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A review by wendoxford
The Pact We Made by Layla AlAmmar
2.0
I enjoyed this book for its insight into life for women in Kuwait, albeit from relatively liberal minded families. Whilst we see women in education, going out on their own but men/marriage/male supremacy is a shibboleth that pivots the novel.
Protagonist Dahlia is nearing her 30th birthday and externally unwilling to consider the stream of men her mother chooses as potential life partners, hangs out with her friends, works and is an artist. Internally we begin to understand how damaged she is by a teenage trauma that her family have airbrushed.
The themes of choices, decision making and the paths not travelled are the cream rising to the surface dictated by the clash of modernity and tradition. It is a fascinating read, but not especially well rounded, edited or concluded
Protagonist Dahlia is nearing her 30th birthday and externally unwilling to consider the stream of men her mother chooses as potential life partners, hangs out with her friends, works and is an artist. Internally we begin to understand how damaged she is by a teenage trauma that her family have airbrushed.
The themes of choices, decision making and the paths not travelled are the cream rising to the surface dictated by the clash of modernity and tradition. It is a fascinating read, but not especially well rounded, edited or concluded