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Promising Azra
Azra is sixteen, smart and knows how to get what she wants. She thinks. When she wins a place in a national science competition, she thinks her biggest problem is getting her parents' permission to go. But she doesn't know they're busy arranging her marriage to an older cousin she's never met. In Pakistan. In just three months' time.
Azra always thought she'd finish high school with her friends and then go on to study science, but now her dreams of university are suddenly overshadowed. Can she find a way to do what she wants, while keeping her parents happy?
Or does being a good daughter mean sacrificing her freedom?
Azra always thought she'd finish high school with her friends and then go on to study science, but now her dreams of university are suddenly overshadowed. Can she find a way to do what she wants, while keeping her parents happy?
Or does being a good daughter mean sacrificing her freedom?
355 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Helen Thurloe
1 book11 followersHelen is an award-winning poet and author.
Her debut novel, Promising Azra, features 16-year-old Azra, who loves chemistry and hopes to study at university. But her family decides it’d be better if she married her cousin overseas, before she finishes high school. Set in contemporary Sydney, Promising Azra is based on true events.
Helen’s currently doing research for her second novel.
Her debut novel, Promising Azra, features 16-year-old Azra, who loves chemistry and hopes to study at university. But her family decides it’d be better if she married her cousin overseas, before she finishes high school. Set in contemporary Sydney, Promising Azra is based on true events.
Helen’s currently doing research for her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 1, 2017
After being excited about this for the better part of 2016 thanks to hearing about it at the Year Ahead in Youth Literature event in late 2015, I then proceeded to put off reading this for like six months after buying it.
And I'm now reeeeeeeally curious to see how I would have felt about it if I'd read it sooner. Because frankly? This book felt like it was torn between telling two different stories and didn't do either of them justice.
Story the first: Azra is a Pakistani girl living in Sydney. She really loves chemistry and wants nothing more than to go participate in a state-level chemistry competition and also go to university and study chemistry. But this goes against her parents' traditional beliefs.
Story the second: Azra is a Pakistani girl living in Sydney. Her parents look to her uncle for significant decisions in the family, because he's the one who helped them come to Australia in the first place. When he suggests that it's time Azra were married - despite only being sixteen - her parents agree and Azra - despite not wanting to get married - finds herself fighting against an arranged marriage.
Really, the ratio of story one to story two was probably 60:40. Maybe even closer to 70:30. There was a LOT of stuff about Azra wanting to be in this chemistry competition and then this arranged marriage almost thrown in as an after thought.
I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed this book more than I did if I hadn't already read Written in the Stars and Does My Head Look Big In This? this year. I found both of those a lot more compelling and effective at telling similar stories.
And I'm now reeeeeeeally curious to see how I would have felt about it if I'd read it sooner. Because frankly? This book felt like it was torn between telling two different stories and didn't do either of them justice.
Story the first: Azra is a Pakistani girl living in Sydney. She really loves chemistry and wants nothing more than to go participate in a state-level chemistry competition and also go to university and study chemistry. But this goes against her parents' traditional beliefs.
Story the second: Azra is a Pakistani girl living in Sydney. Her parents look to her uncle for significant decisions in the family, because he's the one who helped them come to Australia in the first place. When he suggests that it's time Azra were married - despite only being sixteen - her parents agree and Azra - despite not wanting to get married - finds herself fighting against an arranged marriage.
Really, the ratio of story one to story two was probably 60:40. Maybe even closer to 70:30. There was a LOT of stuff about Azra wanting to be in this chemistry competition and then this arranged marriage almost thrown in as an after thought.
I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed this book more than I did if I hadn't already read Written in the Stars and Does My Head Look Big In This? this year. I found both of those a lot more compelling and effective at telling similar stories.
July 5, 2016
A young adult novel that deals with not only the usual challenges facing a teen, but with the added themes of religion, tradition and culture, forced marriages and how all of this plays out when a family with strong ties to its religion and culture relocates their life to Australia.
Azra is a 16 year old girl growing up in a Pakistani family in Australia. She has a passion for and is good at science and would like to continue on to university after high school, but she is faced with the cultural expectations and traditions of her family, including her extended family both those in Australia and those who are still in Pakistan. A well written character who shows great strength in her sense of self, juxtaposed with honesty and vulnerability #promisingazra #allenanduniwin #helenthurloe #yafiction #forcedmarriage
Azra is a 16 year old girl growing up in a Pakistani family in Australia. She has a passion for and is good at science and would like to continue on to university after high school, but she is faced with the cultural expectations and traditions of her family, including her extended family both those in Australia and those who are still in Pakistan. A well written character who shows great strength in her sense of self, juxtaposed with honesty and vulnerability #promisingazra #allenanduniwin #helenthurloe #yafiction #forcedmarriage
July 15, 2016
Scary but true, arranged marriages and women being treated as possessions to bargain and trade is alive and well and living in Aust. Thurloe's debut novel is in the spirit of raising awareness and building empathy about the struggle many young women face as first and second generation migrants growing up in Aust within traditional cultural binds, but she does more by giving us a quality story about a smart 16 year old girl who loves chemistry and just wants to go to uni to which teen readers will gravitate.
