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Monster Child
In this powerful debut novel set in the spring of 2000, Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable Beh, Shabnam and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism and danger we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah's family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring Canadian society. But as the sexual assault of thirteen-year-old Beh spirals into a series of terrible events that threaten to unleash the past and destroy the family, the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares, "We are a family of monsters"? Or are the monsters all around us?
- GenresFiction
188 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2021
3 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 13, 2021
MONSTER CHILD by Rahela Nayebzadah is an intense and tragic novel! I loved it! It’s about an Afghani immigrant family and how the three children in the family deal with trauma. I loved the Vancouver setting which is my city! I liked how this story is told in three parts through each child’s point of view. It was really interesting to read about the Afghani culture and the glossary of Dari words at the back was very helpful.
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Be forewarned in this book there’s sexual assault, racism, death, and domestic violence. I found some parts very difficult to read and this book did make me cry. It was a really emotional read but I’m extremely glad to have read it. Highly recommend!!
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Thank you to Wolsak and Wynn for my gifted review copy!
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Be forewarned in this book there’s sexual assault, racism, death, and domestic violence. I found some parts very difficult to read and this book did make me cry. It was a really emotional read but I’m extremely glad to have read it. Highly recommend!!
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Thank you to Wolsak and Wynn for my gifted review copy!
August 3, 2021
⚠️ 𝘛𝘞: 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮
After I finished this book, I had to take time to meditate on my thoughts. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 covers just a few months in the lives of three Afghani siblings in the year 2000. Their family has emigrated to Canada, and their father owns a restaurant.
What makes this story unique is that there seems to be a theme running throughout it: blood. One sibling has a magical gift of crying tears of blood, blood flows as a result of sexual abuse, and the question of bloodline comes into play. The book even begins with sacrificial animal slaughter.
It took me to the very end of the story to see the link between all three of these events. It’s even more startling and heartbreaking that each sibling believes that they are the monster child within the family.
Throughout the book, Nayebzadah includes Afghani culture, a bit of magical realism, family secrets, and the sad reality of racism to make this story truly compelling.
Thank you to @wolsakandwynn and @rahela_nayebzadah for a gifted copy.
After I finished this book, I had to take time to meditate on my thoughts. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 covers just a few months in the lives of three Afghani siblings in the year 2000. Their family has emigrated to Canada, and their father owns a restaurant.
What makes this story unique is that there seems to be a theme running throughout it: blood. One sibling has a magical gift of crying tears of blood, blood flows as a result of sexual abuse, and the question of bloodline comes into play. The book even begins with sacrificial animal slaughter.
It took me to the very end of the story to see the link between all three of these events. It’s even more startling and heartbreaking that each sibling believes that they are the monster child within the family.
Throughout the book, Nayebzadah includes Afghani culture, a bit of magical realism, family secrets, and the sad reality of racism to make this story truly compelling.
Thank you to @wolsakandwynn and @rahela_nayebzadah for a gifted copy.
November 15, 2021
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of your novel in exchange for my honest review. Monster Child is a challenging book as it covers difficult, powerful and heartbreaking topics. It feels real and raw, allowing the reader to step into the shoes of the three main characters. This is a book that can teach compassion.
The story is told from the perspectives of three siblings: Beh, Shabnam and Alif. They are different (or think they are) and are experiencing alienation and loneliness. This is a story of family and culture. It is a story of being "other." The author created characters who are scarred and wounded, unable to heal. And because of that, the reader is drawn into their lives and finds a deep connection with them. It becomes a relationship that matters, and the characters become friends. It is this that allows the reader to learn about experiences different from their own, and to find compassion for those who live it.
The ending leaves from for a sequel, though I don't know one is planned, and honestly I hope not because I love books with unanswered questions.
The story is told from the perspectives of three siblings: Beh, Shabnam and Alif. They are different (or think they are) and are experiencing alienation and loneliness. This is a story of family and culture. It is a story of being "other." The author created characters who are scarred and wounded, unable to heal. And because of that, the reader is drawn into their lives and finds a deep connection with them. It becomes a relationship that matters, and the characters become friends. It is this that allows the reader to learn about experiences different from their own, and to find compassion for those who live it.
The ending leaves from for a sequel, though I don't know one is planned, and honestly I hope not because I love books with unanswered questions.
