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A review by kristenremenar
Deep in the Sahara by Hoda Hadadi, Kelly Cunnane
4.0
I thought from the title that this book would be a counting book like "Over in the Meadow" where a bouncy rhyme would tell kids about who lives in the Sahara. Nope. Totally different - the best surprise.
Lalla sees the women of her community dressed in beautiful, colorful malafas that cover the head and body and can cover the face. Lalla sees these women as graceful and mysterious. Her mother, grandmother, older sister, etc. have such dignity and quiet ease. When Lalla realizes that wearing the malafa is about faith, she is deemed ready to wear one as she joins her mother in prayer.
I appreciated the author's note because she points out my assumption - women who wear the malafa are repressed by a faith that requires them to hide themselves. For the women of Mauritania, where this book is set, the malafa is a beautiful expression of devotion to God and a practical protection from the sun and sand.
Really, really lovely.
Lalla sees the women of her community dressed in beautiful, colorful malafas that cover the head and body and can cover the face. Lalla sees these women as graceful and mysterious. Her mother, grandmother, older sister, etc. have such dignity and quiet ease. When Lalla realizes that wearing the malafa is about faith, she is deemed ready to wear one as she joins her mother in prayer.
I appreciated the author's note because she points out my assumption - women who wear the malafa are repressed by a faith that requires them to hide themselves. For the women of Mauritania, where this book is set, the malafa is a beautiful expression of devotion to God and a practical protection from the sun and sand.
Really, really lovely.