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bean_666's review
dark
informative
reflective
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
2.75
thecandidbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book, I read it in one sitting and didn’t realise it had gone dark by the time I’d finished. Well done Yousra, I’m so glad you plucked up the courage to write about your experiences so vividly and honestly - there is so much more to come from you I’m sure.
Growing up in 90s west London, of mixed British/Egyptian heritage, Yousra moves to the Gulf in her early teens and it is then that she experiences the wrath of her father. Having been influenced by the patriarchal nature of the Arab and Islamic society around them, her father runs a tight ship causing Yousra to strive for freedom (and rebellion along the way). Despite the hardship, Yousra shows determination and stubbornness to achieve her goals but there’s a lot of humour too. Her personal anecdotes of her summer trips to Egypt to see family made me chuckle especially when describing food poisoning of the Egyptian variety. We’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt unfortunately
Growing up in 90s west London, of mixed British/Egyptian heritage, Yousra moves to the Gulf in her early teens and it is then that she experiences the wrath of her father. Having been influenced by the patriarchal nature of the Arab and Islamic society around them, her father runs a tight ship causing Yousra to strive for freedom (and rebellion along the way). Despite the hardship, Yousra shows determination and stubbornness to achieve her goals but there’s a lot of humour too. Her personal anecdotes of her summer trips to Egypt to see family made me chuckle especially when describing food poisoning of the Egyptian variety. We’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt unfortunately
estam1's review
4.0
Sara is the daughter of a white British mother and an Egyptian father., (Baba). While life is somewhat hard living in England due to her father's extremist enforcement of what a good Muslim girl should and should not do,, it soon becomes unbearable after the family moves to the Arabian Gulf. There, teenage Sara is faced with everything "haram," - (forbidden), including wearing makeup, listening to pop music, dating, and dancing. Sara lives her life sneaking to do the things that she desires, but is conflicted and unhappy.
Sara's father is so extreme that the women in the family live beholden to his wishes and commands, with her brothers receiving a total pass on everything.. His wife, especially, subsists in a subservient and obedient world, which infuriates Sara. When Sara's younger sister is sexually assaulted on her way to buy a Pepsi, Baba believes that this was Allah's revenge for her buying a product produced by Zionists. Another time, when Sara is unable to remove her red lipstick before arriving home one day, her father beats her. and calls her a "sharmoota" (slut). As we continue to read, we follow Sara's journey as she strives to become a proud Muslim woman in her own right, one who lives as a feminist, free of her father's domination.
This story is based on the real life of the author, and allows us a window into the personal and religious control that women in the Arab world can be expected to abide. Imran points out differences between Gulf men and men from other parts of the Arab world, and especially maintains that Islam is indeed a religion that is pro women's rights, but is not typically thought of in that fashion by men. At the end of the book when she becomes liberated from her father, she tells us, "I separated my religion, which was not to blame for the way Baba had treated me, from the Arab culture, which was obsessed with a women's reputation and honor, placing a woman's worth on the presence of her hymen."
Hijab and Red Lipstick is a fast paced read, and the reader feels great compassion for Sara, her mother and her sister. (I often found myself saying to them, "Just leave!, all the while knowing that it was impossible. It is important to keep in mind that this is the experience of one woman -- for example, her best friend was allowed total freedom to come and go as she wished, hence, readers should remember not to generalize or stereotype.
#Netgalley #HijabandRedLipstick
Sara's father is so extreme that the women in the family live beholden to his wishes and commands, with her brothers receiving a total pass on everything.. His wife, especially, subsists in a subservient and obedient world, which infuriates Sara. When Sara's younger sister is sexually assaulted on her way to buy a Pepsi, Baba believes that this was Allah's revenge for her buying a product produced by Zionists. Another time, when Sara is unable to remove her red lipstick before arriving home one day, her father beats her. and calls her a "sharmoota" (slut). As we continue to read, we follow Sara's journey as she strives to become a proud Muslim woman in her own right, one who lives as a feminist, free of her father's domination.
This story is based on the real life of the author, and allows us a window into the personal and religious control that women in the Arab world can be expected to abide. Imran points out differences between Gulf men and men from other parts of the Arab world, and especially maintains that Islam is indeed a religion that is pro women's rights, but is not typically thought of in that fashion by men. At the end of the book when she becomes liberated from her father, she tells us, "I separated my religion, which was not to blame for the way Baba had treated me, from the Arab culture, which was obsessed with a women's reputation and honor, placing a woman's worth on the presence of her hymen."
Hijab and Red Lipstick is a fast paced read, and the reader feels great compassion for Sara, her mother and her sister. (I often found myself saying to them, "Just leave!, all the while knowing that it was impossible. It is important to keep in mind that this is the experience of one woman -- for example, her best friend was allowed total freedom to come and go as she wished, hence, readers should remember not to generalize or stereotype.
#Netgalley #HijabandRedLipstick
rosiefrog's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
3.75
livsliterarynook's review
4.0
Hijab and Red Lipstick is a coming of age novel that follows young Sara in her trials and tribulations as she moves from London to the Arabian Gulf just as she enters her teenage years and on into her twenties. The change of home brings a sharp cultural change into Sara's life as she comes into greater conflict with her super-strict Egyptian father. The change in home brings out a lot of conflict in Sara's identity and some incredibly difficult moments and decisions in her life that she has to overcome. And although the writing at times can be a little simplistic, perhaps due to the young-adult target market and being a debut book, I found Sara's voice to be honest and unwavering. I would also say the simplicity of the style in no way detracts from the enjoyment or the value I got from this book as I whipped through it in a couple of sittings.
It should be noted that the book has a trigger warning on the back and this book certainly tackles a lot of heavy subjects which some may find too difficult to read. It covers identity, consent, mental health, self-harm, sexual assault, rape, abusive relationships and more. However, I think for a young-adult book to tackle such issues and tackle these issues focusing on the Arabian Gulf is incredibly important and they were all so deftly handled. Yousra does caveat the book by saying this in no way represents all women's experiences and all Arab families, and that's clear whilst reading this book. However, this is still the reality of many women and story needs to be told.
Despite the heavy topics, I really enjoyed the book. I found Sara's character really easy to connect with. I saw something of my younger self in her teenage years as she battled insecurity, rebellion, and was driven by a need to fit in, and to fall in love. Her character has such incredibly spirit and she is the real strength of this novel.
I don't often read young-adult books but when Yousra asked me to participate in the blog tour I couldn't say no and I'm so glad I said yes. Hijab and Red Lipstick is a feminist and important read about a young woman growing up in the Arabian Gulf. I wish I'd read more books like this as teenager, but I'm glad I'm getting to read it now.
It should be noted that the book has a trigger warning on the back and this book certainly tackles a lot of heavy subjects which some may find too difficult to read. It covers identity, consent, mental health, self-harm, sexual assault, rape, abusive relationships and more. However, I think for a young-adult book to tackle such issues and tackle these issues focusing on the Arabian Gulf is incredibly important and they were all so deftly handled. Yousra does caveat the book by saying this in no way represents all women's experiences and all Arab families, and that's clear whilst reading this book. However, this is still the reality of many women and story needs to be told.
Despite the heavy topics, I really enjoyed the book. I found Sara's character really easy to connect with. I saw something of my younger self in her teenage years as she battled insecurity, rebellion, and was driven by a need to fit in, and to fall in love. Her character has such incredibly spirit and she is the real strength of this novel.
I don't often read young-adult books but when Yousra asked me to participate in the blog tour I couldn't say no and I'm so glad I said yes. Hijab and Red Lipstick is a feminist and important read about a young woman growing up in the Arabian Gulf. I wish I'd read more books like this as teenager, but I'm glad I'm getting to read it now.
tbhonest_uk's review
5.0
It’s not often you come across a book that lingers in psych long after you’ve read it, but Hijab and Red Lipstick by Yousra Imran is a book that does just that.
Hijab and Red Lipstick is the debut novel from Yousra Imran and it’s a powerful read, that will resonate and make the reader think. It’s a book that changes you once you’ve read it.
Yousra is a writer we definitely are extremely excited to read more from. As Hijab and Red Lipstick has such emotional depth and deals with topics that can be triggering for readers, in a way which doesn’t belay their importance but is written in a way that does not overwhelm the reader.
As an “Own Voices,” story it gives an insight into a patriarchal society that we all know exists but don’t know much about. Sara’s voice in telling her story is raw, moving and honest. Hijab and Red Lipstick is a book that needs to be in all school libraries and is one that when you read you will feel the urge to pass it on to everyone you know.
Hijab and Red Lipstick is the debut novel from Yousra Imran and it’s a powerful read, that will resonate and make the reader think. It’s a book that changes you once you’ve read it.
Yousra is a writer we definitely are extremely excited to read more from. As Hijab and Red Lipstick has such emotional depth and deals with topics that can be triggering for readers, in a way which doesn’t belay their importance but is written in a way that does not overwhelm the reader.
As an “Own Voices,” story it gives an insight into a patriarchal society that we all know exists but don’t know much about. Sara’s voice in telling her story is raw, moving and honest. Hijab and Red Lipstick is a book that needs to be in all school libraries and is one that when you read you will feel the urge to pass it on to everyone you know.
onthesamepage's review against another edition
3.5
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: rape, self-harm, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, coercive behaviour
This book was a difficult read, not just because of the trigger warnings (please pay attention to them if you decide to read this book), but because it felt so deeply personal. I knew going in that this book would have an impact on me. I didn't expect to be up until midnight because I couldn't put it down.
Hijab & Red Lipstick follows Sara and her coming of age in the Gulf area. Sara has an Egyptian father and a British mother and a pretty tumultuous childhood. Things her friends at school take for granted are forbidden and sometimes severely punished. And this doesn't get better when her father decides to move them all to the Gulf area. There Sara has to contend with even stricter rules and the constant conflict between her and her father.
The first half of this book felt like I was reading the story of my life very accurately portrayed by someone who wasn't me. Everything from the strict rules, the double standards, the ban on music, the sudden move from Europe to the Gulf--it hit home, and not in a pleasant way. I found myself dwelling on old childhood memories, more bitter than sweet. And that wasn't the hardest part of the book--after I got beyond the stuff I could personally relate to, Sara's story actually becomes even more heart-wrenching.
In my experience, a lot of Muslims living in the West see the Gulf as some kind of Muslim utopia. Surely everything will be better there, in a Muslim country, where there's no discrimination against Muslims. But the experience of women and immigrants is often discounted in these fantasies. And to be fair, when you're living there, especially as a child, it's all fun and games. It isn't until later that you start to discover the rot underneath the shiny veneer. I still remember the first time I read an article that detailed the deplorable circumstances under which most live-in maids (extremely common there) work. How their passports are taken so they can't leave, how they are abused and forced to work under horrible conditions. And that's just one example of the list of things that's wrong with the Gulf countries. The details in the book don't feel exaggerated even as it sounds impossible for a country to be that backwards, or to interpret what Islam says in such a wrong way.
Yousra Imran mentions in her note to the reader that "it is important to remember not to discount the experiecne of a woman if it is not an experience of your own". I think this is worth remembering more often.
Not everything in this book worked for me. I thought the whole "Sara gets interviewed to tell her life story" bit was unnecessary since it added nothing. The book could just as easily be a fictional autobiography and it would've worked fine. I also didn't like the way Arabic words were used within the text as they were usually followed by "this means ____". I've been seeing this trend in books recently where the words just aren't explained and readers are left to either guess at the meaning from context or to understand them because they happen to speak the language. I admit I prefer that style to this because it feels less infodumpy. The writing itself was also a miss for me, especially regarding the often very sudden transitions between scenes.
The story also ended kind of abruptly where Sara ends the interview with something along the lines of, "and now __ years and relationships later, here we are". I would've been interested in reading more about that.
Overall though, I still recommend this if you're looking for a book that can put you in someone else's shoes and will make you reflect.
CW: rape, self-harm, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, coercive behaviour
This book was a difficult read, not just because of the trigger warnings (please pay attention to them if you decide to read this book), but because it felt so deeply personal. I knew going in that this book would have an impact on me. I didn't expect to be up until midnight because I couldn't put it down.