August 29, 2023
Propulsive, angry, trauma-based, out-of-my-comfort-zone read.
July 19, 2021
Monster Child by Rahela Nayebzadah was unlike any book I've ever read before. Based out of Vancouver, Canada, this book follows the story of 3 children in an Afghan family and the struggles and hardships they have each gone through. I was surprised how quickly I read this book, but after halfway through I just couldn't put it down.
It was a very emotional read and like others said, some parts were hard for me to get through. Beh's point of view was the hardest for me to get through, so I am thankful that the author started the book out with her story first. As the youngest child, she had gone through a lot and her attitude towards her family, her circumstance and the world had very much so been tainted by her tragic experiences.
I loved that the author didn't sugar coat anything or take away from their stories. These are stories of experiences that happen in families all over the world, and the culture and how it was represented was rich and vibrant. It gave me much more of a sense of different cultural beliefs and how each family tries to get through their own battles.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a copy to read and review, this is a book that will stick with me for a long time. The writing was beautiful. I also found it helpful that she provided a glossary in the back to refer - being unfamiliar to the culture and different language, it helped to refer to when I didn't understand something.
**TW: talk of suicide, self-harm, abuse, sexual abuse, death.
It was a very emotional read and like others said, some parts were hard for me to get through. Beh's point of view was the hardest for me to get through, so I am thankful that the author started the book out with her story first. As the youngest child, she had gone through a lot and her attitude towards her family, her circumstance and the world had very much so been tainted by her tragic experiences.
I loved that the author didn't sugar coat anything or take away from their stories. These are stories of experiences that happen in families all over the world, and the culture and how it was represented was rich and vibrant. It gave me much more of a sense of different cultural beliefs and how each family tries to get through their own battles.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a copy to read and review, this is a book that will stick with me for a long time. The writing was beautiful. I also found it helpful that she provided a glossary in the back to refer - being unfamiliar to the culture and different language, it helped to refer to when I didn't understand something.
**TW: talk of suicide, self-harm, abuse, sexual abuse, death.
June 25, 2021
Monster Child is an incredibly difficult book to read in the best possible way.
Told from the perspective of siblings Beh, Shabnam, and Alif, Monster Child weaves a powerful story of belonging- or lack thereof- against a backdrop of cultural, familial, and human "otherness."
The storytelling is raw and convincing, and secrets are held and birthed in such a way that the reader can feel the pain that consumes the characters.
While parts of the book can be jarring, Nayebzadah intentionally opens wounds in order to draw the readers not just into the story, but into the very fabric of her characters, and she does a masterful job of accomplishing this.
Just a quick hint for people about to read Monster Child: there is a glossary at the back for the Dari words throughout the book. I wish I had known that BEFORE I finished it!
My only complaint about this book is that I feel there's unfinished business the siblings need to attend to. I sincerely hope there's a follow up!
Told from the perspective of siblings Beh, Shabnam, and Alif, Monster Child weaves a powerful story of belonging- or lack thereof- against a backdrop of cultural, familial, and human "otherness."
The storytelling is raw and convincing, and secrets are held and birthed in such a way that the reader can feel the pain that consumes the characters.
While parts of the book can be jarring, Nayebzadah intentionally opens wounds in order to draw the readers not just into the story, but into the very fabric of her characters, and she does a masterful job of accomplishing this.
Just a quick hint for people about to read Monster Child: there is a glossary at the back for the Dari words throughout the book. I wish I had known that BEFORE I finished it!
My only complaint about this book is that I feel there's unfinished business the siblings need to attend to. I sincerely hope there's a follow up!
July 30, 2021
Monster Child by Rahela Nayebzadah is a brief, intense attack of a novel capable of leaving one breathless and uncomfortably provoked—and this isn’t a bad thing. Discomfort challenges you. It can change you.
Circling around the lives of three teenage siblings, Beh, Shabnam and Alif—Afghani immigrants to Canada—Nayebzadah explores the oppressive expectations of family, culture, and society through the eyes of these self-proclaimed “monster” children.
You can read my full review here: ⬇️
https://miramichireader.ca/2021/07/mo...
September 14, 2021
Monster Child by Rahela Nayebzadah
Rating 5 ⭐️
First I want to say thank you @rahela_nayebzadah for sending me an eBook!
