاص وفقا لمرتبتهم الاجتماعية.
May 21, 2019
When her family decides to take a trip to Pakistan, sixteen-year-old Zeba finds herself trapped after her father decides to marry her off to her cousin. Lost deep in family politics, Zeba has to find a way out before it’s too late.
This was a little difficult to review, especially since forced marriage plots are prevalent in books with SEA leads. But this book was quite interesting.
I hated how 2D the secondary characters were. The only people who were developed was the band of friends Zeba makes but everyone else was basically caricatures of evil incarnate. Everyone who is against Zeba is simply, so honour bound and all they yell is about tradition. It was rather lacking in characterisation and felt like such a cop-out to make them ~evil~. They’re already forcing a girl to marry against her wishes, and the way they switch between being loving parents to terrible ones was so abrupt.
I think what was great about this book is showcasing how to get help and what happens after. A lot of books with forced marriage never really delve deep into how you can get help. A lot of them mention that you can contact people who put you in contact with units designed to help. But we see Zeba reach out and how she manages to escape, and I think this could be really helpful to someone who could end up in that situation.
It’s a decent read. I wouldn’t be rushing to recommend it anytime soon, but this book does encapsulate traditional ties in modern time. It deals with a lot of heavy stuff but wasn’t exactly challenging to read. This book tries to bring some educational into the topic but making the bad guys so caricature rather than going into depth how things happen the way they do is where it falters.
This was a little difficult to review, especially since forced marriage plots are prevalent in books with SEA leads. But this book was quite interesting.
I hated how 2D the secondary characters were. The only people who were developed was the band of friends Zeba makes but everyone else was basically caricatures of evil incarnate. Everyone who is against Zeba is simply, so honour bound and all they yell is about tradition. It was rather lacking in characterisation and felt like such a cop-out to make them ~evil~. They’re already forcing a girl to marry against her wishes, and the way they switch between being loving parents to terrible ones was so abrupt.
I think what was great about this book is showcasing how to get help and what happens after. A lot of books with forced marriage never really delve deep into how you can get help. A lot of them mention that you can contact people who put you in contact with units designed to help. But we see Zeba reach out and how she manages to escape, and I think this could be really helpful to someone who could end up in that situation.
It’s a decent read. I wouldn’t be rushing to recommend it anytime soon, but this book does encapsulate traditional ties in modern time. It deals with a lot of heavy stuff but wasn’t exactly challenging to read. This book tries to bring some educational into the topic but making the bad guys so caricature rather than going into depth how things happen the way they do is where it falters.
March 5, 2012
Secrets of the Henna Girl was a really interesting, thought provoking and informative read, right from the first pages I started to learn about Indian culture and way of life, all of which I found really intriguing. There were really great descriptions when Zeba travels to Pakistan of the landscape and the clothes so I could visualise everything.
But, that being said, the storyline itself, whilst being different, was pretty straightforward and I didn't feel myself excited by it but I was enlightened into the differences of forced marriage and arranged marriage and am now more aware of the issue, so I'd say the message definitely got across and I think it would to teens reading this book.
It was an enjoyable, quick read that was wonderfully written with a likeable leading lady and supporting characters, both the good and the "villains."
I, of course, was on Zeba's side all the way through and had my fingers crossed she could get out of the situation she'd been put in. I enjoyed her friendship with Sehar, it was great that despite what she was going throuhg she was able to find a friend, and I liked her very wise Nannyma.
Favourite quotes
''There, there, feel better now?' she said, and to my surprise I did. The hug was everything I'd wanted from my own mother. A reassurence that everything was going to be OK, and that I wasn't the only person in the village who didn't believe in this marriage. It felt good to know there was someone who might be on my side.'
''I am a woman, Zeba-ji. I can never win.' - Husna
But, that being said, the storyline itself, whilst being different, was pretty straightforward and I didn't feel myself excited by it but I was enlightened into the differences of forced marriage and arranged marriage and am now more aware of the issue, so I'd say the message definitely got across and I think it would to teens reading this book.
It was an enjoyable, quick read that was wonderfully written with a likeable leading lady and supporting characters, both the good and the "villains."
I, of course, was on Zeba's side all the way through and had my fingers crossed she could get out of the situation she'd been put in. I enjoyed her friendship with Sehar, it was great that despite what she was going throuhg she was able to find a friend, and I liked her very wise Nannyma.
Favourite quotes
''There, there, feel better now?' she said, and to my surprise I did. The hug was everything I'd wanted from my own mother. A reassurence that everything was going to be OK, and that I wasn't the only person in the village who didn't believe in this marriage. It felt good to know there was someone who might be on my side.'
