A review by delijha711
Fencing with the King by Diana Abu-Jaber

challenging informative mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

 This was my second book that I read in honor of Arab Heritage month and it's definitely out of my genre comfort range but I'm glad that I read it. I really didn't know anything going into the book and I found that I had a vast LACK of knowledge when it comes to Jordanian culture and customs and really anything. I did enjoy the great explanations of the world around Amani and how even she was struggling to know things but I felt at times the descriptions were too long, to the point where it was taking away from the story rather than adding to it. I also have to say the beginning of this book. my god was it slow, like I was 40% in and felt like it was still building up to the more interesting part of the story. And even when it did get there, I felt like it would get really good and we would change POVs and it started slacking off again. The last like 30% of the book was for sure the best part. I found the characters incredibly complex and all of them definitely had their own struggles with their self identity and it was interesting to see that unfold. I enjoyed the story but just wish it didnt take so long to get there. 2.75/5 but I might do a reread to get a better understanding of the culture surrounding the story.