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heykellyjensen's review against another edition
This is a tiny little punch of a book! It's not even 150 pages but it packs in a lot.
Sohane and Dejlila are sisters in a housing project in France. Both are Muslim. The story picks up and we know that Dejlila has been killed by a boy who lives in the project who thinks it's his job to police how people look and behave. The story unfolds as Sohane talks about how that moment came to be. It's a story about their devotion to one another as sisters, as well as a story about how French laws make wearing a head scarf in the public school classroom illegal. That is one of the catalysts here, as Sohane decides she's going to wear the head scarf as a means of pride in her religious beliefs. Dejlila, on the other hand, has never been interested in wearing one, and she dresses much more "liberally" than her sister or others around her may. And while Sohane may judge her for doing so, she respects Dejlila's right to do as she pleases, even if Dejlila doesn't always offer that back to Sohane and her choices.
This is a blisteringly feminist novel about choice. There's even a great passage in the book where the girls talk about their use of the f word and what it means to them, as well as to their religious beliefs more broadly. It was utterly refreshing and lovely to read a book with Muslim characters and beliefs where feminism is touted as a powerful, accepted tenant. Both parents in this story are fantastic and supportive of their daughters, as well. When Sohane makes the tough decision to leave public school, she has the unwavering support of her family to make her own choices.
Sarn's book is a novel in translation, and at times, the writing isn't as smooth or cohesive as it could be, and at times the pacing feels a little off (it almost moves too quickly). But the story is outstanding.
Sohane and Dejlila are sisters in a housing project in France. Both are Muslim. The story picks up and we know that Dejlila has been killed by a boy who lives in the project who thinks it's his job to police how people look and behave. The story unfolds as Sohane talks about how that moment came to be. It's a story about their devotion to one another as sisters, as well as a story about how French laws make wearing a head scarf in the public school classroom illegal. That is one of the catalysts here, as Sohane decides she's going to wear the head scarf as a means of pride in her religious beliefs. Dejlila, on the other hand, has never been interested in wearing one, and she dresses much more "liberally" than her sister or others around her may. And while Sohane may judge her for doing so, she respects Dejlila's right to do as she pleases, even if Dejlila doesn't always offer that back to Sohane and her choices.
This is a blisteringly feminist novel about choice. There's even a great passage in the book where the girls talk about their use of the f word and what it means to them, as well as to their religious beliefs more broadly. It was utterly refreshing and lovely to read a book with Muslim characters and beliefs where feminism is touted as a powerful, accepted tenant. Both parents in this story are fantastic and supportive of their daughters, as well. When Sohane makes the tough decision to leave public school, she has the unwavering support of her family to make her own choices.
Sarn's book is a novel in translation, and at times, the writing isn't as smooth or cohesive as it could be, and at times the pacing feels a little off (it almost moves too quickly). But the story is outstanding.
bethanymiller415's review against another edition
3.0
My review is followed by a student review that presents a differing opinion.
Grade Range: 9-12
Genre: Multicultural, Realistic Fiction
Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
This slim novel explores the relationship between two French Muslim sisters through the lens of Sohane’s grief after her sister Djelila’s murder. The plot moves back and forth between the events leading up to and the aftermath of Djelila’s murder. At the same time that Sohane is becoming more outward in her devotion to her religion, Djelila is drawing away from it, and her “immodest” clothing and make up are offensive to some in their project, particularly a gang of teenage boys – Sohane calls them “our little judges” - who have dropped out of school and spend their days lurking around the project. Sohane’s decision to wear the traditional Muslim head scarf puts her at odds with her public school, which prohibits students from wearing religious symbols.
The novel’s title says all you need to know about the relationship between the two sisters, and most readers who have a sister can relate to the mixed emotions that the girls have towards each other. The cultural component of the novel is interesting but maybe difficult to grasp for American teen readers who are unfamiliar with the specific setting of the novel – A French housing project populated almost exclusively by Muslims, many of whom are first generation immigrants. There is a glossary in the back to help and most words can be understood through context. However, the cultural backdrop including the discriminatory treatment of French Muslims will probably by unfamiliar to most teens.
The writing seemed a bit stilted at times and Sohane’s voice sometimes sounds like the author coming out and blatantly stating her opinions. The novel was originally published in France in 2005 and was recently translated to English. Perhaps some of the author’s style was lost in translation? The author states in the acknowledgements in the beginning of the book that prior to writing it she was ignorant on various aspects of the Muslim religion. Knowing that she was not Muslim might have made the book a little less powerful for me because I knew that she was not writing from personal experience at least in that aspect of the book. That might reflect more on me than it does on the book, but it just made Sohane’s narration seem less authentic. Maybe because I knew what was coming from the beginning, I didn’t feel a strong emotional build up leading to Djelila’s death. I felt removed in a way that I would if I was reading about a tragic death in the newspaper as opposed to the emotional investment that a novel usually brings. Recommended for libraries that have a large demand for young adult multicultural fiction.
Review by Dominique E (11th grade)
Grade Range: 10-12
Genre: Multicultural, Realistic Fiction
Literary Merit: Excellent
Characterization: Excellent
Recommendation: Highly recommended
This book is short on pages but long on emotion and literary power. The story is about Sohane and Djelila, two Muslim sisters who are different from each other. Sohane is respectful, and religious, Djelila is outspoken, modern and rebellious. The two personalities collide repeatedly, but they nonetheless love each other until a horrible accident separates the two girls forever. Can Sohane live without her sister and the guilt?
The characters were pretty good. The main character Sohane annoyed me with her jealousy of her sister, while her younger sister Dejlila reminded me of myself as far as attitude and rebelliousness goes. This story of sibling rivalry explores violence on people because of their culture and religion as well as violence against women. The novel was short but full of raw emotion between the sisters, I definitely give this book a 9 out of 10.
Grade Range: 9-12
Genre: Multicultural, Realistic Fiction
Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
This slim novel explores the relationship between two French Muslim sisters through the lens of Sohane’s grief after her sister Djelila’s murder. The plot moves back and forth between the events leading up to and the aftermath of Djelila’s murder. At the same time that Sohane is becoming more outward in her devotion to her religion, Djelila is drawing away from it, and her “immodest” clothing and make up are offensive to some in their project, particularly a gang of teenage boys – Sohane calls them “our little judges” - who have dropped out of school and spend their days lurking around the project. Sohane’s decision to wear the traditional Muslim head scarf puts her at odds with her public school, which prohibits students from wearing religious symbols.
The novel’s title says all you need to know about the relationship between the two sisters, and most readers who have a sister can relate to the mixed emotions that the girls have towards each other. The cultural component of the novel is interesting but maybe difficult to grasp for American teen readers who are unfamiliar with the specific setting of the novel – A French housing project populated almost exclusively by Muslims, many of whom are first generation immigrants. There is a glossary in the back to help and most words can be understood through context. However, the cultural backdrop including the discriminatory treatment of French Muslims will probably by unfamiliar to most teens.
The writing seemed a bit stilted at times and Sohane’s voice sometimes sounds like the author coming out and blatantly stating her opinions. The novel was originally published in France in 2005 and was recently translated to English. Perhaps some of the author’s style was lost in translation? The author states in the acknowledgements in the beginning of the book that prior to writing it she was ignorant on various aspects of the Muslim religion. Knowing that she was not Muslim might have made the book a little less powerful for me because I knew that she was not writing from personal experience at least in that aspect of the book. That might reflect more on me than it does on the book, but it just made Sohane’s narration seem less authentic. Maybe because I knew what was coming from the beginning, I didn’t feel a strong emotional build up leading to Djelila’s death. I felt removed in a way that I would if I was reading about a tragic death in the newspaper as opposed to the emotional investment that a novel usually brings. Recommended for libraries that have a large demand for young adult multicultural fiction.
Review by Dominique E (11th grade)
Grade Range: 10-12
Genre: Multicultural, Realistic Fiction
Literary Merit: Excellent
Characterization: Excellent
Recommendation: Highly recommended
This book is short on pages but long on emotion and literary power. The story is about Sohane and Djelila, two Muslim sisters who are different from each other. Sohane is respectful, and religious, Djelila is outspoken, modern and rebellious. The two personalities collide repeatedly, but they nonetheless love each other until a horrible accident separates the two girls forever. Can Sohane live without her sister and the guilt?
The characters were pretty good. The main character Sohane annoyed me with her jealousy of her sister, while her younger sister Dejlila reminded me of myself as far as attitude and rebelliousness goes. This story of sibling rivalry explores violence on people because of their culture and religion as well as violence against women. The novel was short but full of raw emotion between the sisters, I definitely give this book a 9 out of 10.
ceboman's review against another edition
5.0
I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I definitely did when I first picked this book up. I was expecting a trivial teenage drama about two sisters growing apart as they get older that I would've enjoyed in sixth grade but not today. I was very wrong. This is a story that I will continue to think about long after reading and it deeply moved me. I think that the number and varying magnitude of struggles within this book-- struggles within a family, a community, a school, a religion, and an individual-- are relatable to any audience, and the representation makes it even more relatable. I was already very moved while reading, but the fact that this book is based on a true story is even more devastating. I am continuously moved by those who continue to stand for what they believe in, despite conflict from their families and communities, and this story is greatly important. This book covers lots of sensitive topics that are important to talk about, and I think it's a must-read for everyone.
missriki's review against another edition
4.0
Eighteen-year-old Sohane loves her carefree younger sister Djelila, even though they seem to be choosing very different paths in life. As Sohane chooses to start wearing a traditional headscarf and becomes increasingly more religious, Djelila is embracing her life as a secular teen. After unspeakable violence leads to Djelila’s tragic death, Sohane struggles with emotions of guilt and loss. The aftermath reveals the complex relationship between the two sisters.
