From the Capital with Love

by Daawy

Camellia longs for more than what is possible for her at home. As a child born in the United Arab Emirates, her future is clearly defined, even if her dreams are not. With her family's blessing and her uncle as her companion, she is able to study abroad in Australia to pursue her education. She is certainly not looking for love on the auspicious day she sees Saif, a man who is full of contradictions. Utterly enigmatic, yet begging to be deciphered, he confounds the young student. Flustered, she runs away before they can even exchange a word. She will not allow a brief fascination to derail her plans or her promise to her parents to live as a virtuous woman and superior student while abroad.

But fate clearly has other plans for her.

Camellia knows that to pursue her interest in this mesmerizing man, she risks sacrificing more than just her heart. In her society, a relationship with a stranger to whom she is not formally engaged endangers her reputation. Despite the risks, the pull she feels toward Saif is utterly irresistible.

Now she must decide between what is expected of her and what she truly desires. In her exploration of love, hope, and friendship, Camellia's journey becomes a mind-blowing experience, one that will change her forever.

Can she find a way to honor her promises, her culture, and her heart?

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2015

About the author

Daawy began her writing career as a child earning top honours in a writing competition. The author of several published nonfiction short stories, she obtained her LLB (Hons) law degree from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She aspires to create a bridge between the Arabic and English worlds.

Reviews

[Amna]

I spent a long time trying to decide if I should write this or not. Oh well.

First of all, I have nothing personal against the author, and I apologize in advance if anyone feels insulted by this "review". I hope no one misunderstands my intentions. This is just what I honestly thought, and as an Emirati woman I needed to add my voice to such a discussion.

I rarely dislike reading a book I decided to read, and I don't easily choose to give up on a book but unfortunately with this one I did. I really tried not to, but unfortunately I couldn't get past 30 pages for several reasons. I didn't want to say anything at first because I don't like speaking negatively about a book, but after seeing how many people are looking at this book as their first window into Emirati society (particularly the lives of Emirati women) and making judgements based on it, I just had to speak up for myself and for many other girls like me who I know are out there.

The first thing that instantly turned me off was the extreme ideals introduced in the first pages. I'm sorry, but it was honestly too much. It may have reflected the point of views of certain Emirati girls and families, but generalizing it as representing most of society is not something I agree with.
The times we live in are different now, but even when I was a child I never thought of women simply conversing with other men as "having a bad reputation", "players" or that their names would be "permanently sullied", or "not considered marriage material". It was frowned upon by many, yes sure, but I haven't heard such serious accusations before either. If it had been specifically mentioned as flirting with boys or having lots of relationships, then sure I could probably see the sense behind it. However making such big judgments on simply being seen talking to someone from the opposite sex was exaggerated to me. Not all conversations have to have such bad intentions behind them, and suspicions about each other don't rise so easily with every little social interaction as this made it seem.

I also read a description that I disagree with. This does not represent a traditional Muslim woman to me, and since the approach was introductory to the UAE, then the difference between Islamic traditions and Arabic traditions should have been highlighted. (Yes, there's a difference.) Religion tells us to mind our limits, and to treat each other with respect. Not to shun each other out completely and only deal with blood relatives. People within a society, on the other hand, are the ones who tend to use religion as an excuse to defend gender roles and expectations. So what about male teachers? Male doctors? Male accountants? Do we not speak to each other, work with each other, eat and live and die around each other? The main character's description and first impression of what Emirati women should/should not do made me feel like I was being beyond scandalous, and I did not see it as a fair and justified introduction into our values and beliefs.

To quote: "Some families went so far as to disown their daughters for this grave reason."
Please just take a second here, and think about what image this sentences gives to the world regarding the UAE and "traditional Muslim Arab societies". Just think about it.

Are we that senseless? Does it make sense that a community of people, who proudly believe in a religion that banned the killings of infant females which was being done by Arabs before, and gave girls back their human rights, would so casually forsake them for things like this? This may not seem that big of a deal to criticize, but believing in statements such as this are what slowly grow into extremism. And I don't disregard the importance of books and stories, for they are the legacies we leave behind for the world to remember us. This may be general fiction, but it's still representing a real community. Thoughts become words, words become actions, our actions then shape who we are. We need to choose our words carefully and realize the influence they have.

At first, I thought the book was clear on how only some families thought this way, which is true. We're a small community but we're made up of an endless variety of mentalities and cultural values. Then the main character described her family as having a more relaxed approach, followed with a description. However, I didn't think the description was relaxed at all. If it had been, then I don't think the main character would have forced herself to live in such fear and -I can't believe I'm about to use this word- repression around the male population. It would have made more sense if she was brought up under a strict and very conservative family, and then this contradiction between her words and her upbringing wouldn't exist.