''I am a woman, Zeba-ji. I can never win.' - Husna
June 30, 2012
Zeba has finished school for the year and is eagerly awaiting the results for her exams and is looking forward to school the following year. The annual trip home to Pakistan to visit her parents relatives isn’t something she’s been looking forward to, she’d rather spend the summer with her best friend.
Arriving in Pakistan, Zeba’s life is drastically changed. She finds out that her parents have promised her hand in marriage to her cousin and the wedding is happening in only a matter of weeks! She has no say in anything – which Zeba is far from thrilled with. She wants to go home to England and be a normal 16 year old – not married!
I was thrilled when I first got this book – the cover is not only gorgeous, but they story was intriguing. I felt for Zeba, and hoped and prayed along with her in the book that someone could come and rescue her from this marriage. This book had me completely engrossed – I had to find out what was going to happen! Would they force her into the marriage against her wishes and the rules of their religion?
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely, this book was a unique look inside a culture I’ve always found fascinating. The rich colours, clothing and food have always intrigued me. I loved the author’s style of writing and how well the story flowed. Will I read more by this author? Yes, I will definitely be looking for more by Sufiya in the future!
Arriving in Pakistan, Zeba’s life is drastically changed. She finds out that her parents have promised her hand in marriage to her cousin and the wedding is happening in only a matter of weeks! She has no say in anything – which Zeba is far from thrilled with. She wants to go home to England and be a normal 16 year old – not married!
I was thrilled when I first got this book – the cover is not only gorgeous, but they story was intriguing. I felt for Zeba, and hoped and prayed along with her in the book that someone could come and rescue her from this marriage. This book had me completely engrossed – I had to find out what was going to happen! Would they force her into the marriage against her wishes and the rules of their religion?
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely, this book was a unique look inside a culture I’ve always found fascinating. The rich colours, clothing and food have always intrigued me. I loved the author’s style of writing and how well the story flowed. Will I read more by this author? Yes, I will definitely be looking for more by Sufiya in the future!
February 15, 2015
Ok, contemporary is just not doing it for me. For some reason I just cannot fully connect with contemporary books, maybe because I'm not really used to reading them (more like horror, YA, fantasy, ect.) or maybe it's because contemporary is realistic, so things that can happen in real life; therefore, I find it quite bland and I get bored quickly. Like this one. Or it's just because I couldn't really connect it. I don't know.
It was a real shame because the author, Sufiya Ahmed, came to visit my school, and the story actually had a good beginning and I didn't even think that I would DNF it.
Nevertheless, this book can be seen as an inspiration to many people, and I definitely think it deserves many readers because it's not that I thought the book was rubbish. Far from it. I personally couldn't connect with it and its genre also plays a big part in me finding the book bland. So don't let my review put you off reading this book, because I know some people who loved this book and would recommend it.
Hopefully I'll manage to find the right,exciting contemporary books for my taste...
It was a real shame because the author, Sufiya Ahmed, came to visit my school, and the story actually had a good beginning and I didn't even think that I would DNF it.
Nevertheless, this book can be seen as an inspiration to many people, and I definitely think it deserves many readers because it's not that I thought the book was rubbish. Far from it. I personally couldn't connect with it and its genre also plays a big part in me finding the book bland. So don't let my review put you off reading this book, because I know some people who loved this book and would recommend it.
Hopefully I'll manage to find the right,exciting contemporary books for my taste...
April 14, 2014
I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 because tbh I felt the writing was vague and shaky at times. The character developments were a bit abrupt, and some scenes carried no logic.
However, when it comes to the positives this book was definitely an eye opener to me. Being half Pakistani myself, the descriptions of Pakistan were A++.
yet I don't think this mentality still exists over there... or maybe it's because we come from the city area, Karachi. This book marvelled me with its morals presented, and when I reached chapter 32 I promised myself I wasn't going to cry through this because I didn't cry through My sister's keeper. And when I finally reached towards the last page the biggest moral perhaps was selflessness. We're so consumed with putting our needs before others grumbling "if I don't think about myself who will?" which is a partially true statement, but as I closed this book I realized that about 14k girls suffer from this in Pakistan and Afghan (and perhaps boys) so mind you, when I tell you I don't care if law is a low paid job or "very competitive" I'd like to practice it to help these poor souls.