March 23, 2017
Azra is a 16-year-old science geek. She knows the periodic table and can make jokes about it. She hates having to pick up her sister, Soraya, after school ends every day and she will never understand her big brother, Rashid, who is the very definition of a layabout. She has parents who love her, and want what’s best for her and in her case, that includes supporting an arranged marriage to a man 11 years her senior in Pakistan.
This is the life Azra lives, and when the book opens, Thurloe introduces us straightaway to arranged marriages, through Azra’s friends – some of whom are looking forward to leaving school to be wives, and others who gossip about when their next friend will be promised to a man they don’t know.
Azra is a typical Australian student, I think that’s what will strike readers the most. She has her favourite teachers and her best friends, and she even meets a boy she finds herself liking while practicing for a science competition. But away from school, Azra lives a frustrated life, with her ambitions being stifled by her traditional parents who make life difficult for her – from expecting her to do women’s work to refusing to let her do what she wants, and by that I mean take part in a science competition when there’s a family picnic to go to.
Thurloe takes great care in building the different parts of Azra’s full life – I found myself envying Azra’s natural aptitude for chemistry and science, and mourning her potential being stifled by the traditional aspects of her family life. What I appreciated though, was that Thurloe very clearly delineates that Azra loves her family and her faith, but she wants things for herself too.
The author builds on Azra’s frustrations slowly, each chapter increasing the tension in her life as she tries to find a way to make her life at school and her ambitions mesh with that of her traditional family until she realises she can’t. Thurloe’s cast of secondary characters are evocative and will frustrate you, make you angry or you will find yourself cheering them on as they try to help Azra.
As the book reaches a climax of Azra leaving for her arranged marriage overseas, it becomes obvious that, to go to the police, to report that she is being forced into a marriage she does not consent to, is not an easy decision for her. Azra knows what she is losing – her family, whom she loves.
But the book is not without its flaws. If anything it could have reached the climax of the story sooner as the pacing dragged towards the end with Azra trying to figure out how to lie to her parents about something for one time too many. Her life in the book, with regards to her parents, is built on lies by necessity but it could have been shorter.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a powerful narrative that hits all the right notes in telling this story. But the conclusion is weakened when it’s revealed that her uncle is behind the arranged marriage – I got the feeling that her parents were somewhat being forced into consenting to this marriage for her far earlier than they would have liked, but it is still what they would have wanted for her. When Azra makes the decision to think of herself and what she needs, there is no real confrontation with her parents. Thurloe has written such a powerful relationship between the three of them that I wanted to see that confrontation happen.
Promising Azra pulls no punches in the story it wants to tell about arranged marriages and the difficult decision daughters and sisters are forced to make – to leave their families behind for a different future. The scary part is, it still happens, and readers will see the terrible emotional toll of a difficult decision in this story.
This is the life Azra lives, and when the book opens, Thurloe introduces us straightaway to arranged marriages, through Azra’s friends – some of whom are looking forward to leaving school to be wives, and others who gossip about when their next friend will be promised to a man they don’t know.
Azra is a typical Australian student, I think that’s what will strike readers the most. She has her favourite teachers and her best friends, and she even meets a boy she finds herself liking while practicing for a science competition. But away from school, Azra lives a frustrated life, with her ambitions being stifled by her traditional parents who make life difficult for her – from expecting her to do women’s work to refusing to let her do what she wants, and by that I mean take part in a science competition when there’s a family picnic to go to.
Thurloe takes great care in building the different parts of Azra’s full life – I found myself envying Azra’s natural aptitude for chemistry and science, and mourning her potential being stifled by the traditional aspects of her family life. What I appreciated though, was that Thurloe very clearly delineates that Azra loves her family and her faith, but she wants things for herself too.
The author builds on Azra’s frustrations slowly, each chapter increasing the tension in her life as she tries to find a way to make her life at school and her ambitions mesh with that of her traditional family until she realises she can’t. Thurloe’s cast of secondary characters are evocative and will frustrate you, make you angry or you will find yourself cheering them on as they try to help Azra.