Hijab & Red Lipstick follows Sara and her coming of age in the Gulf area. Sara has an Egyptian father and a British mother and a pretty tumultuous childhood. Things her friends at school take for granted are forbidden and sometimes severely punished. And this doesn't get better when her father decides to move them all to the Gulf area. There Sara has to contend with even stricter rules and the constant conflict between her and her father.
The first half of this book felt like I was reading the story of my life very accurately portrayed by someone who wasn't me. Everything from the strict rules, the double standards, the ban on music, the sudden move from Europe to the Gulf--it hit home, and not in a pleasant way. I found myself dwelling on old childhood memories, more bitter than sweet. And that wasn't the hardest part of the book--after I got beyond the stuff I could personally relate to, Sara's story actually becomes even more heart-wrenching.
In my experience, a lot of Muslims living in the West see the Gulf as some kind of Muslim utopia. Surely everything will be better there, in a Muslim country, where there's no discrimination against Muslims. But the experience of women and immigrants is often discounted in these fantasies. And to be fair, when you're living there, especially as a child, it's all fun and games. It isn't until later that you start to discover the rot underneath the shiny veneer. I still remember the first time I read an article that detailed the deplorable circumstances under which most live-in maids (extremely common there) work. How their passports are taken so they can't leave, how they are abused and forced to work under horrible conditions. And that's just one example of the list of things that's wrong with the Gulf countries. The details in the book don't feel exaggerated even as it sounds impossible for a country to be that backwards, or to interpret what Islam says in such a wrong way.
Yousra Imran mentions in her note to the reader that "it is important to remember not to discount the experiecne of a woman if it is not an experience of your own". I think this is worth remembering more often.
Not everything in this book worked for me. I thought the whole "Sara gets interviewed to tell her life story" bit was unnecessary since it added nothing. The book could just as easily be a fictional autobiography and it would've worked fine. I also didn't like the way Arabic words were used within the text as they were usually followed by "this means ____". I've been seeing this trend in books recently where the words just aren't explained and readers are left to either guess at the meaning from context or to understand them because they happen to speak the language. I admit I prefer that style to this because it feels less infodumpy. The writing itself was also a miss for me, especially regarding the often very sudden transitions between scenes.
The story also ended kind of abruptly where Sara ends the interview with something along the lines of, "and now __ years and relationships later, here we are". I would've been interested in reading more about that.
Overall though, I still recommend this if you're looking for a book that can put you in someone else's shoes and will make you reflect.
saadiasreads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Rape, and Domestic abuse
1siobhan's review
3.0
I realised that I don't know a lot of YA with Muslim protagonists. So I'm slowly changing this.
This book is an interesting and important story of a Muslim woman freeing herself from her oppressive and violent father, from London to Egypt and the Gulf, and back to London. It's a story full of pain and violence and patriarchal oppressium that just makes you angry. Also TW/CW for a lot of things, but especially rape.
While I think that these stories need to be told, it was hard because there was so much suffering and so little joy. The ending could've been more hopeful for me.
There were also some very weird passages, for example, the all female university campus being full of predatory lesbians??? Okay??? While the novel moves in very heteronormative ways, which is okay, statements like these shouldn't be left standing like this.
But good YA with Muslim feminism in it. As I am not affiliated to any religion, I cannot really comment on the depiction of Islam, but I think that the protagonist's father was very orthodox and strict. I do believe that not all Muslims are like that! Maybe the novel should've evaluated this more critically...
3 Stars
This book is an interesting and important story of a Muslim woman freeing herself from her oppressive and violent father, from London to Egypt and the Gulf, and back to London. It's a story full of pain and violence and patriarchal oppressium that just makes you angry. Also TW/CW for a lot of things, but especially rape.
While I think that these stories need to be told, it was hard because there was so much suffering and so little joy. The ending could've been more hopeful for me.
There were also some very weird passages, for example, the all female university campus being full of predatory lesbians??? Okay??? While the novel moves in very heteronormative ways, which is okay, statements like these shouldn't be left standing like this.
But good YA with Muslim feminism in it. As I am not affiliated to any religion, I cannot really comment on the depiction of Islam, but I think that the protagonist's father was very orthodox and strict. I do believe that not all Muslims are like that! Maybe the novel should've evaluated this more critically...
3 Stars