The book is about an Afghani family, living in Vancouver, BC in a Muslim community. We have three amazing characters (siblings)and they are ready to tell the story about living as an immigrant and trying to survive.
This novel raises critical issues on Islamophobia, racism and race.
I finished this book two weeks ago and the author's compassion in telling this story was something that will stay in my heart.
I love the writing style for this book, the atmosphere, sentences and how the author describes deep feelings in sentences is incredible!
The book is like a thriller it keeps you on the edge of the chair just because you want to know more, you want to see what happens and I was surprised how the book turned out at the end.
Rahela highlights the beauty and the pain of Afghan culture like meals, prayers and expectations between females and males in the family. And now I’m thinking how and why are they holding long traditions in today’s society in Afghanistan? Especially what’s happening right now in Afghanistan is hard to watch. I hope that children and Afghan women will find a way to get through this because during times of crisis, violence against women and girls increases.
Overall I love the book! It has moments that make you cry, laugh and be angry. Most important is that the book makes you think about everything. It was hard to put it down.
It’s a short book, but it’s very impactful!
Monster Child should be required reading and I gave 5 ⭐️ for powerful voice in the book and importance!
Rating 5 ⭐️
First I want to say thank you @rahela_nayebzadah for sending me an eBook!
The book is about an Afghani family, living in Vancouver, BC in a Muslim community. We have three amazing characters (siblings)and they are ready to tell the story about living as an immigrant and trying to survive.
This novel raises critical issues on Islamophobia, racism and race.
I finished this book two weeks ago and the author's compassion in telling this story was something that will stay in my heart.
I love the writing style for this book, the atmosphere, sentences and how the author describes deep feelings in sentences is incredible!
The book is like a thriller it keeps you on the edge of the chair just because you want to know more, you want to see what happens and I was surprised how the book turned out at the end.
Rahela highlights the beauty and the pain of Afghan culture like meals, prayers and expectations between females and males in the family. And now I’m thinking how and why are they holding long traditions in today’s society in Afghanistan? Especially what’s happening right now in Afghanistan is hard to watch. I hope that children and Afghan women will find a way to get through this because during times of crisis, violence against women and girls increases.
Overall I love the book! It has moments that make you cry, laugh and be angry. Most important is that the book makes you think about everything. It was hard to put it down.
It’s a short book, but it’s very impactful!
Monster Child should be required reading and I gave 5 ⭐️ for powerful voice in the book and importance!
August 3, 2023
In such a few pages, Monster Child is a powerhouse of a novel. Rahela Nayebzadah does an excellent job at crafting poignant and realistic depictions of "the other" within the family of Afghan immigrants residing in Canada. The family struggles with maintaining their rich culture in Vancouver, opening a family restaurant of Afghani cuisine that ultimately fails. On that note, though, I enjoyed learning about Afghani culture and the traditional Afghani family unit, and the Dari glossary at the back of the book was highly informative.
As for the family itself, Beh doesn't quite follow her traditional gender role, and when she is , she feels further alienated. Shabnam's mother died giving birth to her, and she cries tears of blood. At the end of the book, we discover that Alif, the lone son of the family, is
This is not an easy book to read by any means. Racism, sexual assault, the death of a parent, and domestic violence (and more) are prevalent in Monster Child, but if you're able to read such content, I highly recommend this novel. There's not much else that I can say because this book left me speechless, and I can see myself re-reading it in the future.
*TW for: sexual abuse, racism, self-harm, domestic violence, description of animal slaughter, death of a parent
As for the family itself, Beh doesn't quite follow her traditional gender role, and when she is , she feels further alienated. Shabnam's mother died giving birth to her, and she cries tears of blood. At the end of the book, we discover that Alif, the lone son of the family, is
This is not an easy book to read by any means. Racism, sexual assault, the death of a parent, and domestic violence (and more) are prevalent in Monster Child, but if you're able to read such content, I highly recommend this novel. There's not much else that I can say because this book left me speechless, and I can see myself re-reading it in the future.
*TW for: sexual abuse, racism, self-harm, domestic violence, description of animal slaughter, death of a parent
August 10, 2021
This is an excellent, well-written book. The characters are very strong and the story is compelling. Nayebzadah writes the story through the eyes of three children, living in Vancouver BC, in a Muslim community.