As the book reaches a climax of Azra leaving for her arranged marriage overseas, it becomes obvious that, to go to the police, to report that she is being forced into a marriage she does not consent to, is not an easy decision for her. Azra knows what she is losing – her family, whom she loves.
But the book is not without its flaws. If anything it could have reached the climax of the story sooner as the pacing dragged towards the end with Azra trying to figure out how to lie to her parents about something for one time too many. Her life in the book, with regards to her parents, is built on lies by necessity but it could have been shorter.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a powerful narrative that hits all the right notes in telling this story. But the conclusion is weakened when it’s revealed that her uncle is behind the arranged marriage – I got the feeling that her parents were somewhat being forced into consenting to this marriage for her far earlier than they would have liked, but it is still what they would have wanted for her. When Azra makes the decision to think of herself and what she needs, there is no real confrontation with her parents. Thurloe has written such a powerful relationship between the three of them that I wanted to see that confrontation happen.
Promising Azra pulls no punches in the story it wants to tell about arranged marriages and the difficult decision daughters and sisters are forced to make – to leave their families behind for a different future. The scary part is, it still happens, and readers will see the terrible emotional toll of a difficult decision in this story.
August 14, 2017
What I appreciated about this young adult novel is that Azra is not a young woman who is just boy crazy and cares only about fashion and shopping with her friends. She is smart, she has a passion for science, she studies hard to pass High School and she wants to go to University. She cares about her family and friends and wants to do the right thing by them. She is not a rebellious teen looking for and getting into trouble. Trouble comes to her in the form of an unwanted arranged marriage. This novel needs to be read, shared and spoken about.
June 30, 2017
*this review has spoilers*
This book was nothing short of amazing. At the beginning, Azra faces the challenges of her family not being accepting of her excellent science work. However, this hasn't always been the case when it comes to her father. So what changed? Despite other reviews I felt that this is when everything ties in perfectly. For me it didn't feel like two books, it felt like two significant parts of her life that were tied together, inseparable. Azra's family has been less accepting of her academic pursuits because of a secret arranged marriage. But it isn't so much arranged as it is forced. This is where her Uncle comes into play, and I felt that her Uncle was dangerous. He was controlling, passionate, but in a bad way. His constant threats would almost certainly lead to the fractures of their family relations. This whole book was insightful, tragic and yet utterly realistic. Realistic in the way only a book focused on societal issues can be. No, not everyone will undergo forced marriages, but the reality is young girls around the world can and do undergo forced marriages. This book highlights this issue, and it also brought to light the difference of an arranged and a forced marriage, even having minor arranged marriage stories such as Layla's included in the story, so that we are able to compare and contrast. We can see the stark differences between the two. Azra, being forced, had no knowledge of the wedding, and when she did and continously expressed her hesitance and unwillingness, her family still wished to proceed. Layla, being part of an arranged marriage, was given a selection of men to choose from, and from there she and her family proceeded with preparation for the wedding. Despite my love for a happy ending, I understand and even admire the way this book ended. As much as I wanted her and Pratik to make amends and perhaps end up together, real life doesn't work like that all the time, and Azra had more pressing issues to attend to. Her Uncle's drugging of her had me in shock, and Rashid showed that he may make bad choices, but he isn't and bad person, and this is the case for many members of Azra's family. I felt the book ending with Azra's letter to Bassima was a good way to end the story, it was open ended yet realistic. Azra has a way to get what she wants, yet her future is still uncertain. Her letter had me in tears as I realised that it isn't the end of her fight, but it's still a tragic point in it, as she has no contact with her friends and her family is probably upset with her beyond belief. Overall this novel was insightful and heart wrenching, I adored it to bits. 5☆
This book was nothing short of amazing. At the beginning, Azra faces the challenges of her family not being accepting of her excellent science work. However, this hasn't always been the case when it comes to her father. So what changed? Despite other reviews I felt that this is when everything ties in perfectly. For me it didn't feel like two books, it felt like two significant parts of her life that were tied together, inseparable. Azra's family has been less accepting of her academic pursuits because of a secret arranged marriage. But it isn't so much arranged as it is forced. This is where her Uncle comes into play, and I felt that her Uncle was dangerous. He was controlling, passionate, but in a bad way. His constant threats would almost certainly lead to the fractures of their family relations. This whole book was insightful, tragic and yet utterly realistic. Realistic in the way only a book focused on societal issues can be. No, not everyone will undergo forced marriages, but the reality is young girls around the world can and do undergo forced marriages. This book highlights this issue, and it also brought to light the difference of an arranged and a forced marriage, even having minor arranged marriage stories such as Layla's included in the story, so that we are able to compare and contrast. We can see the stark differences between the two. Azra, being forced, had no knowledge of the wedding, and when she did and continously expressed her hesitance and unwillingness, her family still wished to proceed. Layla, being part of an arranged marriage, was given a selection of men to choose from, and from there she and her family proceeded with preparation for the wedding. Despite my love for a happy ending, I understand and even admire the way this book ended. As much as I wanted her and Pratik to make amends and perhaps end up together, real life doesn't work like that all the time, and Azra had more pressing issues to attend to. Her Uncle's drugging of her had me in shock, and Rashid showed that he may make bad choices, but he isn't and bad person, and this is the case for many members of Azra's family. I felt the book ending with Azra's letter to Bassima was a good way to end the story, it was open ended yet realistic. Azra has a way to get what she wants, yet her future is still uncertain. Her letter had me in tears as I realised that it isn't the end of her fight, but it's still a tragic point in it, as she has no contact with her friends and her family is probably upset with her beyond belief. Overall this novel was insightful and heart wrenching, I adored it to bits. 5☆
August 5, 2016
Title: Promising Azra
Author: Helen Thurloe
Publication Date: August 1st, 2016.
