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georgiarybanks's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy
evelina96's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I would never have found this book without my ongoing challenge to read a book from every country. It really made me want to know more about Mauretania. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I loved the writing and the descriptions of nature, and the main character's feelings. The ending fell a bit flat for me as I felt like I didn't understand it fully but it's still a book I recommend if you want to broaden your reading and learn about a different culture. I also appreciated the juxtaposition Rayhana encountered when she left her Beduin camp and made it to the larger city.
cachk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hanntastic's review
4.0
Global Read 128: Mauritania
As far as I know I think this is the first and only book from Mauritania translated into English. It is a quick and easy read. Not easy in terms of subject matter, but just very readable. I do feel like maybe it was too quick/surface level. There was a lot more that I wanted to see developed. There was one major plot point that felt too serendipitous to me, but other than that I enjoyed it.
As far as I know I think this is the first and only book from Mauritania translated into English. It is a quick and easy read. Not easy in terms of subject matter, but just very readable. I do feel like maybe it was too quick/surface level. There was a lot more that I wanted to see developed. There was one major plot point that felt too serendipitous to me, but other than that I enjoyed it.
twilcox197805's review
4.0
The novel gives one an intimate and fascinating view into the Bedouin life and customs. As an American, it seems to give insight into Arab culture and politics.
sebsie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Abandonment, Slavery, Vomit, and Classism
Having a child taken away is the main driving force of the protagonist. There is also a reference to honor killing or sanctioned killing.stunnerz25's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
It took a little time for me to delve deeper into this novel, but it was worth it, though i still can't get over the ending. It was an amazing read for a new voice i hadn't explored yet.
This novel follows the story of, Rayhana, a spirited young woman and the chief's niece, as her life takes an unexpected turn. When she encounters a foreign miner named Yahya and his group of engineers who were settling near her village camp, little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down. Bewitched by Yahya's flattering words, Rayhana falls into his deceitful embrace, only to be left heartbroken and shattered, her innocence stolen and her spirit fractured.
As the poignant narrative unfolds, Ould Beyrouk masterfully weaves the intricate tapestry of the Bedouin nomadic lifestyle, drawing readers into a profound connection with the vast desert that shapes their existence. Through Rayhana's eyes, we witness the thin line between honor and shame in upholding our traditions, raising thought-provoking questions about the complexities of human nature and societal norms. Yet, this isn't just a tale of heartbreak and betrayal; it's a multidimensional story sprinkled with elements of politics, philosophy, and governance. The author fearlessly denounces the ills of our society, confronting the reader with the sobering truth that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience.
As the poignant narrative unfolds, Ould Beyrouk masterfully weaves the intricate tapestry of the Bedouin nomadic lifestyle, drawing readers into a profound connection with the vast desert that shapes their existence. Through Rayhana's eyes, we witness the thin line between honor and shame in upholding our traditions, raising thought-provoking questions about the complexities of human nature and societal norms. Yet, this isn't just a tale of heartbreak and betrayal; it's a multidimensional story sprinkled with elements of politics, philosophy, and governance. The author fearlessly denounces the ills of our society, confronting the reader with the sobering truth that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience.
One quote that stood out for me was "to make a mistake is not to die." Definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read something different for a change.
scottishben's review against another edition
3.0
Exactly the type of book that only gets read because of a reading the world challenge and at the same time highlights how there is lots to be gained from reading books you might otherwise not have read or even heard of.
The book is a bit uneven and the pacing is a bit off -but this is a compelling story showing cultures and worlds I didnt really know very much about.
Wasnt always the most "fun" reading but very glad I got to it.
The book is a bit uneven and the pacing is a bit off -but this is a compelling story showing cultures and worlds I didnt really know very much about.
Wasnt always the most "fun" reading but very glad I got to it.