Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion

Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion by Bushra Rehman

21 reviews

shelby1994's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

TW: animal cruelty

“But I knew “religious girl” was code for something that had nothing to do with Allah. It had to do with how a girl did whatever her husband and community said, how a girl wouldn’t question the way things were set up.”

I read this after listening to Lamya H. (author of Hijab Butch Blues) begin interviewed on The Stacks podcast. She recommended this as a book being in conversation with her own writing about being a queer Muslim woman in the U.S., and while I originally wanted to read them back to back, I still have **updated Libby for the 6th time in an hour** 7 WEEKS until my hold comes through on HBB.

The first half reads like a series of core memories - the ones that you spill out of you on drunken first dates, trading them like playing cards with whoever is sitting across from you at the bar that night. It’s feeling each other out and casually sliding a religions reference into your banter, then shrieking with delight when they catch it and throw it back in your court.

Rehman’s characters show that for an immigrant community, the traditions and community building that religion and its rules and comforts provide, can be the only thing keeping people above water. At the same time, deviating from that path can close off the world of your childhood. When rebellions are made, their consequences are permanent.

Also recommend this book for anyone looking to recapture the ironic satisfaction that gay girls get when they realize that their parents have spent all their time on alert for boys (commonly referred in my childhood as the ‘spawn of satan’ (™)) that they’ve missed all the gay shenanigans going on under their roof.

Read If:

You were always a little jealous of your ultra-devout friends, for reasons you couldn’t pinpoint.
Your best fashion finds happen in Goodwill
You and your mum will put aside any drama to combine forces against the one relative you all hate.

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thissagreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense slow-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? It's complicated

3.0

This novel was bittersweet. I loved and appreciated getting an inside look at the Muslim culture and religion in the 80’s. It was especially nice reading the journey and development of the main character, as she came into her own. But I found myself frustrated with the main character’s mother and cultural stifling the main character was experiencing. I wish there were less stories about her childhood and more more story as a teen, into adulthood.

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spec_tacles's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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? No

4.5

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wynnie's review against another edition

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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

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gossamerchild's review against another edition

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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.

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sahanasri's review

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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.

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