A review by natashaleighton_
Seven Days by Rebeka Shaid

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Seven Days is a tender coming of age YA that perfectly captures the nuances of love, loss, identity and complex family relationships —that is sure to appeal to fans of Holly Bourne or Anika Hussain. 
 
Set in Bristol, we follow the journey of two teens (Noori and Aamir) who, after a chance encounter, find themselves bonding over their shared experiences of grief, identity and belonging. As they (both) struggle to move on from the loss of their loved ones, and the feelings of self doubt and otherness left in the wake of their grief.

With multilayered, endearing characters and prose that’s steeped in emotion—I enjoyed every second of this unconventional, yet utterly compelling romance. 

I adored Noori (the first of our POV protagonists) and found her bold and slightly chaotic energy incredibly endearing. Having lost her cousin and best friend, Munazzah, Noori battles with her own sense of identity she seeks to understand her Cousin’s life just before the tragic accident. Leading to tensions with her father, who Nori feels doesn’t understand her need to connect with her Pakistani heritage. 

Aamir, is equally as grief stricken after the death of his mother. And, after escaping the fraught tensions of his home life, finds himself sleeping rough on the bench Noori used to share with her Cousin. It’s a Meet Cute for the ages, and may quite possibly be one of the funniest and heartwarming intros I’ve ever encountered in a contemporary romance. 

Over the next seven days, the pair continue to cross paths; growing closer as they trade stories and realise their lives, shared love of Rumi and personal problems aren’t all that different. 

I can’t really say anything else for fear of spoilers, but I do have to mention Doughnut the dog who was an adorably hilarious, Houdini-esque highlight that  I’d love to see more of (along with Noori and Aamir) in a sequel or spinoff of some sort… perhaps even following Noori’s friend Mai? 

Overall, a refreshingly heartfelt and impressive debut with a romance that, though a bit of whirlwind, was intensely relatable. Fans of YA that explores serious subject material with compassion, honesty and sensitivity are almost certain to enjoy this. 

Also, a huge thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for the finished copy. 
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