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A review by writefromthepage
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very disappointed đ„ I did appreciate the diversity, an interracial sapphic romance bring front and center, and every scene depicting the Nishatâs homophobic parents really hit me hard.
Unfortunately, the book didnât have much substance and just fell apart for me. Lots of plot lines were dropped, underdeveloped, or wrapped up so quickly it made me wonder why it was included in the first place. Especially Nishatâs friends from school - she interacted with them so little, it made no sense for them to be here.
And if you are interested in reading this book for the enemies to lovers plot line, or the discussion of cultural appropriation, youâll be severally disappointed like I was. The romance was very Insta love and the progression from enemies (the competition between the girls was barely present) to lovers (it was so random and came out of nowhere) really felt like it went from point A to B without any development to get them to that point.
As for the cultural appropriation plot line, it was brought up once or twice, but eventually dwindled away without much of a conclusion. Flavia never really learned her lesson beyond her saying âI realize I was wrongâ without much proof in the narrative that she actually did.
And my biggest grip was that Flavia never once apologized to Nishat about not standing up for her sooner from her racist, bullying cousin. The way it was depicted made me very uncomfy because it was portrayed that Flaviaâs fear of her cousin turning on her for standing up for her girlfriend was more important than the torment Nishat was facing everyday at school from her. Idk about you, but thatâs not girlfriend material to me.
Unfortunately, the book didnât have much substance and just fell apart for me. Lots of plot lines were dropped, underdeveloped, or wrapped up so quickly it made me wonder why it was included in the first place. Especially Nishatâs friends from school - she interacted with them so little, it made no sense for them to be here.
And if you are interested in reading this book for the enemies to lovers plot line, or the discussion of cultural appropriation, youâll be severally disappointed like I was. The romance was very Insta love and the progression from enemies (the competition between the girls was barely present) to lovers (it was so random and came out of nowhere) really felt like it went from point A to B without any development to get them to that point.
As for the cultural appropriation plot line, it was brought up once or twice, but eventually dwindled away without much of a conclusion. Flavia never really learned her lesson beyond her saying âI realize I was wrongâ without much proof in the narrative that she actually did.
And my biggest grip was that Flavia never once apologized to Nishat about not standing up for her sooner from her racist, bullying cousin. The way it was depicted made me very uncomfy because it was portrayed that Flaviaâs fear of her cousin turning on her for standing up for her girlfriend was more important than the torment Nishat was facing everyday at school from her. Idk about you, but thatâs not girlfriend material to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, and Racism
Minor: Biphobia