A review by moonchildshine
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-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? Yes

4.25

Such a satisfying read! Adiba never fail to make me hooked on her book. A poc lesbian as the main character is so intriguing already, but then she's a muslim too? I am sold. As a muslim lesbian myself, this book means a lot to me. Dealing with homophobia is never easy. Invalidation is every day struggle when you are a muslim. But Nishat, our main character here, also have to face a racism too. 

The issues were hard to read because I can relate to almost all of it. The bits about the character being outed against their will was almost triggering for me, as I experienced the similar thing in my life and I know how hard and how traumatizing that thing is. But overall, Adiba wrote this books with light tone in Nishat's sarcastic pov. It helps because she's a strong-willed character so I feel like I can get through pass all of that horrendous experience that Nishat's been through. All in all, I love this book so much.

PS. I cried when Nishat's parents coming around. I wish my parents will come around too someday. I know it's just a wishful thinking, but a woman can only hope :") haha.

TW // racism, homophobia (lesbophobia specifically), character being out against their will, bullying.
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