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filipacmiranda's review against another edition
2.5
I enjoyed the plot, found the characters likeable and wanted them to succeed. Despite this, the story fell short regarding cultural representation and romance.
Being one of the first times I read a book with a Bengali main character, I expected The Henna Wars to contain much more detailed descriptions of the celebrations that were included in the plot and for Nishat and her family's cultural background to be one of the main focuses of the story. I was also very excited when I realised Flávia was Brazilian rather than Hispanic! Reading my native language (Portuguese) in a book written in another language was fantastic. However, Brazil has a vast and diverse culture that I would have liked to see reflected in the small moments Nishat shared with Flávia and her mother.
The same is true for Nishat and Flávia's romantic relationship, which seems to grow unsteadily just to become suddenly official.
Being one of the first times I read a book with a Bengali main character, I expected The Henna Wars to contain much more detailed descriptions of the celebrations that were included in the plot and for Nishat and her family's cultural background to be one of the main focuses of the story. I was also very excited when I realised Flávia was Brazilian rather than Hispanic! Reading my native language (Portuguese) in a book written in another language was fantastic. However, Brazil has a vast and diverse culture that I would have liked to see reflected in the small moments Nishat shared with Flávia and her mother.
The same is true for Nishat and Flávia's romantic relationship, which seems to grow unsteadily just to become suddenly official.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation and Outing
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Xenophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship
featherinthewind's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I felt that this book had some problems, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked by the overall enjoyment I had while reading. There were small hiccups in the beginning, and the characters didn’t feel right, but as the story continued, the quality increased. I am left with a bit of dissatisfaction of the relationship in this book because it didn’t feel quite right, but by the end, I was satisfied. The real reason why I gave it 4 stars was because it made me angry. The way the characters and their actions were portrayed made me feel angry, making me want to stand up for the MC, Nashat. The book did a wonderful job portraying the hardships of being outed and being different than everyone else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Lesbophobia, Outing, Homophobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Religious bigotry
_nem_'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Rep: Bangladeshi lesbian POV, Brazilian MC, Korean MC
Set in Ireland
This story really pulled me in. I learnt a lot about South Asian culture. I can't comment on how accurate it was but the ideas of coming out and existing as queer in a not accepting environment were very relatable.
I loved the developing relationship between Nishat and Flavia especially towards the end when Flavia is more accepting of her own identity. It was great when Flavia was realising how toxic China was and that she didn't want that anymore.
Set in Ireland
This story really pulled me in. I learnt a lot about South Asian culture. I can't comment on how accurate it was but the ideas of coming out and existing as queer in a not accepting environment were very relatable.
I loved the developing relationship between Nishat and Flavia especially towards the end when Flavia is more accepting of her own identity. It was great when Flavia was realising how toxic China was and that she didn't want that anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Bullying, Outing, and Racism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation and Toxic friendship
ophycore's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Outing, Lesbophobia, Hate crime, Islamophobia, Cultural appropriation, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
lonely_leafairy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.25
I might change this rating, but for now, this is the best book I've ever read.
(By the way, I have listed all of the content warnings very carefully and made sure I didn't skip any, so this is a pretty trustworthy review to go by!)
Granted, that might sound a little dramatic, but I haven't read many books, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
I loved the diversity of the characters, and I think it is so full of plot twists and things that will make you want to cry, scream or jump with joy.
It's got so many qualities, and I might be a little biased since the main love interest is Brazillian and I'm Brazillian, but it is still a great find. It's my favorite book for so many reasons, and I simply adore it.
But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't come with its flaws.
It seems like kind of amateur writing, mainly how they used the same description, "I pressed her lips against mine," and some other things. It's repetitive and seems like a beginner's mistake. It really did lose it's meaning when you use the same bombastic description so many times. But those really are silly mistakes that I can look over, and overall, it's a great book!
(By the way, I have listed all of the content warnings very carefully and made sure I didn't skip any, so this is a pretty trustworthy review to go by!)
Granted, that might sound a little dramatic, but I haven't read many books, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.
I loved the diversity of the characters, and I think it is so full of plot twists and things that will make you want to cry, scream or jump with joy.
It's got so many qualities, and I might be a little biased since the main love interest is Brazillian and I'm Brazillian, but it is still a great find. It's my favorite book for so many reasons, and I simply adore it.
But, that doesn't mean that it doesn't come with its flaws.
It seems like kind of amateur writing, mainly how they used the same description, "I pressed her lips against mine," and some other things. It's repetitive and seems like a beginner's mistake. It really did lose it's meaning when you use the same bombastic description so many times. But those really are silly mistakes that I can look over, and overall, it's a great book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Bullying, Religious bigotry, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship and Cursing
It is not inappropriate in a sexual way at all, but it does include homophobia and bullying. Nothing tooo intense though, and it has a warning at the beginning anyways. It is COMPLETELY safe for kids, as long as you are not triggered by bullying.colorful_lulu's review against another edition
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Racism, Outing, Islamophobia, Cultural appropriation, and Bullying
Minor: Toxic friendship
abi2xoxo's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
This book is the second one I have read from Adiba Jaigirdar and it didn't massively disappoint.
pros-
The storyline was easy to follow and would definitely fit a younger audience. It focuses on cultural differences, and cultural appropriation while being a cute queer story.
Homophobia is well-spoken about. It is handled with care.
The way they ended up together I thought was sweet.
cons-
uncomfortable- it is used too many times.
No consequences. It left me a little unsatisfied when there were no consequences for anyone! When Nishat didn't tell her parents she was going somewhere and she got Priti to tell that I was so confused at how there wasn't any telling off texts or phone calls. I think it is because my parents would have not been at all happy if I had my brother told them where I was going. I didn't even have a phone until I was 15 and I still found a way to tell them where I would be. There were also no consequences for Ali or Chyna.
Good book.
I would recommend it to a younger audience. It is heavy at times but t is handled with caution so yeah.
I don't know if I will read another Adiba Jaigirdar though.
pros-
The storyline was easy to follow and would definitely fit a younger audience. It focuses on cultural differences, and cultural appropriation while being a cute queer story.
Homophobia is well-spoken about. It is handled with care.
The way they ended up together I thought was sweet.
cons-
uncomfortable- it is used too many times.
No consequences. It left me a little unsatisfied when there were no consequences for anyone! When Nishat didn't tell her parents she was going somewhere and she got Priti to tell that I was so confused at how there wasn't any telling off texts or phone calls. I think it is because my parents would have not been at all happy if I had my brother told them where I was going. I didn't even have a phone until I was 15 and I still found a way to tell them where I would be. There were also no consequences for Ali or Chyna.
Good book.
I would recommend it to a younger audience. It is heavy at times but t is handled with caution so yeah.
I don't know if I will read another Adiba Jaigirdar though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Outing, Racism, Biphobia, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Abandonment
lis4so's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Outing, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, and Bullying
Minor: Gaslighting
linossidepiece's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Homophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Outing, and Bullying
kimbostuckinlimbo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Outing, Homophobia, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Toxic friendship