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A review by cocopurplebooks
The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan
3.0
I have so many mixed feelings about this book. A part of me enjoyed it but another part found it kinda meh. Like I love the theme of the book and Rukhsana's pov was beautifully written but her parents were so terrible. I know parents like that exist in real life but it was so uncomfortable and heartbreaking to read about the pain that they caused Rukhsana throughout the book. I felt like it was kinda justified in the end since the mom had a traumatic childhood. But I felt like it wasn't a strong enough reason for her treat her daughter like literal shit.
But I did enjoy the relationship Rukhsana had with her brother and her cousin Shalia. These two people were probably one of the best characters in the book because they were so supportive and kind. I also love Ifran and Sara. The tragic death of a close friend of Rukhsana's made me really sad since I loved this character so much. This book made me a lot more aware of the homophobic behavior that LGBT people face in India. It was extremely sad to read certain parts of the book because it was honestly really sad and painful to read.
The ending was bittersweet and hopeful and while I really did enjoy the boom, I find myself not really connecting to the parents apology. I'm happy Rukhsana forgave them though. And I'm happy that the book ended in a good note.
But I did enjoy the relationship Rukhsana had with her brother and her cousin Shalia. These two people were probably one of the best characters in the book because they were so supportive and kind. I also love Ifran and Sara. The tragic death of a close friend of Rukhsana's made me really sad since I loved this character so much. This book made me a lot more aware of the homophobic behavior that LGBT people face in India. It was extremely sad to read certain parts of the book because it was honestly really sad and painful to read.
The ending was bittersweet and hopeful and while I really did enjoy the boom, I find myself not really connecting to the parents apology. I'm happy Rukhsana forgave them though. And I'm happy that the book ended in a good note.