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A review by biblioseph
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Two things briefly: I am concerned with the Muslim rep and I am not a fan of the fake dating trope.
I think its best to refer to the post I saw which explains the severity of the depicting a Hijabi having sex outside of marriage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1kEiKgQlV/
As for my own thoughts: I paused when it was implied two unmarried, religious characters were sleeping together. I was a little concerned about Zaf touching his sister-in-law, but he referred to her as his sister, so I didn't think too hard about it, but as a rule: women and men who are not related do not touch. Finally... the acceptance of Dani's religion seems a bit too simple.
Where does this leave me in regards to the Muslim rep? Islam is not homogenous. The post linked comes from someone in the United Arab Emirates. The main characters are supposed to be Pakistani-English. There may be differences. However, its not like we learn what sect of Islam the Ansari's belong to. And I don't think its the place of a non-Muslim author to step into one of the discussions at the heart of reform within Islam. Or for a non-Muslim author to push the boundaries of what a Muslim can be like... especially in a story billed as feel-good romance.
I think its best to refer to the post I saw which explains the severity of the depicting a Hijabi having sex outside of marriage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1kEiKgQlV/
As for my own thoughts: I paused when it was implied two unmarried, religious characters were sleeping together. I was a little concerned about Zaf touching his sister-in-law, but he referred to her as his sister, so I didn't think too hard about it, but as a rule: women and men who are not related do not touch. Finally... the acceptance of Dani's religion seems a bit too simple.
Where does this leave me in regards to the Muslim rep? Islam is not homogenous. The post linked comes from someone in the United Arab Emirates. The main characters are supposed to be Pakistani-English. There may be differences. However, its not like we learn what sect of Islam the Ansari's belong to. And I don't think its the place of a non-Muslim author to step into one of the discussions at the heart of reform within Islam. Or for a non-Muslim author to push the boundaries of what a Muslim can be like... especially in a story billed as feel-good romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Biphobia