However, when it comes to the positives this book was definitely an eye opener to me. Being half Pakistani myself, the descriptions of Pakistan were A++.
yet I don't think this mentality still exists over there... or maybe it's because we come from the city area, Karachi. This book marvelled me with its morals presented, and when I reached chapter 32 I promised myself I wasn't going to cry through this because I didn't cry through My sister's keeper. And when I finally reached towards the last page the biggest moral perhaps was selflessness. We're so consumed with putting our needs before others grumbling "if I don't think about myself who will?" which is a partially true statement, but as I closed this book I realized that about 14k girls suffer from this in Pakistan and Afghan (and perhaps boys) so mind you, when I tell you I don't care if law is a low paid job or "very competitive" I'd like to practice it to help these poor souls.
May 6, 2019
This book is very insightful into the issue of forced marriage, but other than its educational value, there wasn't much else I could take from it.
All the characters were okay, apart from Zeba's mum who had the personality and character development of a stale piece of bread. Zeba herself, although being fine, did frustrate me quite a bit, mainly in the fact she just didn't tell Asif about anything. Why wouldn't you tell him you were being forced into the marriage? Why wouldn't you tell him the one piece of information that would stop the marriage? I just didn't understand it.
The plot dragged in places. It was pretty straightforward and I found myself being a little bored as I read. Part of me wishes that Sehar's story had been followed instead; to me, she was far more interesting and her story far more compelling.
So, overall, it's okay and that's where this book falls down. I wasn't moved or shocked, it was just a bit meh. If you're really interested in forced marriage, sure, give it a go, but otherwise, I'd pass.
All the characters were okay, apart from Zeba's mum who had the personality and character development of a stale piece of bread. Zeba herself, although being fine, did frustrate me quite a bit, mainly in the fact she just didn't tell Asif about anything. Why wouldn't you tell him you were being forced into the marriage? Why wouldn't you tell him the one piece of information that would stop the marriage? I just didn't understand it.
The plot dragged in places. It was pretty straightforward and I found myself being a little bored as I read. Part of me wishes that Sehar's story had been followed instead; to me, she was far more interesting and her story far more compelling.
So, overall, it's okay and that's where this book falls down. I wasn't moved or shocked, it was just a bit meh. If you're really interested in forced marriage, sure, give it a go, but otherwise, I'd pass.
August 23, 2014
A story of a young girl who thinks she's visiting her hometown for a joyful vacation but soon finds out she is to be married to someone against her will. lots of anger, betrayal, emotional blackmail and senseless
the tales explores the contrast between traditions and religion and the manners in which the former succeeds the latter. Traditions are upheld even if the religion demeans and forbids it. The wise grandmother of the protagonist explains the caste system and the power play of the rich who by all means try to keep the poorer class/caste uneducated and devoid of basic needs so they dare not learn their rights and question authority.
An easy read, simple storytelling, yet there are moments when the heart feels too heavy to take in the happenings.
And I still don't understand who the henna girl is, and what are the secrets?? =/ Most baffling title. Other than that, good book.
the tales explores the contrast between traditions and religion and the manners in which the former succeeds the latter. Traditions are upheld even if the religion demeans and forbids it. The wise grandmother of the protagonist explains the caste system and the power play of the rich who by all means try to keep the poorer class/caste uneducated and devoid of basic needs so they dare not learn their rights and question authority.
An easy read, simple storytelling, yet there are moments when the heart feels too heavy to take in the happenings.
And I still don't understand who the henna girl is, and what are the secrets?? =/ Most baffling title. Other than that, good book.
May 21, 2016
A story which'll keep you at the edge of your seat while you turn the next page hoping to find out what happened next.
This beautifully written story of Zeba and her life will keep you wanting to know more like a gossiping aunt prying into the life of this strong-willed individual. The story allows you to think without being overly imposing of the main theme at hand. The author has taken care to introduce it to the reader without force-feeding the reader with it. It was a wonderful read (although some parts of it did exoticise the country and the culture), I did love the premise of the story. Loved the character of Asif as well and Nannyamma who reminds me of the most adorable and awesome grandmother that one could ever wish to have.
Reading the book you will feel how lucky Zeba is and why everyone should have a grandmother like Nannyamma and an aunt like Nusfir.
This beautifully written story of Zeba and her life will keep you wanting to know more like a gossiping aunt prying into the life of this strong-willed individual. The story allows you to think without being overly imposing of the main theme at hand. The author has taken care to introduce it to the reader without force-feeding the reader with it. It was a wonderful read (although some parts of it did exoticise the country and the culture), I did love the premise of the story. Loved the character of Asif as well and Nannyamma who reminds me of the most adorable and awesome grandmother that one could ever wish to have.
Reading the book you will feel how lucky Zeba is and why everyone should have a grandmother like Nannyamma and an aunt like Nusfir.
June 30, 2016
This book is very similar to Rosanne Hawke's "Marrying Ameera". I found it a little bit slow in parts, but it gives an interesting insight into the traditions and culture of Pakistan.
