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A review by areadingstan
Rumaysa: A Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was such a lovely book! As an adult who loves children’s books it was so refreshing to read Hafiza’s debut, which retells three classic fairy tales we know and centres Muslim girls as the main characters.
This kind of book is so needed as people who have similar backgrounds to the characters will see themselves reflected in the stories, rather than just white people like in the classics. It is not just race that Hafiza focuses on, but female empowerment, and the importance of following your own path.
Rumaysa is very witty and questions a lot of the tropes that fairy tale characters traditionally have, showing that curiosity should be encouraged in young people and they don’t have to fit in a certain box.
Great messages to children and anyone who chooses to read it!
This kind of book is so needed as people who have similar backgrounds to the characters will see themselves reflected in the stories, rather than just white people like in the classics. It is not just race that Hafiza focuses on, but female empowerment, and the importance of following your own path.
Rumaysa is very witty and questions a lot of the tropes that fairy tale characters traditionally have, showing that curiosity should be encouraged in young people and they don’t have to fit in a certain box.
Great messages to children and anyone who chooses to read it!
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Grief