A review by abby_shupe
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

lighthearted 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

4.0

From the beginning, the book starting with an amazing dedication, quote, and thoughtful trigger warnings my expectations for this book were sky high. The author does a great job of introducing and incorporating Bangali culture. Prithi and Nishat’s sisterly banter is so adorable, and had me wishing I was as close as my siblings with how nice their relationship is. The author refrains from using cringy gen-Z slang I see in all too many books nowadays but still maintains the relatable aspects of being a teen in the 21st century. I did find the main character to be annoying at times, with how selfish she was. But by the end of the book she has a slight character arc, I just wish I had the opportunity to see Nishat become the less selfish person she claims that she will become. I didn’t understand half of the book and it’s references because i’m not muslim, bengali, brazilian, in ireland or understanding the ireland school system, or speak portuguese & french so to say the least there were parts in the book I was lost but if you do have a connection to any of those-that’ll help. I still loved the cute, sapphic high school romance and even though I was sometimes a bit lost I still enjoyed this book. 
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