Although the topic of forced marriages is not new, I did like the fact that there were a number of strong female characters including sixteen year-old Zeba herself, Zeba's grandmother, who is well respected in her village, her aunt, who wishes the world for her, and Sehar, another young British girl who has been forced to live in Pakistan and marry a man she has never met, but who remains defiant and is determined to escape. However, I never took to Zeba's mother who seemed cold and heartless to her daughter's plight.
Although the plot is straight-forward and predictable, "Secrets of the Henna Girl" is still an enjoyable read and deals with an issue that is still occurring around the world.
Although the topic of forced marriages is not new, I did like the fact that there were a number of strong female characters including sixteen year-old Zeba herself, Zeba's grandmother, who is well respected in her village, her aunt, who wishes the world for her, and Sehar, another young British girl who has been forced to live in Pakistan and marry a man she has never met, but who remains defiant and is determined to escape. However, I never took to Zeba's mother who seemed cold and heartless to her daughter's plight.
Although the plot is straight-forward and predictable, "Secrets of the Henna Girl" is still an enjoyable read and deals with an issue that is still occurring around the world.
July 5, 2012
Wow this book was really great!
it was really sad but i thought it was really good. i felt sorry for the main character Zeba.. no woman should go through what she did.. her bestfriend Sehar was going through the same thing through it made my heart melt seeing the way these women are being treated...
i can't believe that Sehar ended up dieing it was really sad.. im really happy that there was a hapy ending and Zeba escaped from the people! i felt sorry for her father and mother they were under so much pressure it was pretty sad.
i loved the character of Farhat and thought she was totally amusing! especially the way she spoke english!
overall i think this book is really great and i would suggest everyone to read it especially asians lol!
:)
it was really sad but i thought it was really good. i felt sorry for the main character Zeba.. no woman should go through what she did.. her bestfriend Sehar was going through the same thing through it made my heart melt seeing the way these women are being treated...
i can't believe that Sehar ended up dieing it was really sad.. im really happy that there was a hapy ending and Zeba escaped from the people! i felt sorry for her father and mother they were under so much pressure it was pretty sad.
i loved the character of Farhat and thought she was totally amusing! especially the way she spoke english!
overall i think this book is really great and i would suggest everyone to read it especially asians lol!
:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2012
Secrets of the Henna Girl.
I wonder what the author thought the title could reflect because I see no meaning behind it.
It's a wonderfully unique book. Zeba goes through hardships that are so heart-wrenching and the author is a good writer but I don't think this is her best book. The writing was shaky and showed holes in some areas but the plot and characters are so strong. It's complex, it has moral lines that are blurred by giving justification for the forced marriage. I appreciate this, it would have been too easy to antagonize though, what other way could the book have taken. It brings the issue of forced marriage of being something very real and beyond cruel. I finished it in less than four days and it's good, really good.
I wonder what the author thought the title could reflect because I see no meaning behind it.
It's a wonderfully unique book. Zeba goes through hardships that are so heart-wrenching and the author is a good writer but I don't think this is her best book. The writing was shaky and showed holes in some areas but the plot and characters are so strong. It's complex, it has moral lines that are blurred by giving justification for the forced marriage. I appreciate this, it would have been too easy to antagonize though, what other way could the book have taken. It brings the issue of forced marriage of being something very real and beyond cruel. I finished it in less than four days and it's good, really good.
May 28, 2014
An extra .5 stars for the cover (and the fact that it has my name ;-)
For some reason this book reminded me of The Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I slightly prefer this one over that. The story was slightly Bollywood-ish but not in a bad way. Sometimes, I wanted to slap Zeba for being so naive but then she was just a 16 year old girl.
Nannyma and Nusrat Khala were my favorite characters. Followed by Farhat. Some emotional scenes were so well written I cried buckets. I felt bad for Sehar and Asif but I guess it was important.
A lot of important and major issues were raised and were very well handled. Some minor little details here and there were a bit wrong but that can easily be ignored.
It was a good read. Fast paced and interesting. Definitely recommended!
For some reason this book reminded me of The Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I slightly prefer this one over that. The story was slightly Bollywood-ish but not in a bad way. Sometimes, I wanted to slap Zeba for being so naive but then she was just a 16 year old girl.
Nannyma and Nusrat Khala were my favorite characters. Followed by Farhat. Some emotional scenes were so well written I cried buckets. I felt bad for Sehar and Asif but I guess it was important.
A lot of important and major issues were raised and were very well handled. Some minor little details here and there were a bit wrong but that can easily be ignored.
It was a good read. Fast paced and interesting. Definitely recommended!
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