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jewelrybonney's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Ableism, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, and Colonisation
Moderate: Mental illness, Fatphobia, War, and Pregnancy
Minor: Murder, Abortion, Religious bigotry, and Rape
alisarae's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sabriya is the story of a girl in 1920s Damascus. A major nationalist movement is underway, and Syria's youth are bubbling with patriotic ferver to overthrow the imperialist French rule. Sabriya eagerly consumes underground literature that her brother and his friend pass along to her; she longs to join them in the rebel cause -- if only she could be accepted as a woman. As one blow after another hits the Syrian movement for independence, Sabriya's family life suffers mirrored tragedies.
Before reading this novel I had no idea about this chapter in Syria's history. There is a good overview of this turbulent time here: https://countrystudies.us/syria/. But what really struck me was Idilbi's sharp analysis of how cultural misogyny held back the movement for independence and how it directed Sabriya's life down a certain path. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I loved the rich drama. I'd definitely recommend it, but I have to warn you to not be scared off by the clunky English translation.
Before reading this novel I had no idea about this chapter in Syria's history. There is a good overview of this turbulent time here: https://countrystudies.us/syria/. But what really struck me was Idilbi's sharp analysis of how cultural misogyny held back the movement for independence and how it directed Sabriya's life down a certain path. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I loved the rich drama. I'd definitely recommend it, but I have to warn you to not be scared off by the clunky English translation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Mental illness, Death of parent, Death, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, War, Suicide attempt, Bullying, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Police brutality, and Abortion
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