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The Secret Sky: A Novel Of Forbidden Love In Afghanistan (2014)

by Atia Abawi(Favorite Author)

4.02 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0399160787 (ISBN13: 9780399160783)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Philomel

review 1: I received the advanced reader's copy of this book from my library (Indian Trails Public Library) as part of a new "Book Swap" program this year. I am grateful that I received this book because I do not usually read "love" stories; however, this book felt unique and not like a "love" story at all but it was something more. It was very interesting to learn a few words/phrases from several languages spoken in Afghanistan while reading "The Secret Sky." I also learned many new cultural aspects as I read this book. I heard things about the culture in Afghanistan, but now I know so much more because of this book. I liked how the events in this book were told from three points of view, which made the plot a lot more interesting and more fully-developed. The graphic descriptions ... moreof how Fatima's sister was killed and how Mullah Latif murdered Mullah Sarwar made me experience the scenes as if I was there and that made me feel more connected to the book and the heartache Fatima experienced with Sami. I am really grateful that I got a chance to read this book in advance. This story will forever be engraved in my mind to remind me to be grateful for my own culture because many atrocious things are still happening all over the world that not all of us are aware about. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Atia Abawi.
review 2: I was super excited to read this debut, a story about forbidden love in Afghanistan. I wanted it to be the YA version of A Thousand Splendid Suns (one of my Top Five Favorite Books Ever) and it did share similarities with that story. The Secret Sky was less romantic than I’d been anticipating, but I still very much enjoyed it. The details about Afghan culture and Muslim traditions were fascinating, and the characters were incredibly well-drawn. There were some brutal scenes in this novel, but its conclusion left me hopeful, and with a satisfying sort of curiosity. Check it out if you’re looking for riveting contemporary YA with diverse characters and/or settings. less

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