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Hijab and Red Lipstick
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 10, 2026
Hijab and Red Lipstick is a semi-autobiographical novel centred on Sara, who grows up in London before her life changes dramatically when her father becomes increasingly devout in his Islamic beliefs. Influenced by others in his community, he moves the family to the Middle East, where his strict rules and growing intolerance begin to dominate family life. Sara struggles against the restrictions placed on women, as well as the emotional and sexual abuse she experiences from men around her. As events become more extreme, she and her siblings eventually find a way to return to London.
I found the book a fascinating insight into the challenges Sara faced while living in the Middle East. She is determined to rebel against the rules imposed on her, even when doing so puts her at risk. Her sheltered upbringing and naivety often leave both her and her sister vulnerable to the worst kinds of male behaviour, which makes parts of the novel difficult to read.
Written for a YA audience, the book is accessible while still tackling serious themes around control, religion, women’s rights, and survival. The writing style is informative but is perhaps best suited to the YA audience it’s written for. Despite this it is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the author and Literally PR for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I found the book a fascinating insight into the challenges Sara faced while living in the Middle East. She is determined to rebel against the rules imposed on her, even when doing so puts her at risk. Her sheltered upbringing and naivety often leave both her and her sister vulnerable to the worst kinds of male behaviour, which makes parts of the novel difficult to read.
Written for a YA audience, the book is accessible while still tackling serious themes around control, religion, women’s rights, and survival. The writing style is informative but is perhaps best suited to the YA audience it’s written for. Despite this it is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Many thanks to the author and Literally PR for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 18, 2026
this has truly opened my eyes. I read it with shock, anger, fear at the experiences of girls and women under Guardianship laws amongst the strict Muslim men who choose to twist a religion to bully, scare, beat, and even kill those who don’t conform.
I adored the character of Sara and her courage to carve out her own life. The novel is based on partial autobiographical experiences and those shared with Yousra Iman from others to create the story. I am truly grateful to the author for educating me about the customs, traditions and rules that women live with in this culture. I never truly understood the fear and terrible reality of being beaten or killed for bringing “shame” on the family by doing things considered haram. And I am in awe of any girl or woman who survives this.
I loved this book, despite it being a difficult read in parts, because I truly believe it has changed me. And I hope, one day, it will go some way to help change the experiences of Muslim women under duress and coercion. Don’t let the heavy topics put you off - it’s inspirational and I think you’ll find yourself cheering for Sara as she goes on her journey of self-enlightenment.
It can only be a full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating from me, with a wholehearted recommendation to read this honestly written book.
I adored the character of Sara and her courage to carve out her own life. The novel is based on partial autobiographical experiences and those shared with Yousra Iman from others to create the story. I am truly grateful to the author for educating me about the customs, traditions and rules that women live with in this culture. I never truly understood the fear and terrible reality of being beaten or killed for bringing “shame” on the family by doing things considered haram. And I am in awe of any girl or woman who survives this.
I loved this book, despite it being a difficult read in parts, because I truly believe it has changed me. And I hope, one day, it will go some way to help change the experiences of Muslim women under duress and coercion. Don’t let the heavy topics put you off - it’s inspirational and I think you’ll find yourself cheering for Sara as she goes on her journey of self-enlightenment.
It can only be a full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating from me, with a wholehearted recommendation to read this honestly written book.
May 9, 2026
🧕🏼 💄 Hijab and Red Lipstick 🧕🏼💄
By Yousra Imran
A powerful, thought provoking and emotional read that opened my eyes even more to experiences many women face.
This is a book that will definitely stay with me. I'll be honest it was difficult and emotional to read at times (trigger warnings at the start), but Sara's strength, resilience and determination to keep going despite everything she faced showed me what people can achieve even through hardship.
As a Muslim woman myself, there were many relatable parts especially around religion, culture, expectations and identity. It also made me reflect on how grateful I am to have grown up in a county with the freedom and opportunities to choose my own path and become who I want to be. Of course, there are still restrictions and expectations at times, but not to the extent I may have experienced had I grown up elsewhere.
By Yousra Imran
A powerful, thought provoking and emotional read that opened my eyes even more to experiences many women face.
This is a book that will definitely stay with me. I'll be honest it was difficult and emotional to read at times (trigger warnings at the start), but Sara's strength, resilience and determination to keep going despite everything she faced showed me what people can achieve even through hardship.
As a Muslim woman myself, there were many relatable parts especially around religion, culture, expectations and identity. It also made me reflect on how grateful I am to have grown up in a county with the freedom and opportunities to choose my own path and become who I want to be. Of course, there are still restrictions and expectations at times, but not to the extent I may have experienced had I grown up elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews