Scan barcode
A review by booktalkwithrae
An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5
This books follows Shadi, Who is a Muslim, where is a hijab and often keeps her head down. She’s too busy dealing with her own troubles to find the time to deal with bigots and racists especially after the US declared war in Iraq. Her brother is dead, her father is dying, and her mother is falling apart, she is drifting away from her sister and she’s lost her best friend. She is trying to navigate through her sorrows and her pain and each day becomes harder and harder. Can the boy she was falling for help her?
This book switch is between present day in 2003 and the year before and I found this jump between timelines a little difficult to follow. Other than that the story was pretty simple and focused on Shadi and her life struggles. It were important topics of racism and bullying especially since this book takes place two years after 9/11. The side characters I felt stood out and played a really important role in Shari’s story And I enjoyed all the interactions she had.
My biggest problem was the ending. I found that the ending was very quick and wrapped up a little too neatly for all the struggles that Shadi was facing. I felt unsatisfied and felt like I had a lot of questions by the end of it.
This books follows Shadi, Who is a Muslim, where is a hijab and often keeps her head down. She’s too busy dealing with her own troubles to find the time to deal with bigots and racists especially after the US declared war in Iraq. Her brother is dead, her father is dying, and her mother is falling apart, she is drifting away from her sister and she’s lost her best friend. She is trying to navigate through her sorrows and her pain and each day becomes harder and harder. Can the boy she was falling for help her?
This book switch is between present day in 2003 and the year before and I found this jump between timelines a little difficult to follow. Other than that the story was pretty simple and focused on Shadi and her life struggles. It were important topics of racism and bullying especially since this book takes place two years after 9/11. The side characters I felt stood out and played a really important role in Shari’s story And I enjoyed all the interactions she had.
My biggest problem was the ending. I found that the ending was very quick and wrapped up a little too neatly for all the struggles that Shadi was facing. I felt unsatisfied and felt like I had a lot of questions by the end of it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm