Reviews

I listened to the audiobook, which was very well done, but wish I had read it to glean more from the verse. I found the story beautiful and heartbreaking, with the way Elhilo paints the Islamic immigrant experience, and seeking to find your own way in the world.

marylaffey's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

For the people who wish they had lived differently - this book solidifies who you are now

annayareads's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I cried! So beautiful. So evocative. So moving. Connection is what is important in this novel-in-verse. Elhillo treats each relationship with care and reverence. I felt so grateful for the people whose souls feel destined to have met with mine. Free Sudan.

dewsdrops's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh I’m crying and crying and crying and I will be crying forever and ever. I don’t have any of the words in either language to explain what this book is to me. I read it as slow as I could to keep it with me. قلبي وبلدي

rebeccasfantasyworld's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bayanreads's review

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5.0

i loved loved this!! books in verse have always had a special place in my heart. “home” has also always been a topic on my mind, is it a place? is it a person? can home be a place or a person you’ve never known/met? can it be a feeling and not a state?

i found myself within nima’s character, home is not always a country indeed. i cried along the chapter called “mama” where nima kept apologizing to her mother for everything that has happened, the need of hearing her mom’s voice and to feel her touch being impossible even though they were next to each other all along had me in tears

i’m sorry you got this storm cloud for a daughter instead of the flowers you deserved, sorry on the days you wear the hat instead of the scarf & scared on the days you don’t, i’m sorry you didn’t get the daughter you dreamt up, the girl named for her sweetness & blooming, i’m sorry i blamed your scarf when they called me a terrorist i’m sorry i blamed your loss for the ways my life feels empty.

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