Publisher: Allen and Unwin https://www.allenandunwin.com/
RRP (AU) $19.99
Recommended Ages: 14+
Rating 4.5/5
Main Comment: A powerful book with a message that is so scary yet so true.
General Comments: This book really pained me. I am 15 years old and to think that I could be married at this age to a man who is nearly twice as old as me seems ridiculous but for many young girls not only in Australia but anywhere in the world, it is the sad reality.
------------------------------------------------
Promising Azra is a simply wonderful yet terribly sad book. I truly cannot find the worlds to describe it. This book pain me as the truth to this novel is really quite harsh. It has made me realize that anybody can be subject to forced marriage yet alone abuse and family issues.
Helen Thurloe has done a fantastic job on this book and I feel as though writing it would be just as hard as it was for me to read it. I want to congratulate her on the writing of this book as she has made it into an enjoyable, scientific, young adult story about a 16 year old girl who is great with science and has a bright future in front of her all the while mixing it in with traditions which are so painfully real.
The Characters were really enjoyable and realistic for me. I can relate to Azra as I am a science nerd myself and to Bassima as I do rather like my nails. Azra's brother was also a significant character as he played a major role in some of the events towards the end of the book and I really loved Pratik as he went through a lot of crap throughout the events in this book. Oh and lets not forget innocent little Soraya who was forced into the horrors of the abuse and fighting. I truly did feel so sorry for her and wanted to reach through the pages and just hug her. Each character had a distinct personality that I could see in a real life human being. Overall, the characterization was done very well.
The plot line was another interesting aspect of the novel. I found the story line to be rather creative as the novel not only brings up the subject of forced marriage but hints to abuse both mentally and physically along with strong hints towards sexism in religious cultures and ethnic traditions. Some scenes in this book really hurt me inside as I cannot image this happening to anyone yet it does happen to so many people. I loved how the novel also hinted to ways of speaking out about the issues such as Azra speaking to her friends and the issues as well as seeing a Councillor and speaking with her teacher. I found this very helpful as those who read this book will know where to contact if they ever find themselves in such a state like the state to which Azra was placed.
Overall, Promising Azra is a powerful novel that I believe should be read in schools as it really helps to open the mind to the issue of forced marriage, abuse and sexism. For all you know, it could be happening to the girl or boy who sits next to you in class. People need to be aware of how possible and realistic these issues are and they need to be put to end. Believe me now, nobody wants to be forced into doing something you don't want to do. Especially marriage to a man who is twice as old as you. Helen has done a great job in writing this novel and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a taste of reality in the mix of a young adult novel. I feel truly honored to be able to read this novel before its official publication date and I feel as though it is a must read for everyone both boy and girl, woman and men.
A special thanks goes to Allen and Unwin for sending me this novel to review. Thank You!
Love Emmaleah Xx
Author: Helen Thurloe
Publication Date: August 1st, 2016.
Publisher: Allen and Unwin https://www.allenandunwin.com/
RRP (AU) $19.99
Recommended Ages: 14+
Rating 4.5/5
Main Comment: A powerful book with a message that is so scary yet so true.
General Comments: This book really pained me. I am 15 years old and to think that I could be married at this age to a man who is nearly twice as old as me seems ridiculous but for many young girls not only in Australia but anywhere in the world, it is the sad reality.