Their family and community relationships are intense and powerful.
Highly recommended.
Their family and community relationships are intense and powerful.
Highly recommended.
August 29, 2023
I think the author handles the sensitive and brutal topics in the book really well. It's definitely not easy to read, and not something everyone would be comfortable reading, but I think the balance between telling a hard story without making it impossible to get through was the best part of the book for me. But overall, I don't think the ending did a good job of wrapping it up and making a point. Personally, I didn't get some of the symbolism which made it harder to enjoy everything about it.
June 23, 2022
Loved this one, its raw and real and tragic but so very good! Definitely reccomend!
August 2, 2021
Monster Child, Rahela Nayebzadah
Beh, Shabnam and Alif, Afghani immigrant children in Canada, grow up in a world filled with secrets, racism and oppression, and cultural divisiveness. The danger and trauma that lurks behind closed doors is met by an often uncaring and ignorant Canadian society.
Monster child is a haunting book that tells the tale through the eyes of the three children. The graphic imagery created visceral reactions as I read. Resisting the urge to look away, I found profound richness in the cultural underpinnings and really appreciated Rahela’s ability to foster learning of the Afghani culture which included information on meals, prayer, cultural and gender-based expectations and family duty along with a glossary for words and phrases used throughout.
Raheal approached me following the horrific hate crime that left a family of four Muslim people dead in London, Ontario, Canada. An hour’s drive from me. I was truly touched and honoured by her request and offering. Despite what some may think, Canada does have racist, oppressive and hateful practices and incidents. Rahela’s Monster Child shows the juxtaposition of Afghani and immigrant families who come to Canada with the hope of prosperity yet are met with cultural isolation and lack of true acceptance from community and country. Rahela highlights these pieces while building empathy through the lens of a family and seeks to foster compassion and understanding. This was an impactful and important read as a Canadian and as someone who works in the community in social work.
I am deeply thankful to Rahela for reaching out to me and for trusting me with her words and voice etched within Monster Child.
** Trigger warnings: sexual assault, rape, racism, death, domestic violence, suicidality and self-harm, explicit language, and the slaughter of an animal.**
Beh, Shabnam and Alif, Afghani immigrant children in Canada, grow up in a world filled with secrets, racism and oppression, and cultural divisiveness. The danger and trauma that lurks behind closed doors is met by an often uncaring and ignorant Canadian society.
Monster child is a haunting book that tells the tale through the eyes of the three children. The graphic imagery created visceral reactions as I read. Resisting the urge to look away, I found profound richness in the cultural underpinnings and really appreciated Rahela’s ability to foster learning of the Afghani culture which included information on meals, prayer, cultural and gender-based expectations and family duty along with a glossary for words and phrases used throughout.
Raheal approached me following the horrific hate crime that left a family of four Muslim people dead in London, Ontario, Canada. An hour’s drive from me. I was truly touched and honoured by her request and offering. Despite what some may think, Canada does have racist, oppressive and hateful practices and incidents. Rahela’s Monster Child shows the juxtaposition of Afghani and immigrant families who come to Canada with the hope of prosperity yet are met with cultural isolation and lack of true acceptance from community and country. Rahela highlights these pieces while building empathy through the lens of a family and seeks to foster compassion and understanding. This was an impactful and important read as a Canadian and as someone who works in the community in social work.
I am deeply thankful to Rahela for reaching out to me and for trusting me with her words and voice etched within Monster Child.
** Trigger warnings: sexual assault, rape, racism, death, domestic violence, suicidality and self-harm, explicit language, and the slaughter of an animal.**
August 27, 2021
A powerful, tragic, and captivating story of an Afghan immigrant family trying to survive and navigate fraught relationships, dark secrets, violence, and trauma as they try to build a life in Canada. By telling the story through the points of view of three teenage siblings, Alif, Beh, and Shabnam, author Rahela Nayebzadah amplifies and gives power to the voices that are often overlooked in the narratives of the immigrant experience, namely, those of young people. Through their eyes, we get a close look at the many complicated emotions that children and adolescents go through as the weight of the world presses down upon their innocent minds. Nayebzadah tackles difficult topics in this novel, including sexual assault, family betrayals, terminal illness and death, and looks at how much more complicated these experiences are for immigrant families as they also deal with Islamophobia, racism, and hate. Naybezadah also portrays the complex relationship racialized communities often have with the child welfare system. Nayebzadah’s young heroes defy stereotypes. In showing both their strengths and vulnerabilities, and the many different shades of gray in their characters, she ultimately portrays the incredible resilience of her characters, and how the strength of family ties can help one survive the most difficult of tragedies.
