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A review by samusc
The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette's by Hanna Alkaf
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
Thank you Salaam Reads for the ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not representative of the library in which I'm employed.
Khadijah and Rachel are both students of the prestigious St. Bernadette's Academy. Despite both feeling as though the school is the safest place for them, they had no reason to interact until the screaming started again. Waved off by adults as "hysteria", dozens of teenage girls are sent home due to this sickness, including Khadijah's younger sister Aishah. Can Khadijah protect Aishah before things escalate further into disappearances? Can Rachel save her peers in addition to saving herself?
This book grabbed me from the very first page and there's so much to love. The descriptive writing is so immersive that a reader can almost hear the sweeping sounds themselves. More than once I found myself with chills at the end of a quick chapter! Hanna Alkaf excels with capturing authentic teen voices, as seen in the dialogue between the girls at St. Bernadette's. I love how Malay phrases are not translated, as English readers aren't intended to be centered here. Khadijah's friendships with Sumi and Flo strike that balance of supportive, while at times hesitant and insecure as teen friendships can be. Rachel and Khadijah's justified anger at the staff for covering up abuse is palpable.
I highly recommend this book for Muslim and Malaysian teen girls who wish to see themselves represented on page, as well as anyone looking for a refreshing take on trauma based horror.
Khadijah and Rachel are both students of the prestigious St. Bernadette's Academy. Despite both feeling as though the school is the safest place for them, they had no reason to interact until the screaming started again. Waved off by adults as "hysteria", dozens of teenage girls are sent home due to this sickness, including Khadijah's younger sister Aishah. Can Khadijah protect Aishah before things escalate further into disappearances? Can Rachel save her peers in addition to saving herself?
This book grabbed me from the very first page and there's so much to love. The descriptive writing is so immersive that a reader can almost hear the sweeping sounds themselves. More than once I found myself with chills at the end of a quick chapter! Hanna Alkaf excels with capturing authentic teen voices, as seen in the dialogue between the girls at St. Bernadette's. I love how Malay phrases are not translated, as English readers aren't intended to be centered here. Khadijah's friendships with Sumi and Flo strike that balance of supportive, while at times hesitant and insecure as teen friendships can be. Rachel and Khadijah's justified anger at the staff for covering up abuse is palpable.
I highly recommend this book for Muslim and Malaysian teen girls who wish to see themselves represented on page, as well as anyone looking for a refreshing take on trauma based horror.