------------------------------------------------
Promising Azra is a simply wonderful yet terribly sad book. I truly cannot find the worlds to describe it. This book pain me as the truth to this novel is really quite harsh. It has made me realize that anybody can be subject to forced marriage yet alone abuse and family issues.
Helen Thurloe has done a fantastic job on this book and I feel as though writing it would be just as hard as it was for me to read it. I want to congratulate her on the writing of this book as she has made it into an enjoyable, scientific, young adult story about a 16 year old girl who is great with science and has a bright future in front of her all the while mixing it in with traditions which are so painfully real.
The Characters were really enjoyable and realistic for me. I can relate to Azra as I am a science nerd myself and to Bassima as I do rather like my nails. Azra's brother was also a significant character as he played a major role in some of the events towards the end of the book and I really loved Pratik as he went through a lot of crap throughout the events in this book. Oh and lets not forget innocent little Soraya who was forced into the horrors of the abuse and fighting. I truly did feel so sorry for her and wanted to reach through the pages and just hug her. Each character had a distinct personality that I could see in a real life human being. Overall, the characterization was done very well.
The plot line was another interesting aspect of the novel. I found the story line to be rather creative as the novel not only brings up the subject of forced marriage but hints to abuse both mentally and physically along with strong hints towards sexism in religious cultures and ethnic traditions. Some scenes in this book really hurt me inside as I cannot image this happening to anyone yet it does happen to so many people. I loved how the novel also hinted to ways of speaking out about the issues such as Azra speaking to her friends and the issues as well as seeing a Councillor and speaking with her teacher. I found this very helpful as those who read this book will know where to contact if they ever find themselves in such a state like the state to which Azra was placed.
Overall, Promising Azra is a powerful novel that I believe should be read in schools as it really helps to open the mind to the issue of forced marriage, abuse and sexism. For all you know, it could be happening to the girl or boy who sits next to you in class. People need to be aware of how possible and realistic these issues are and they need to be put to end. Believe me now, nobody wants to be forced into doing something you don't want to do. Especially marriage to a man who is twice as old as you. Helen has done a great job in writing this novel and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a taste of reality in the mix of a young adult novel. I feel truly honored to be able to read this novel before its official publication date and I feel as though it is a must read for everyone both boy and girl, woman and men.
A special thanks goes to Allen and Unwin for sending me this novel to review. Thank You!
Love Emmaleah Xx
September 25, 2016
“This isn’t about religion anyways. It’s culture, old traditions that have been going on for centuries. Different places have different customs that aren’t anything to do with Islam. Forcing you to get married when you don’t want to, that’s not true Islam.”
Azra was born in Pakistan but grew up in Australia. Her family is dominated by her uncle because her parents feel indebted to him. Azra is one of the best chemistry students and is giving the chance to participate in a competition. Her parents are being difficult about it, expecting her to do more tasks at home and think she’s already clever enough to become the wife to her eleven years older cousin from Pakistan.
I can’t help but state that the cover is really cliche and I was afraid the story would be as well, like checking off a list, but it is really not. All subjects discussed aren’t unknown to me and sometimes that was the frustrating thing about it; how much of this is actually real and happening to girls not only from Pakistan but all over the world. Azra is a great girl. She is not rebellious, but she has her own opinion and genuinely loves studying. The only thing she wants is to study chemistry.
The book shows all different kinds of Muslim women. From adult women who are obedient to their husbands and adults who are more open minded to young girls who’re traditional and girls who’re not and girls who are a bit of both. I think this is very important. As is the difference between an arranged and forced marriage and the difference between religion and culture. I would’ve liked to see Azra realize sooner what’s going on and in the end see more of her life after everything. Perhaps that might have been even more dramatic. Apart from that, I think this is a very good and strong book, an important subject to discuss.
Azra was born in Pakistan but grew up in Australia. Her family is dominated by her uncle because her parents feel indebted to him. Azra is one of the best chemistry students and is giving the chance to participate in a competition. Her parents are being difficult about it, expecting her to do more tasks at home and think she’s already clever enough to become the wife to her eleven years older cousin from Pakistan.
I can’t help but state that the cover is really cliche and I was afraid the story would be as well, like checking off a list, but it is really not. All subjects discussed aren’t unknown to me and sometimes that was the frustrating thing about it; how much of this is actually real and happening to girls not only from Pakistan but all over the world. Azra is a great girl. She is not rebellious, but she has her own opinion and genuinely loves studying. The only thing she wants is to study chemistry.
