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georgiarybanks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault, Death, Drug use, Rape, and Self harm
zarrazine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
abbie_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
If you’re looking for a quick contemporary read that tackles tough issues, consider The Pact We Made by Layla AlAmmar. Content warning for sexual assault and child abuse, so tread carefully, but this book sheds light on the issue of sexual assault and trauma in a conservative society.
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Dahlia, approaching 30, is being pressured by her mother and Kuwaiti society at large to marry. But no one outside her family knows about the trauma she’s grappled with since she was 15, which is impacting her decisions and life choices. She feels like she can’t talk about her past though, since her family’s honour would be put at risk in the patriarchal society they live in.
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I loved @zubscovered’s review of this one, as she points out that the book doesn’t try to make sweeping (and harmful) generalisations about Arab women. This is the story of one woman, Dahlia, her trauma, and the courageous way she processes it and lives her life with and beyond that trauma.
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I thought Dahlia, her mother and father were very well developed, but two other main characters, Dahlia’s friends Mona and Zaina, did feel a bit lacking. There was space to expand on their storylines and personalities more, I didn’t feel like they added much to the story in the end.
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Nevertheless, it is one I’d recommend especially if you like MeToo stories and are looking to expand your perspectives!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
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