abookishtype 's review for:

The Women's Courtyard by Khadija Mastur

5.0

challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Originally published in 1962, Khadija takes us into the cloistered world of a family on a downward trajectory in The Women’s Courtyard. Aliya’s family was once very wealthy. Now, they cling on to the little that’s left to them. Aliya’s mother longs for the days of privilege and schemes to get a little bit of it back. Aliya’s father and uncle hope for independence from Britain. Her cousins have little hope for anything at all. In the middle of everything, Aliya slowly learns how some choices can trap you, while others can free you. This novel is beautifully translated by Daisy Rockwell...

Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.