The book shows all different kinds of Muslim women. From adult women who are obedient to their husbands and adults who are more open minded to young girls who’re traditional and girls who’re not and girls who are a bit of both. I think this is very important. As is the difference between an arranged and forced marriage and the difference between religion and culture. I would’ve liked to see Azra realize sooner what’s going on and in the end see more of her life after everything. Perhaps that might have been even more dramatic. Apart from that, I think this is a very good and strong book, an important subject to discuss.
May 10, 2017
Though this book was an easy read, I feel that the author should have concentrated on either of the stories within the book, that being Azra's science obsession and her budding relationship with Pratik, or her 'forced' engagement to a cousin she has never met. In developing the second story, the author should have embedded herself into the Pakistani Community and completed a broader cross section of interviews, or even visited Pakistan to make her finished work more substantial. For example, I have never heard Pakistanis use the word "divan" when referring to their couches, or there being a posh part of Lahore, near Badshahi Mosque. The posh area is Defence, which is located near the International Airport. The characterisations felt like caricatures at times, especially the evil Pakistani uncle, and I felt that in certain instances, the writer was confusing South Asians with Middle Easterners. The better books in this genre are Secrets of the Henna Girl and Marrying Ameera which feel more genuine and the writers have done their research to produce a satisfying read.
August 12, 2016
Although this is a YA novel, I found it absolutely enthralling and educational at the same time. The author has done a brilliant job of creating an endearing protagonist in Azra while slowly building the stakes and tightening the tension - until at some point everything has to be put aside so you can finish those last heart-stopping chapters.
The book gives a real insight to how forced marriage comes about through complex family ties and obligations. And how difficult it is for young women growing up in a Western culture to adhere to traditional family sensibilities.
I hope this becomes required reading at high school, it's so important that young people have a better understanding of and empathy for girls growing up in a Muslim culture.
The book gives a real insight to how forced marriage comes about through complex family ties and obligations. And how difficult it is for young women growing up in a Western culture to adhere to traditional family sensibilities.
I hope this becomes required reading at high school, it's so important that young people have a better understanding of and empathy for girls growing up in a Muslim culture.
December 16, 2018
This is a terrific book, written for young adults but this very grown up grandmother enjoyed it very much. I'm planning to give it to my granddaughter (aged 15). The story of Azra, who has been promised in marriage to a cousin she doesn't know is very distressing, and the author's note at the end of the book in which she gives 2012-2013 statistics for forced marriages as 250 in Australia for girls under 18. She stresses that forced marriage is not advocated by any religion, but it is a cultural practice.
I'm also very impressed with the author's research, and I imagine her bravery, delving into cultures that are at odds with our own.
I believe this book should be on the school curriculum.
I'm also very impressed with the author's research, and I imagine her bravery, delving into cultures that are at odds with our own.
I believe this book should be on the school curriculum.
February 15, 2018
I would highly recommend reading "Promising Azra". It is definitely worth it. It moves kind of slow at first but it gets better in the end. Closer to the end of the book I didn't want to put the book down because it was getting really intense. I loved the way the author wrote the book, I loved how she included the science jokes and science terms so that you knew Azra loved science. Also, she made you really feel for the character and you couldn't help but think "I wish there was something I could do for her". I usually enjoy fantasy books with a little bit of romance and action but I really enjoyed this book and I definitely want to read this book again.
November 21, 2016
We read this for our YA book group. It wasn't the most well-written novel but welcome in the territory it covered - a teen in Australia whose parents want her to go to an arranged marriage, when she wants to follow her talent in science. She is very restricted in what she is allowed to do, and wants to honour her parents but might have to take action which will really hurt them to avoid the unfavourable outcome. We all thought we wanted to know more about what happened after the dramatic ending, not necessarily that there should be a sequel, but that the ending needed to be more complete.
August 30, 2016
Promising Azra follows year 11 Pakistani student, Azra, who is struggling between her strict family values and an Australian way of life. The book looks at arranged marriages which are more common in other cultures. The issue arises when Azra is not consulted and promised to a man she has never met. What can she do?
May 2, 2017
I loved this book! Spent a lazy Sunday reading it from cover to cover, getting up from the couch only to refill the teapot. The characters are still with me. An engrossing read which gives insights into cultural differences while conveying our innate similarities and the emotional ties that bind and divide families.
August 16, 2016
I won an uncorrected proof copy of this book from Allen and Unwin via my first Goodreads giveaway (thanks!)
Wow! What a powerful story. I was engrossed after the first few pages.
Promising Azra is an extremely apt title, Azra is both promising and promised. At 16 years old she has her whole life ahead of her. Talented at chemistry, a good pupil, she has her sights set on University. However, Azra moved to Australia from Pakistan when she was 12, her parents still follow the customs and traditions from home. Her Uncle dictates what happens in their extended family, including arrangements to ensure that Azra’s future marriage will benefit “the family”.
