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doriastories's review
3.0
There is a lot to like about this book: it's pretty historically informed for a work of fiction, it includes a great deal of interesting details about both important and subsidiary characters and places, and the author struggles valiantly to present opposing viewpoints and perspectives fairly, going to great lengths to portray the inner workings of two life-long enemies and early proponents of Islam - A'isha and Ali - in a humane and comprehensible light. No mean feat, and the effort is not in vain.
Unfortunately, the author's breathless and overly-wordy style is not a good fit with the material she is trying to present. The tone is more reminiscent of Beverly Hills 90210 than the rise of Islam in seventh century Arabia. This is still worthwhile as a casual read, or as an accompaniment to a more serious historical account of the early leaders of Islam. If nothing else, the Teen Magazine tone serves as a constant reminder that this is a very accessible work of clever historical fiction, best enjoyed as light entertainment with a side of history.
Unfortunately, the author's breathless and overly-wordy style is not a good fit with the material she is trying to present. The tone is more reminiscent of Beverly Hills 90210 than the rise of Islam in seventh century Arabia. This is still worthwhile as a casual read, or as an accompaniment to a more serious historical account of the early leaders of Islam. If nothing else, the Teen Magazine tone serves as a constant reminder that this is a very accessible work of clever historical fiction, best enjoyed as light entertainment with a side of history.
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