I still tried not to give up on the book. Maybe the main character's perceptions change with the plot development, and things become better. Besides, who was I to doubt a published book? I didn't want to seem conceited or to rush into judgments based on my own beliefs and disregard all that goes into the writing process.
Descriptions of the environment, life styles and national concepts from the UAE were good and nostalgic. Even the snacks that were mentioned reminded me of my own childhood, and it was a sweet addition. I couldn't really connect with the characters though. I then chose to simply look past the disagreements I have, and read it as any other story, but it personally did not suit my taste. I can't read this now.

I apologize for writing such a negative review but I felt bothered by the themes exposed to me. It struck a sensitive chord, and I couldn't hold back from saying something. Social perceptions about Emiratis is an important topic for me (one I even did my research on) and I can't just sit by and accept those ideals as representing all of us because they don't, especially when there are so few books out there about telling real stories about us. We are far more diverse and open-minded than that, and I would have appreciated more authenticity and diversity.

I can't speak for the rest of the book since I haven't finished it, but this is what I had to say from reading the few pages I did.

One last thing, for those who may not know much about the UAE.

I'm a Muslim Emirati woman, one among many, and I have no trouble conversing with men. I had/have male classmates, teachers, acquaintances and coworkers who have grown to become my good friends, my brothers even, and we all have a respectful relationship with each other. I did nothing to shame myself or my family, and if someone were to ever approach us who could "tarnish" our reputation, we simply don't interact with such individuals, and they would leave us alone. I don't feel the need to limit my freedom or walk around in fear of men or of judgement in my community, they are my brothers just as I am their sister. Maybe some guys (and girls) like to play around all they want, as do members of all kinds of societies, but they don't fill the picture for the rest of us. Some people may not agree with me, and some might, and I'm not saying I represent the one and only culture of the UAE, because there is no such thing. I am one of many, many, many different Emirati individuals, and we all live together in harmony and peace regardless of our differences.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway

I must admit that I had trouble staying interested in this book. The main character, Camellia, leaves UAE to study early childhood education in Australia. She must be accompanied by her Uncle so that she is not seen as a "loose woman". While there she falls in love with Saif and this is where all of my issues with the book started. Camellia was so incredibly dependent upon her feelings for Saif that she could not live without him. The story became all about her heart was breaking to be away from him for a couple of days. It just got to be way too much.

What I really enjoyed about the book, however, was how much I learned about the Islamic culture and religion. The wedding ceremonies were especially enlightening.

It's totally possible that I did not enjoy the book more because of the cultural differences. I'm glad that I read it.

[Bashayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work from the talented author Daawy <3

[Evagelia Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had won a copy from Goodreads First Reads, and boy was I in for a treat.
This story was a beautifully written and delicious romance that immediately charmed me with its contagious charisma. I was immediately immersed into the plot, and I was not able to find a way to make the book stop defying gravity, no matter how hard I tried. Every twist and turn kept me intrigued, and my heart could not help but melt. I highly recommend this story to those who want to read anything well-written.

[Marwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was greatly disturbed by Amna’s comment, especially when she hasn’t even completed the book. 30 pages in is not a base. Have you gave more effort in reading the actual novel like you did with criticizing the author’s work, you will have known that the novel discusses a lot of the points you highlighted and have agreed with most of the points you stated.

Firstly, the author did not generalize Camellia as representing most of the women in UAE. She said very clearly, “Where I came from, some families would consider it scandalous,” etc. Some is by no means ‘all.’ Also, she didn’t say that her family was extremely ‘open minded,’ she said, “Other families, like mine, took a more relaxed approach in the case of students studying in the same environment.” I immediately, like so many readers, interpreted this as in between. Unlike some families that only restricted their daughters to study in an ‘all girl’ university, her family still permitted her to study abroad under certain conditions. I didn’t find it exaggerated, especially when the author explained about her background before speaking about Camellia’s attitude regarding this situation. She said Camellia did not have any brothers and simply was too shy and did not know how to interact with older males, especially since her cousins from her mother’s side were mostly girls. In no way, did the author create a stereotype or made a generalization.

It was very clear in the book that Daawy agrees with the points you stated. In her book, she has written several pages emphasizing the need to find the correct balance between modernizing ourselves as a community without letting go off our roots completely. She said, “My country made an effort to facilitate globalization, and so socioeconomic change was bound to occur because of the country’s rapid growth and its goal of becoming an international metropolitan hub. The effects of outside influence made a huge impact on the locals. They invaded not only our private spaces, but also the public sphere, such as influencing our children’s cartoons. This created a divide in our country: while some families adopted these changes in their lives and steered away from tradition and culture, others embraced their old lifestyles even more tightly out of fear of losing their identity. Unlike ultraconservatives, I believed that embracing globalization without comprising our values would be far more effective than resisting it completely. Again, it was all a question of balance.” She wasn’t against having a female interact with a male and Camellia herself ends up working in a mixed environment, while her friend works behind the scenes in Dubai TV.

