A review by lediamond4
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi

emotional sad slow-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? Yes

3.0

I struggled with this book more than I wanted to. The premise was promising, and I did learn quite a bit. I had never heard of the custom “bacha posh” and I was fascinated by that part. I thought that both of the protagonists, Rahima and Shekiba, were strong and likable. I felt their joys and their sorrows. There were parts of this book where I felt entirely engaged. 

Unfortunately I really had a difficult time with the writing. It would have benefitted from heavier editing. It was a lengthy book and decent chunks of it failed to further the plot OR develop characters.