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mayaism_01's review against another edition
5.0
This is a 5 star book no doubt in my mind.
This a book for middle eastern women who have never felt understood, and this a book for the people who want to understand them.
I’ve never felt so represented in a book and i’m so grateful, this is an awesome book!
Please read!!!
This a book for middle eastern women who have never felt understood, and this a book for the people who want to understand them.
I’ve never felt so represented in a book and i’m so grateful, this is an awesome book!
Please read!!!
cathrinevinther's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Child abuse
Minor: Self harm
evelina96's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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
3.0
I read this book to represent a book from Kuwait. It was a lot harder to read because of the oppression Dahlia endured from her family. This book comes with a lot of trigger warnings and I didn't expect to be as affected as I was. Throughout the book, I really felt for Dahlia and the challenges she had to face. The Pact we Made is very character-driven and is a quiet book in that sense, but you get really close to the main character. A lot of the books I have read from middle-eastern have been historical fiction so I was glad that I found a contemporary novel written by a woman. I also think this is a book you shouldn't know much about before reading.
andream0885's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
wendoxford's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this book for its insight into life for women in Kuwait, albeit from relatively liberal minded families. Whilst we see women in education, going out on their own but men/marriage/male supremacy is a shibboleth that pivots the novel.
Protagonist Dahlia is nearing her 30th birthday and externally unwilling to consider the stream of men her mother chooses as potential life partners, hangs out with her friends, works and is an artist. Internally we begin to understand how damaged she is by a teenage trauma that her family have airbrushed.
The themes of choices, decision making and the paths not travelled are the cream rising to the surface dictated by the clash of modernity and tradition. It is a fascinating read, but not especially well rounded, edited or concluded
Protagonist Dahlia is nearing her 30th birthday and externally unwilling to consider the stream of men her mother chooses as potential life partners, hangs out with her friends, works and is an artist. Internally we begin to understand how damaged she is by a teenage trauma that her family have airbrushed.
The themes of choices, decision making and the paths not travelled are the cream rising to the surface dictated by the clash of modernity and tradition. It is a fascinating read, but not especially well rounded, edited or concluded
georgiarose710's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
esmith11's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.0
theprimalcollective's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful debut book. I really enjoyed feeling familiarity within its pages, the khaleeji spirit echoes throughout the story. I rarely ever get to read a book that takes place near where I grew up so this was a pleasant journey. Additionally, AlAmmar reflects on the deep cultural flaws within our societies sensitively and thoughtfully. Many fantastic quotes can be taken from this, although I can't remember any. This book has inspired me to create a shelf for re-reading!
rhodaj's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0