Azra is aware that she may be “promised” at some point. She has seen it happen to other girls at school but none of her immediate family have mentioned marriage yet. Her immediate problem concerns finding a way to be permitted to attend a chemistry competition which involves mixed-sex teams and out-of-school hours.
The book is aimed at young adults but as a much older “Anglo” I was fascinated. A nice touch by the author included the chapter titles, which were all definitions of chemistry terms and hinted at what was to come. Without giving too many details away, the author uses Azra’s thoughts and feelings to describe how difficult it is to be the “dutiful” daughter immersed in a multi-cultural school in Australia. We also see how different Azra’s life is compared to her brother's, how teachers might not even consider the difficulties involved in attending a competition run outside school for someone like Azra. Ultimately we see what happens when a young girl is promised to someone they have never met.
The author does find a few ways to illustrate the arguments around the benefits of arranged marriages but what happens to Azra goes way beyond the boundaries. The issues that this story highlights are numerous and enormous.
Great characters, a terrific read, and a story that should provoke much discussion. Highly recommended.
(this review has also been posted on http://greenjadebooks.blogspot.co.nz/)
Wow! What a powerful story. I was engrossed after the first few pages.
Promising Azra is an extremely apt title, Azra is both promising and promised. At 16 years old she has her whole life ahead of her. Talented at chemistry, a good pupil, she has her sights set on University. However, Azra moved to Australia from Pakistan when she was 12, her parents still follow the customs and traditions from home. Her Uncle dictates what happens in their extended family, including arrangements to ensure that Azra’s future marriage will benefit “the family”.
Azra is aware that she may be “promised” at some point. She has seen it happen to other girls at school but none of her immediate family have mentioned marriage yet. Her immediate problem concerns finding a way to be permitted to attend a chemistry competition which involves mixed-sex teams and out-of-school hours.
The book is aimed at young adults but as a much older “Anglo” I was fascinated. A nice touch by the author included the chapter titles, which were all definitions of chemistry terms and hinted at what was to come. Without giving too many details away, the author uses Azra’s thoughts and feelings to describe how difficult it is to be the “dutiful” daughter immersed in a multi-cultural school in Australia. We also see how different Azra’s life is compared to her brother's, how teachers might not even consider the difficulties involved in attending a competition run outside school for someone like Azra. Ultimately we see what happens when a young girl is promised to someone they have never met.
The author does find a few ways to illustrate the arguments around the benefits of arranged marriages but what happens to Azra goes way beyond the boundaries. The issues that this story highlights are numerous and enormous.
Great characters, a terrific read, and a story that should provoke much discussion. Highly recommended.
(this review has also been posted on http://greenjadebooks.blogspot.co.nz/)
August 28, 2017
I liked this book. But I think it wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be - was it a book about a science geek that wanted to study whose home pressures made that difficult, or was it a book about a girl facing a forced marriage? Though, in some ways it did have to be both, it was her desire to finish school that warred with her desire to be a good daughter, and ultimately created the contrast to show how unreasonable forced marriages were on the (particularly) young girls in that situation.
I thought Thurloe was quite clever with some of her characters to make sure the right contrasts were created. A great example was Layla, the friend who was a willing and excited bride who had some input to her own arranged marriage was a great contrast to Azra who was kept in the dark (suggesting even her parents thought it was a bit underhand).
I was also impressed that Thurloe didn't sugar coat the decisions that Azra was faced with. None of here choices were going to be particularly good or easy.
Azra had been raised in Australia and, therefore, had more "Australian" expectations about what was reasonable for a woman to do with her life (getting a good education for a start). Whereas her parents had more traditional beliefs that conflicted with those generally held by the country they had chosen to live in. Then her uncle was again more opposed to assimilating to a more Western culture, where men would have less dominance. Of all of Azra's family, Uncle had the most to loose from a Westernization of their ideas, and Azra has the most to loose from remaining traditional. I saw this book as ultimately a conflict between Azra and her Uncle, even though he had less day-to-day contact with her.
I thought Thurloe was quite clever with some of her characters to make sure the right contrasts were created. A great example was Layla, the friend who was a willing and excited bride who had some input to her own arranged marriage was a great contrast to Azra who was kept in the dark (suggesting even her parents thought it was a bit underhand).
I was also impressed that Thurloe didn't sugar coat the decisions that Azra was faced with. None of here choices were going to be particularly good or easy.
