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filipacmiranda's review against another edition
2.5
I enjoyed the plot, found the characters likeable and wanted them to succeed. Despite this, the story fell short regarding cultural representation and romance.
Being one of the first times I read a book with a Bengali main character, I expected The Henna Wars to contain much more detailed descriptions of the celebrations that were included in the plot and for Nishat and her family's cultural background to be one of the main focuses of the story. I was also very excited when I realised Flávia was Brazilian rather than Hispanic! Reading my native language (Portuguese) in a book written in another language was fantastic. However, Brazil has a vast and diverse culture that I would have liked to see reflected in the small moments Nishat shared with Flávia and her mother.
The same is true for Nishat and Flávia's romantic relationship, which seems to grow unsteadily just to become suddenly official.
Being one of the first times I read a book with a Bengali main character, I expected The Henna Wars to contain much more detailed descriptions of the celebrations that were included in the plot and for Nishat and her family's cultural background to be one of the main focuses of the story. I was also very excited when I realised Flávia was Brazilian rather than Hispanic! Reading my native language (Portuguese) in a book written in another language was fantastic. However, Brazil has a vast and diverse culture that I would have liked to see reflected in the small moments Nishat shared with Flávia and her mother.
The same is true for Nishat and Flávia's romantic relationship, which seems to grow unsteadily just to become suddenly official.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation and Outing
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Xenophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship
eaudemonet's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.75
it's so cute honestly makes me soo happy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia
Moderate: Racism
yolie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
I raced through this book! What a sweet novel, that took me less than a minute to devour.
Although the main character Nishat can be bratty, I think it’s important to realise she’s a teenage girl and their thoughts and actions may not be as well thought out or logical as we’d like them to be.
Although the main character Nishat can be bratty, I think it’s important to realise she’s a teenage girl and their thoughts and actions may not be as well thought out or logical as we’d like them to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Gaslighting, Islamophobia, Hate crime, and Racism
featherinthewind's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
I felt that this book had some problems, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked by the overall enjoyment I had while reading. There were small hiccups in the beginning, and the characters didn’t feel right, but as the story continued, the quality increased. I am left with a bit of dissatisfaction of the relationship in this book because it didn’t feel quite right, but by the end, I was satisfied. The real reason why I gave it 4 stars was because it made me angry. The way the characters and their actions were portrayed made me feel angry, making me want to stand up for the MC, Nashat. The book did a wonderful job portraying the hardships of being outed and being different than everyone else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Lesbophobia, Outing, Homophobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Religious bigotry
annorabrady's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I can see why a lot of people like it, especially teens. But it wasn't really my jam. I think it would be particularly important for both POC and LGBTQ youth, especially those who don't have the best coming out experiences. Though, it should be noted that there are both forced outings, overt racism, and nonviolent hate crimes in this story so people should approach it with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Hate crime, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Bullying
lucyhargrave's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Lesbophobia, Hate crime, Outing, Cultural appropriation, and Bullying
m_r3ads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, Outing, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
_nem_'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Rep: Bangladeshi lesbian POV, Brazilian MC, Korean MC
Set in Ireland
This story really pulled me in. I learnt a lot about South Asian culture. I can't comment on how accurate it was but the ideas of coming out and existing as queer in a not accepting environment were very relatable.
I loved the developing relationship between Nishat and Flavia especially towards the end when Flavia is more accepting of her own identity. It was great when Flavia was realising how toxic China was and that she didn't want that anymore.
Set in Ireland
This story really pulled me in. I learnt a lot about South Asian culture. I can't comment on how accurate it was but the ideas of coming out and existing as queer in a not accepting environment were very relatable.
I loved the developing relationship between Nishat and Flavia especially towards the end when Flavia is more accepting of her own identity. It was great when Flavia was realising how toxic China was and that she didn't want that anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Bullying, Outing, and Racism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation and Toxic friendship
cosmicwillow's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was cute! I like how it dealt with heavier topics like race/racism and cultural appropriation, and homophobia, but ultimately I found it to be an adorable queer rivals (because they were hardly enemies lol) to lovers story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Outing, Lesbophobia, Bullying, Xenophobia, Homophobia, and Cultural appropriation
bluejay21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Outing