Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion: A Novel

Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion: A Novel by Bushra Rehman

19 reviews

mmccombs's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

I really wanted to love this book but mostly didn’t connect with it at all. The writing didn’t do much for me, it got the job done but there wasn’t a consistent voice or tone that kept me engaged. I also just felt that this book focused on the wrong portion of Razia’s life. I felt much more interested in the story once she started at her new high school, Razia felt more real and complex at this point and the conflicts were much more compelling. I do think understanding her childhood encouraged later depth, but I think it could have been maybe 1/3 of the novel rather than an entire half.

I’m curious about what happened after she had to flee so suddenly, I think that could have made for some interesting character exploration and could have resolved the arc of this story slightly more.

I did really enjoy learning more about Islam, especially during the 80s in New York. I also loved how Razia remained deeply religious while also growing into herself as a queer young woman. I do think I’d recommend this book, especially for a bookclub, but I wish it was executed a bit better.

Content Warnings

wynnie's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

gossamerchild's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny inspiring sad tense 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

3.0

4 stars for writing, 2 stars for enjoyment. I think I just don't enjoy reading lit fic. It's mostly depressing, and this book was no exception. Don't get me wrong, it's extremely well-written and I could feel Razia's struggles. I guess stylistically my only complaint was the ending, which felt...unfulfilling.

Content Warnings

sahanasri's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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 book is set in Queens, NYC in the 80’s, and really made me feel like I was transported back in time. The story moves somewhat slowly, but I found myself still interested because of how fully realized and detailed the writing style is. The voice of the narrator feels strong (and appropriate for her youth without feeling childish) and the atmosphere really feels so specific and accurate to growing up feeling loved but also trapped by your community. I do wish the pacing was a bit more even, as the story really picks up at the very end, but I did appreciate how no small detail from throughout the story was forgotten or wasted. The main character, Razia, is definitely complex and at times a little tough to relate to, but her varying relationships with other women throughout her life really are the heart of the book. I could definitely relate to Razia’s complex struggles with queerness and her family, and I enjoyed seeing her growth through the book - although I really wish there was a little more because I’m so curious as to what she does next! I would also love to understand the motif of roses throughout the book as well - but overall its descriptions are succinct and amazing. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Last Night at the Telegraph Club.

Content Warnings

ukponge's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging reflective sad 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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

megansoetaert's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

:((( i’m so emotional! what an emotional story about family, friendship, and finding yourself as a queer muslim girl. i want to read this again just to soak up all the beautiful language but i know it would hurt too much 😭

Content Warnings

tfarfan's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective sad 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

jennshelfishlife's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative 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

Razia Mirza is a teenager living in Queens, specifically in Corona, NYC. She is of Pakistani descent and follows the customs of her family and neighbors. But Razia, like many American teenagers, has a rebellious streak. She cuts her hair, buys clothes typical of American teens in the 1980s, hides them in her closet, and skips class on occasion with her girlfriend, Angela.
Bushra Rehman's writing is lovely, she's not one for poetic verse, but her character-building is phenomenal. Having grown up a teen in the 1980s, I recognized and connected with Razia, a teen forging her way through life, trying to find her voice and independence.
I sympathized with the other teens in her neighborhood that have arranged marriages, experienced violence at the hands of other ethnic groups in Corona, and the teens that are shunned for defying tradition and wanting a different life.
The narration is well executed, and I recommend the audio version to readers.
Overall, a fascinating book, and I recommend the book to readers that enjoy reading about the 1980s, Pakistani and Muslim culture, and coming-of-age novels.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bushra Rehman, and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audio copy of Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion.

Content Warnings

amobrien's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny reflective sad 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? No

4.5

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

A beautifully written coming-of-age story about the intersection of identity taking place in the '80s, Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion is absolutely a book to look forward to (publication date December 6, 2022).

Content Warnings

More...