Title: Secrets of the Henna Girl
Author: Sufiya Ahmed
Genre: YA
Pages: 270
Published: March 2012
Publisher: Penguin
Source: via Publisher
Where to buy: AmazonSynopsis:
Life as Zeba knows it could be over for good...
Zeba Khan is like any other sixteen-year-old girl: enjoying herself, waiting for exam results... and dreaming of the day she'll meet her one true love. Except her parents have other plans.
In Pakistan for the summer, Zeba's world is shattered. Her future is threatened by an unthinkable - and forced - duty to protect her father's honour.
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!
Sounds like an interesting read.
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