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A review by ghulsona
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this book a lot! I was trying to find something lighthearted to read in between reading 'The Poppy War' series to find a reprieve from all the death and misery, and this did the trick. Though, there is something painful in reading about the main character Nishat's experiences when I can relate so deeply to them.
This is one of the few times I've seen a Bengali character featured prominently in a story. I don't care much about representation, but there was a thrill in finally relating to every aspect of a main character when I've never been able to do so and understanding every single cultural reference brought up. The detail of the guidance counselor pronouncing her name as 'niche hat' made me laugh a lot. There was this one part where Nishat is called to talk with her parents weeks after she came out to them, and she's just pleading to God in her mind as she goes to to them, repeating over and over "Allah please please please please please please please please please let them still love me". That resonated with me so much; I can't recall the countless times where I have gone to my parents and thinking this same exact thought :( Nishat's struggles and pain with wanting to be accepted by her communities hit really hard, and it was written incredibly well. I thought Nishat as a character had good flaws, with single-mindedness and recklessness being major ones. She had good and natural development, with her having to overcome these traits in order to not hurt the ones closest to her.
I enjoyed a lot of the other characters too! Nishat's relationship with her sister, Priti, was great and reminded me of my own relationship with my little sister. I'm glad it was at the forefront of the book. I honestly am kind of shocked that a lot of people didn't like the love interest, Flavia. I really enjoyed her scenes and her relationship with Nishat. I do wish they got more development because they did feel kind of rushed; if there ever is a sequel to this book, I hope the author fleshes out Flavia's character and their relationship more. But for what we got, I'm pretty satisfied with her character. I didn't really like Nishat's 2 friends that much, especially her white friend, Jess. I thought she was way too insensitive and just really ignorant, dismissing Nishat's concerns regarding cultural appropriation and even getting angry when Nishat insisted on talking about it. From my own experience, I think this is a pretty realistic depiction of some white friends, which is why she really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't have strong opinions on Nishat's other friend, Chaewon, but I do wish she had stuck by Nishat's friend when their white friend was being purposefully ignorant. Chyna, of course, is a massive bitch. I don't expect anyone to have come away from this book liking her. I thought Nishat's parents and their struggle to accept their daughter was so realistic; I really can't say much except how hard it hit home.
However, there are obviously some things that aren't perfect regarding this book. I think the conversation surrounding cultural appropriation could've been more nuanced; I'm sure other reviews go in depth into this, so I won't offer the entirety of my thoughts. Overall, I think it was okay, especially to an audience who is reading about it for the first time, but I was expecting . . . more in certain parts. In some parts, it felt very in your face about it, and in other parts, it didn't feel like enough. Also, (kind of a spoiler) I think the characters who spread racist rumors and generally acted very bigoted towards Nishat should have faced more consequences??? I was surprised that the character who literally outed Nishat was barely discussed or even confronted by any of the main characters. I've mentioned before how Nishat's white friend, Jess, is kind of insensitive and rude to her, and I feel like she didn't get enough repercussions for that. As I mentioned before, I think the romance was a bit rushed, but I don't really mind since the book is obviously about Nishat's identity.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Reading about a relatable Bengali character made me incredibly happy; I'm glad I was able to read this book. I'd definitely recommend this book to others and pick up the sequel if one ever was written.
This is one of the few times I've seen a Bengali character featured prominently in a story. I don't care much about representation, but there was a thrill in finally relating to every aspect of a main character when I've never been able to do so and understanding every single cultural reference brought up. The detail of the guidance counselor pronouncing her name as 'niche hat' made me laugh a lot. There was this one part where Nishat is called to talk with her parents weeks after she came out to them, and she's just pleading to God in her mind as she goes to to them, repeating over and over "Allah please please please please please please please please please let them still love me". That resonated with me so much; I can't recall the countless times where I have gone to my parents and thinking this same exact thought :( Nishat's struggles and pain with wanting to be accepted by her communities hit really hard, and it was written incredibly well. I thought Nishat as a character had good flaws, with single-mindedness and recklessness being major ones. She had good and natural development, with her having to overcome these traits in order to not hurt the ones closest to her.
I enjoyed a lot of the other characters too! Nishat's relationship with her sister, Priti, was great and reminded me of my own relationship with my little sister. I'm glad it was at the forefront of the book. I honestly am kind of shocked that a lot of people didn't like the love interest, Flavia. I really enjoyed her scenes and her relationship with Nishat. I do wish they got more development because they did feel kind of rushed; if there ever is a sequel to this book, I hope the author fleshes out Flavia's character and their relationship more. But for what we got, I'm pretty satisfied with her character. I didn't really like Nishat's 2 friends that much, especially her white friend, Jess. I thought she was way too insensitive and just really ignorant, dismissing Nishat's concerns regarding cultural appropriation and even getting angry when Nishat insisted on talking about it. From my own experience, I think this is a pretty realistic depiction of some white friends, which is why she really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't have strong opinions on Nishat's other friend, Chaewon, but I do wish she had stuck by Nishat's friend when their white friend was being purposefully ignorant. Chyna, of course, is a massive bitch. I don't expect anyone to have come away from this book liking her. I thought Nishat's parents and their struggle to accept their daughter was so realistic; I really can't say much except how hard it hit home.
However, there are obviously some things that aren't perfect regarding this book. I think the conversation surrounding cultural appropriation could've been more nuanced; I'm sure other reviews go in depth into this, so I won't offer the entirety of my thoughts. Overall, I think it was okay, especially to an audience who is reading about it for the first time, but I was expecting . . . more in certain parts. In some parts, it felt very in your face about it, and in other parts, it didn't feel like enough. Also, (kind of a spoiler) I think the characters who spread racist rumors and generally acted very bigoted towards Nishat should have faced more consequences??? I was surprised that the character who literally outed Nishat was barely discussed or even confronted by any of the main characters. I've mentioned before how Nishat's white friend, Jess, is kind of insensitive and rude to her, and I feel like she didn't get enough repercussions for that. As I mentioned before, I think the romance was a bit rushed, but I don't really mind since the book is obviously about Nishat's identity.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Reading about a relatable Bengali character made me incredibly happy; I'm glad I was able to read this book. I'd definitely recommend this book to others and pick up the sequel if one ever was written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Racism