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bookishblond's review against another edition
3.0
The story of Nujood Ali is indisputably important and one that needs to be told. However, after reading this book, I feel that her story could have been told in a different, more effective way. This book is written in the style of a memoir, from Nujood's perspective, even though it was clearly ghostwritten. While I recognize the benefits of telling a story from the ten-year-old heroine's point of view, this story could definitely have been explored more. I crave an in-depth analysis of Yemen's culture and society. Nujood Ali definitely deserves respect and admiration but her story also deserves to be told in a better way. This book was almost shallow and leaves an inquisitive reader longing for more.
garnetofeden's review against another edition
2.0
I realize this book is supposed to be somewhat written from the perspective of a 10-year-old girl, but there just wasn't very much there. I wanted to know more about the actual trial and the legal side of things. Considering this was only written a couple of months after the trial, I realize it couldn't have talked too much about the outcome, but I still think the actual trial itself could have gotten discussed more. Was so much of what happened really just luck? It came across as if Nujood didn't really know much about what was going on and just got lucky. Nujood's story is inspiring, but this book did not get that across.
Last finished 7/1/2011. Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
Last finished 7/1/2011. Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
naiyaru's review against another edition
3.0
Just read this book. The book is written like a child's book, but the subject is very mature indeed. To think of such a young girl having to marry and consummate a marriage with an older man.. it's sickening. It's heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time, how this young brave girl escapes a inhuman future and vows to protect fellow women from her fate.
chloejayne98's review against another edition
4.0
it was a really insightful book about what actually goes on in the rest of the world
lunaseassecondaccount's review against another edition
2.0
Firstly, this low rating isn't due what to happened to Ali. It's terrible, jaw-dropping and gut wrenching. No child should be sold off- no human being should be sold off, period- and no child should be raped. Given Ali's bravery at being able to even think of getting a divorce despite being repressed, and actually following through with it, it's not wonder she was voted woman of the year.
But I can't help and feel that this memoir drags her story down. Someone on here suggested it would have been better as a third person narrative, and I agree. The childish tone of voice made the whole situation feel flat, and, well, childish. Which is fine in some cases, but I felt the legal aspect of the events could have been done differently. I would have liked to know more of how Ali's case was represented, and what happened afterwards. Furthermore, what was really going on with the sisters? Did one of the have a consensual affair, or was she raped and still had to go to prison due to the Qur'an law? Unfortunately, Ali's ten-year-old perspective can't handle all the facts that come with being an adult.
I hope to see in the future another biography of Ali, or the events that took place. The legal aspect is perhaps the most interesting part of this whole story- which is why I wanted to read it in the first place. When Ali has time to process what has happened to her, and when she's old enough, perhaps she'll release another book, this time written entirely on her own. Or, perhaps someone else will. Shada (and heaven forbid what's being said about Shada is true).
An inspiring young woman; an unfortunate event; a rather average memoir.
But I can't help and feel that this memoir drags her story down. Someone on here suggested it would have been better as a third person narrative, and I agree. The childish tone of voice made the whole situation feel flat, and, well, childish. Which is fine in some cases, but I felt the legal aspect of the events could have been done differently. I would have liked to know more of how Ali's case was represented, and what happened afterwards. Furthermore, what was really going on with the sisters? Did one of the have a consensual affair, or was she raped and still had to go to prison due to the Qur'an law? Unfortunately, Ali's ten-year-old perspective can't handle all the facts that come with being an adult.
I hope to see in the future another biography of Ali, or the events that took place. The legal aspect is perhaps the most interesting part of this whole story- which is why I wanted to read it in the first place. When Ali has time to process what has happened to her, and when she's old enough, perhaps she'll release another book, this time written entirely on her own. Or, perhaps someone else will. Shada (and heaven forbid what's being said about Shada is true).
An inspiring young woman; an unfortunate event; a rather average memoir.
rachelevolve's review against another edition
3.0
I give this book three stars, not because of the writing but because of Nujood's story. It's so frustrating to see a story like this fall into the hands of someone who fails to execute it in a way that screams out at society for attention. Writers who take on important subjects as this have a moral obligation as a journalist to either bring a story like this to the highest point of exposure possible or to simply step away. I'm aware now that Nujood's story received international coverage, but how is it that I didn't hear about this story until perusing books in the biography section of the local Barnes & Nobles? the cover title is certainly intriguing "(I Am Nujood) Age 10 and Divorced", but perhaps it's because, simply put, the book sucks. Let's first address the format...I think a fairytale scheme plays down and minimizes the severity of the subject. I understand it was suppose to be told by Nujood, a child, which is not at all convincing. It's obvious, to me at least, that the story was mostly told by Delphine Minoui, the co-author of the book. However, I believe a more dramatic, investigative report approach would have been a more effective way of bringing awareness to this culture-sensitive subject. Another thing that bothered me about the book is that it's only 176 pages long. Which I believe is not nearly long enough to describe the horrors and torments this child had to endure for 2 long months, and that's not including the court case itself and some more background information on her family dynamics. The author spent most of the beginning of the book describing the scenery of the Yemeni region in the Middle East, which I think it's safe to say we're all familiar with. And please don't tell me that shit was symbolism. Bottom line is the story is grossly insufficient.
Now to get to the unanswered questions of Nujood's life...how was it for her when she had to return home to her parents from court after the divorce was granted? I would assume she got a beating from her father and brother for "dishonoring" and bringing shame to the family. That part wasn't addressed or questioned. What happened to Ada's second wife who assisted Nujood in her escape? why didn't anyone bother interviewing her? Why didn't Nujood seek asylum when she visited France? Also, I'm not totally convinced the royalties to this book are being dispersed to the Ali family.. there were just too many unanswered questions. It'll be interesting to see how the Ali family developes within the next 10 years. I think Nujood in this year of 2012 must be around 12-13 years of age.. we can only hope she is allowed to finish school and realize her dreams of becoming a lawyer. There is no question she is incredibly courageous. I wish her the best and I will be keeping my ears open for updates on her life.
Now to get to the unanswered questions of Nujood's life...how was it for her when she had to return home to her parents from court after the divorce was granted? I would assume she got a beating from her father and brother for "dishonoring" and bringing shame to the family. That part wasn't addressed or questioned. What happened to Ada's second wife who assisted Nujood in her escape? why didn't anyone bother interviewing her? Why didn't Nujood seek asylum when she visited France? Also, I'm not totally convinced the royalties to this book are being dispersed to the Ali family.. there were just too many unanswered questions. It'll be interesting to see how the Ali family developes within the next 10 years. I think Nujood in this year of 2012 must be around 12-13 years of age.. we can only hope she is allowed to finish school and realize her dreams of becoming a lawyer. There is no question she is incredibly courageous. I wish her the best and I will be keeping my ears open for updates on her life.
alexblackreads's review against another edition
A very interesting book that I'm choosing not to rate because this destroyed my faith in humanity. This book kind of broke me. It's so utterly heartbreaking and the worst part is when google Nujood after finishing the book. The books ends on a hopeful note, but Nujood's life did not follow that trajectory. She was married again before the age of 18 and dropped out of school, as did her younger sister who she desperately wanted to protect. I read nonfiction about the awful things humanity does all the time, but it hits different here. Like this is a girl who had resources, who had fame, who had people who wanted to help her, and it still didn't change anything.
In terms of the writing, it's a little brief and minimal. I think it's trying to give the impression that it was written in Nujood's voice, even though the original publication of this book was in French. I didn't love the writing, but I understood what it was trying to do.
I would recommend this, but man it was a rough time. I read it in one sitting and then spent about an hour after the fact researching her and her life after the book. It's one of those situations where I'm very glad I read it, but at the same time I kind of wish I didn't know everything.
In terms of the writing, it's a little brief and minimal. I think it's trying to give the impression that it was written in Nujood's voice, even though the original publication of this book was in French. I didn't love the writing, but I understood what it was trying to do.
I would recommend this, but man it was a rough time. I read it in one sitting and then spent about an hour after the fact researching her and her life after the book. It's one of those situations where I'm very glad I read it, but at the same time I kind of wish I didn't know everything.
brittys_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
crasscat's review against another edition
3.0
It's an interesting story but it seemed like a very long drawn out article in the newspaper. Nice and quick read though.