This is a short novel that packs an emotional punch. Told in alternating past and present chapters, the simple narrative reveals a tense sibling dynamic that reaches right to the core. As Djelila is taunted by boys in her neighborhood for dressing too provocatively, Sohane turns to her religion and can’t help but feel that somehow Djelila deserves the teasing she gets. This line of thinking causes increasing turmoil after Djelila is senselessly murdered by her tormentor.
Based on true actual events that happened in France not too long ago, this novel shines a light on the Muslim culture largely not written about in young adult literature. The narrative is simple and straightforward, yet it encompasses the unbearable complexity of one sister’s grief.
This is a short novel that packs an emotional punch. Told in alternating past and present chapters, the simple narrative reveals a tense sibling dynamic that reaches right to the core. As Djelila is taunted by boys in her neighborhood for dressing too provocatively, Sohane turns to her religion and can’t help but feel that somehow Djelila deserves the teasing she gets. This line of thinking causes increasing turmoil after Djelila is senselessly murdered by her tormentor.
Based on true actual events that happened in France not too long ago, this novel shines a light on the Muslim culture largely not written about in young adult literature. The narrative is simple and straightforward, yet it encompasses the unbearable complexity of one sister’s grief.
daringreader13's review against another edition
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
I liked that this book was short and really well done. First off, even though this was a translated book, it didn't feel like it. Also I like that it taught me about something I didn't know about. Lastly I think it really did the love/hate sister relationship very well.
I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister is a contemporary novel that focuses on the love/hate relationship that two sisters have for each other. Sohane starts to get more into her Muslim faith, while her sister Djelila starts to fall more out of her faith. But even as the sisters shift into different roles, their love is still there for each other. There are tense situations that rise throughout the book that cause Sohane to worry for her sister and lead her to make decisions for herself because of it. The tone and format of the book are interesting to read because they keep the reader wanting to figure out what happened since every other chapter references an incident that has yet to happen for the reader.
There are some harder to grasp ideas in this book and it is a chapter book, however since the chapters are not very long and the book is only 150 pages, I would say that this book could be good for any child middle school age or older, but that parents should be ready to answer some questions about religion that may come up as well as answering questions regarding ban on religious symbols that is mentioned in the book.
I liked that this book was short and really well done. First off, even though this was a translated book, it didn't feel like it. Also I like that it taught me about something I didn't know about. Lastly I think it really did the love/hate sister relationship very well.
I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister is a contemporary novel that focuses on the love/hate relationship that two sisters have for each other. Sohane starts to get more into her Muslim faith, while her sister Djelila starts to fall more out of her faith. But even as the sisters shift into different roles, their love is still there for each other. There are tense situations that rise throughout the book that cause Sohane to worry for her sister and lead her to make decisions for herself because of it. The tone and format of the book are interesting to read because they keep the reader wanting to figure out what happened since every other chapter references an incident that has yet to happen for the reader.
There are some harder to grasp ideas in this book and it is a chapter book, however since the chapters are not very long and the book is only 150 pages, I would say that this book could be good for any child middle school age or older, but that parents should be ready to answer some questions about religion that may come up as well as answering questions regarding ban on religious symbols that is mentioned in the book.
tealmango's review against another edition
4.0
Read the full review here: http://newberyandbeyond.com/ya-reads-july-2017/
jennapowell19's review against another edition
3.0
While this book was informative on things such as Muslim culture and French laws that affect it, I felt like something was missing that made the story not as captivating as I wanted it to be. It is very short though, so if the topics of the book interest you it is still worth a read.
tesch18's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely haunting and gorgeous, and at times incredibly painful and frustrating. I'm very glad that it was translated into English from the French, since it holds incredibly important ideas and problems that need to be addressed, even if we don't live in France. By exposing American young adult readers to issues such as France's laws forbidding wearing of head scarves in public, not only does it allow us to be more aware of foreign issues affecting other young people, but it gives a voice to those people as well, showing how they might feel.
I for one loved this book because it made me feel angry and frustrated by the unfairness of simply being able to practice your religion freely. It brought up incredibly important points, all of which need to be thought about, especially by younger generations, if we are to change society to be better and more accepting of others.
I for one loved this book because it made me feel angry and frustrated by the unfairness of simply being able to practice your religion freely. It brought up incredibly important points, all of which need to be thought about, especially by younger generations, if we are to change society to be better and more accepting of others.
chachacenteno's review against another edition
5.0
This story moved me to tears. The misconception, the prejudice, the hurt and most of all, the love portrayed in this story is so profound, I couldn't put it down. The beautiful relationship between sisters shows the paradox of mixed race and religion in today's world. This book screams discussion group. I doubt words could properly explain the points of view readers find themselves in. The book leaves readers in nostalgia, a state of contemplation about their own thoughts and beliefs, especially on feminism, religion and being true to oneself. Every person who has ever judged a woman wearing a head scarf, a sari or a veil should read this book.