August 13, 2021
Many thanks to the author, Rahela Nayebzadah, for gifting me a copy of this powerful book - 5 stars!
This is the story of 3 siblings in an Afghani family who immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, and have opened an ethnic restaurant. The story takes place over a few months in 2000 and is divided into each sibling's point of view during that time period. Each sibling views themselves as the "monster child" of the family who has caused the family immeasurable harm.
A short but extremely powerful book that explores some difficult subjects - sexual abuse, racism, family secrets - and how these traumas affect each family member differently. It was very helpful to have the glossary of terms at the end; it was also an interesting look into this culture.
This is the story of 3 siblings in an Afghani family who immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, and have opened an ethnic restaurant. The story takes place over a few months in 2000 and is divided into each sibling's point of view during that time period. Each sibling views themselves as the "monster child" of the family who has caused the family immeasurable harm.
A short but extremely powerful book that explores some difficult subjects - sexual abuse, racism, family secrets - and how these traumas affect each family member differently. It was very helpful to have the glossary of terms at the end; it was also an interesting look into this culture.
July 10, 2021
One of the most powerful novels I have ever read. Rahela Nayebzadah builds on the characters story in the eyes of the three main characters. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
December 9, 2021
Loved, loved, loved this book. It is so beautiful, and such great concepts. Looking forward to reading other books by Nayebzadah.
August 22, 2021
A fascinating debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. What shines through for the reader is the sense of what it is like to be so dislocated - to be a ‘nomad’ in so many different ways. The author also does an excellent job of shining a light on the gendered stereotypes and roles within Afghan society. Then there are the secrets… secrets being what lies underneath all of the action. What is less well developed - the reader having to guess - is the reason why the children - each and all - consider themselves to be ‘monster’ children, and/or to be a ‘disease.’
Notwithstanding that I found it a compelling and enjoyable read… I did have some issues with the novel. First and foremost was the structure of the novel. Told from three different PoV’s, it is divided into 3 parts, each part being one of the voices. Given that it takes place over a period of time, this organisation served to be very confusing… Personally I feel that it would have been far better to have been a more traditional PoV structure - with alternating chapters from each PoV in chronological order.
I definitely appreciated the glossary at the back of the book. Despite this there are places where she narrates - or has the speaker - use Dari words and phrases… and then proceeds to provide an English translation in the next sentence. I found this very jarring. As a reader I don’t mind at all doing the work… especially when I’m given the tools (the glossary) to be able to do the work.
Another I had was with some of the metaphors put to use. A selected few of the ones that troubled me include: (i) “Jonathon scrunches his face, looking like a yeast infection” (p24) - which had me wondering what exactly a yeast infection looked like?; (ii) “He always smells of failure” (p41) which is immediately followed by a musing about the foreskin on someone’s penis - what do they have to do with each other?; and (iii) “Massif smells of cheap hair gel and cologne which makes him look like a rapist” (p32) - how is someone’s smell related to them looking like something? I also found that the over-arching metaphor of ‘blood’ was a little heavy handed… there was too much telling with respect to that one… have faith… show me let me figure it out.
I am excited to watch for what Ms. Naebzadah has to offer us next.
3.5
Notwithstanding that I found it a compelling and enjoyable read… I did have some issues with the novel. First and foremost was the structure of the novel. Told from three different PoV’s, it is divided into 3 parts, each part being one of the voices. Given that it takes place over a period of time, this organisation served to be very confusing… Personally I feel that it would have been far better to have been a more traditional PoV structure - with alternating chapters from each PoV in chronological order.
I definitely appreciated the glossary at the back of the book. Despite this there are places where she narrates - or has the speaker - use Dari words and phrases… and then proceeds to provide an English translation in the next sentence. I found this very jarring. As a reader I don’t mind at all doing the work… especially when I’m given the tools (the glossary) to be able to do the work.