Furthermore, she did distinguish the difference between ‘culture’ and ‘religion’ in the book. Like you, she was against people that used religion for their own benefits, which did not represent our religion in the first place! In her book, she said, “I loved the merciful concepts and beauty of my religion, and I thought that it was a shame that so many of us failed to interpret it correctly. If we did, I thought, it would have helped us greatly in finding the perfect equilibrium between building our nation as a whole and ourselves as individuals while sticking to our beliefs. Our religion highlighted the significance of women and the need for equality, but unfortunately some fathers and husbands still denied their wives and daughters their rightful privileges, because they resisted change to old customs and habits that had nothing to do with religion. Although, truth be told, UAE had gone a long way by granting women all their rights. Women now adopted louder voices and were encouraged to drive, work and be independent. They were offered high positions in high places, breaking down sexist barriers in our community and in our ever-changing society. In the words of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, the greatly loved and missed late president of the UAE, “Islam affords women their rightful status, and encourages them to work in all sectors, as long as they are afforded appropriate respect.”

It was very clear in the narration how much the author loves her country and defends it regardless of propaganda. You were too impatient to disregard the book based on a few pages, in which you yourself stated might have changed. Characters change based on new experiences and challenges. They evolve with the story and have you bothered to complete it, you would have known better. Fortunately, the book has received amazing press and I am really proud that it did.

[Sammi McSporran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to recieve a copy of From The Capital With Love through Goodreads First Reads.

This is a sweet little book, stuffed full of Arabic and Muslim culture and traditions. As someone living in a very monocultural place in the world, I found it a really interesting book in particular for that reason, being able to understand more of the cultural differences and similarities.

The main character Camie is endearing but almost infuriatingly naive. Her inner monologue is strong and immersive.

Overall I found this book enjoyable, but would have liked more in the way of plot. There was a story, a romance following through, but it was quite predictable and a bit flat at times.

Four stars for the quality of writing and the immersion into Camie's culture.

[Betsy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. I was easily entranced with the characters and found myself wondering what I would do in the same situation over and over again.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads and found this book to be a well written romance. The reader is able to feel Camellia's struggle of whether to remain true to her culture or her heart.

[Eila Isotalus · Rating 3 out of 5]

From my point of view different love story/stories… Easy to read but -to my surprise- gave a lot of thoughts also later on: I noticed going back in my mind to the events and the description of the relationships on this book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book! Another awesome Goodreads win!

[Veesreadinglist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and an easy read. Quite enjoyable, I must admit!

With her family's support, an Emirati girl Camelia is off to pursue her dream to study in Australia. She is so eager to dive in an academical world and make her family proud. Love, she though, was of no interest until she meets him, Saif.

This novel provides some insights on life for Emirati women in UAE. For me, it is a completly different word, completely different religious beliefs. Many times I found myself wanting more. I wish the author would have let us in a little closer. I was rooting for Camelia and I was angry for her to let this young man, Saif, to break her heart. She knew this romantic friendship was against her believes. She knew this could bring her shame and trouble. But love is love and the heart wants what it wants- Camelia gave in.

I did like the novel. However, at times I felt it was a little bit too corny. Also, as I mention before, I wish there were more glimpses on the religious life of Emirati women in general. I wanted to know more how Camelia felt, what she feared for and why. What exactly would that mean for her to get involved in a romantic relationship with a man prior to engagement. Do women really find happiness in arranged marriages? I have so many questions now! 😅

[Shahd Thani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Camelia, born in the UAE, travels to Australia to pursue her education. From the first page, she insists she is a good girl who would never betray her

In Brisbane, she tries to navigate her attraction to a fellow Emirati. She's both awkward and endearing.

The author shows us a divided personality where a woman's own individual ambitions war with society's expectation of marriage.

At the hint of a potential "husband", Camelia is swept away in a current of infatuation while justifying her sinful relationship to herself.

To be frank, I was more invested in the twin best friends than in Camellia. In the future, I would like to read more the sister's internal conflict over the family choosing one over the other. They were also way too forgiving off Camellia's secret.


This is Daawy's debut novel and it gives us an interesting perspective into the Emirati culture. I found myself nodding and smiling at a lot of familiar phrases. Hopefully this is the first of many books.