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billie_visible's review against another edition
emotional
informative
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexism
Minor: Racism, Homophobia, and Domestic abuse
heatherinjapan's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
While I personally quite enjoyed this book, take my rating with a grain of salt. I've heard plenty of people in other reviews say that it hasn't aged well and that it doesn't accurately portray how Saudi Arabia actually is. Some people I definitely don't agree with though, saying that these girls are vapid and only care about gossip and men. I personally found that the majority of these characters had quite a bit of growth. There was hardly any gossip so I don't get that. While a lot of the book is focused on the women traversing relationships with men, it still comes back to their friendships and how they learn from their mistakes and grow.
Also, I highly suggest looking into the controversy over this book getting an English translation. As an aspiring translator of novels, it has made me learn about how biases can be interwoven into translations (in this case of both the translator AND the author- it was a messy project it seems) and to be careful. Also that the relationship between author and translator can be rocky and not always end on good terms. (We can see that in the acknowledgements at the end of the book)
Forgot to mention there is some racism towards Asian women in this, so be warned. It's about 1/3 in
Also, I highly suggest looking into the controversy over this book getting an English translation. As an aspiring translator of novels, it has made me learn about how biases can be interwoven into translations (in this case of both the translator AND the author- it was a messy project it seems) and to be careful. Also that the relationship between author and translator can be rocky and not always end on good terms. (We can see that in the acknowledgements at the end of the book)
Forgot to mention there is some racism towards Asian women in this, so be warned. It's about 1/3 in
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
fuer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Infidelity
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Racism
rebeccameyrink's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was such an enjoyable and easy read. Within the book one character is anonymously writing weekly emails detailing the lives of herself and her three friends over the past six years. It offer a look into the lives of four, upper class Saudi women. I loved how each friend felt so distinct and had such relatable chatter flaws. Super fun and insightful!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexism
ruthiethetoothie's review
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Homophobia
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