Another I had was with some of the metaphors put to use. A selected few of the ones that troubled me include: (i) “Jonathon scrunches his face, looking like a yeast infection” (p24) - which had me wondering what exactly a yeast infection looked like?; (ii) “He always smells of failure” (p41) which is immediately followed by a musing about the foreskin on someone’s penis - what do they have to do with each other?; and (iii) “Massif smells of cheap hair gel and cologne which makes him look like a rapist” (p32) - how is someone’s smell related to them looking like something? I also found that the over-arching metaphor of ‘blood’ was a little heavy handed… there was too much telling with respect to that one… have faith… show me let me figure it out.
I am excited to watch for what Ms. Naebzadah has to offer us next.
3.5
June 25, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
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September 24, 2021“Monster Child" provides a fascinating insight into Afghan life and is one of the most gripping novels I've read. The story follows three siblings' retellings of a six-month period in their life. Each retelling uncovers more details to piece together a complex series of events. I appreciated that the author didn't hesitate to use Dari cultural phrases and specific rituals such as the halal killing of an animal and pubescent rites of passage.
The structure of using three narrators kept me hooked and made for a rich narrative. At first, I was taken aback by 13-year old Beh's use of vulgarity and sexually graphic language, doubting how realistic it was, but as I got more context on how other characters perceived Beh, it made more sense. One aspect I especially enjoyed throughout the book was each narrator's perception of their parents' marital dynamics.
As much as I enjoyed “Monster Child”, I felt as though it ended abruptly. I was jarred by the detail that was revealed in the final pages, and I left with many questions. I am curious why Nayebzadah chose to end at that specific point rather than answer some of the broader questions that built up throughout the book.
Overall, Nayabzadeh uniquely captures the angst of betrayal, loss, and love, and “Monster Child” is a beautifully told story of family and tragedy, unlike anything else I've read.
The structure of using three narrators kept me hooked and made for a rich narrative. At first, I was taken aback by 13-year old Beh's use of vulgarity and sexually graphic language, doubting how realistic it was, but as I got more context on how other characters perceived Beh, it made more sense. One aspect I especially enjoyed throughout the book was each narrator's perception of their parents' marital dynamics.
As much as I enjoyed “Monster Child”, I felt as though it ended abruptly. I was jarred by the detail that was revealed in the final pages, and I left with many questions. I am curious why Nayebzadah chose to end at that specific point rather than answer some of the broader questions that built up throughout the book.
Overall, Nayabzadeh uniquely captures the angst of betrayal, loss, and love, and “Monster Child” is a beautifully told story of family and tragedy, unlike anything else I've read.
August 29, 2023
A impactful book that is full to the brim with violence and sadness. The blood spilled and that binds features prominently and ties Beh, Shabhem, and Alif together in ways that are hopeful despite all the circumstances. Their love of their parents' and their parents' love in return is moving, but I couldn't help but be furious after finishing the book. The ending and the much of the book itself feels (purposefully) unsatisfying. I would have liked to have seen more character development for Shabhem since her chapters seemed more focused on the parents than her but the way the timeline is crafted and the depth of character for the remaining family members despite the short length is truly impressive.
June 25, 2024
Miss Author, was it that hard to write a happy or decent ending.
Did you have to rip my heart out and stomp on it, run it through a bloody meat grinder and then pour acid on top to melt it away before finally feeding maggots the remains ??
Why would you write something so painful, it's only Tuesday and I've got a work week ahead of me, I can't afford to cry yet 😭
You're so rude Rahela Nayebzadah, so rude for this.
Trigger warnings for child sexual abuse, blood, animal slaughter, and racism.
Did you have to rip my heart out and stomp on it, run it through a bloody meat grinder and then pour acid on top to melt it away before finally feeding maggots the remains ??
Why would you write something so painful, it's only Tuesday and I've got a work week ahead of me, I can't afford to cry yet 😭
You're so rude Rahela Nayebzadah, so rude for this.
Trigger warnings for child sexual abuse, blood, animal slaughter, and racism.
May 13, 2024
I don't know... This felt like ethnic trauma porn to me... It was a quick and easy read, and crying blood is quite the arresting image, but who is the intended audience if not white people who know nothing about people from Afghanistan and are ready to cry, "Won't someone think of those poor, brown children?!"
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June 25, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Rape
Sexual assault
Rape
Sexual assault
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