Azra had been raised in Australia and, therefore, had more "Australian" expectations about what was reasonable for a woman to do with her life (getting a good education for a start). Whereas her parents had more traditional beliefs that conflicted with those generally held by the country they had chosen to live in. Then her uncle was again more opposed to assimilating to a more Western culture, where men would have less dominance. Of all of Azra's family, Uncle had the most to loose from a Westernization of their ideas, and Azra has the most to loose from remaining traditional. I saw this book as ultimately a conflict between Azra and her Uncle, even though he had less day-to-day contact with her.
January 14, 2017
Definitely recommend this book, to anyone interested but particularly to people interested in science, female first or second generation Australians, or anyone that would like to know more about them. If there are any girls who might be in a position similar to the main character- that they might have a forced marriage being arranged, particularly in another country- I highly recommend you read this book as it will make you more aware of the options available to you.
I don't read much contemporary, but when I saw this book in the Readings catalogue I knew I had to read it. I am a Caucasian whose family has been in Australia for a long time but I have a strong interest in learning about other cultures. I feel like I have learnt a lot more about people from backgrounds like Pakistan, and the Muslim religion.
I loved the inclusion of science and how it was present throughout the story. I'm not the biggest chemistry person but I understand loving science and school in general. It's good to see a main character that loves school.
The romance was done perfectly- just enough to add to the story but nothing more. I think the romance was necessary as well, because it helped Azra remind herself of the sort of person she would rather marry.
All the characters were people whose actions you could understand, whether you were rooting for them or not.
I don't read much contemporary, but when I saw this book in the Readings catalogue I knew I had to read it. I am a Caucasian whose family has been in Australia for a long time but I have a strong interest in learning about other cultures. I feel like I have learnt a lot more about people from backgrounds like Pakistan, and the Muslim religion.
I loved the inclusion of science and how it was present throughout the story. I'm not the biggest chemistry person but I understand loving science and school in general. It's good to see a main character that loves school.
The romance was done perfectly- just enough to add to the story but nothing more. I think the romance was necessary as well, because it helped Azra remind herself of the sort of person she would rather marry.
All the characters were people whose actions you could understand, whether you were rooting for them or not.
September 11, 2016
I picked this book up at the airport in Melbourne and prior to that i had not seen or heard anything about it, which sadly is often the case with Australian books. I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover, i like books about women who look like me (representation matters!) and i like girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths). I read enough of the back to find out it was set in Australia (another tick for me!) and then read about the arranged marriage storyline. I then had to run off and catch a plane but later i had a closer look, i will admit that i am hesitant to read books about poc (people of colour) cultures not written by people from that particular culture as I feel its hard for the author to get the details right when they are writing about a culture they are not a part of.
However i had already bought the book so i figured i would give it a go. In the early stages this book reminded me of other similer Aussie tales like 'Does my head look big in this?' by Randa Abdel-Fattah (dealing with culture clash as a young muslim girl growing up in australia and choosing to wear the Hijab); and 'Bumface' by Morris Gleitzman about a young indian girl in australia trying to get out of an arranged marriage.
In the end this story was very different and darker to both of those and i found it to be very well written. It is clear the author has done her research and I felt the characters and storyline are very engaging and believable. The writing style was very easy to follow and i felt drawn to the main character Azra and her plight. 4 out of 5 stars from me.
However i had already bought the book so i figured i would give it a go. In the early stages this book reminded me of other similer Aussie tales like 'Does my head look big in this?' by Randa Abdel-Fattah (dealing with culture clash as a young muslim girl growing up in australia and choosing to wear the Hijab); and 'Bumface' by Morris Gleitzman about a young indian girl in australia trying to get out of an arranged marriage.
In the end this story was very different and darker to both of those and i found it to be very well written. It is clear the author has done her research and I felt the characters and storyline are very engaging and believable. The writing style was very easy to follow and i felt drawn to the main character Azra and her plight. 4 out of 5 stars from me.
October 2, 2017
This is without doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. Thanks to BEAUTY AND LACE for the opportunity to read and review a book I'd like to see as compulsory for the English Exam through Higher School Certificates. It is brilliant - fiction but every part researched thoroughly with nothing in the book that isn't factual.
It is horrifying that forced marriages can and do happen in a country like Australia and that young girls are subject to this kind of abuse. Something trying to be passed off as tradition has no place in any society, let alone ours. Helen Thurloe is to be commended for being brave enough to write about a "taboo subject." It is such an incredible book that I am disappointed that it didn't make the Children's Book Council of Australia's list this year. I am disappointed that it hasn't been more widely publicised.
I can't recommend this brilliantly written book highly enough - for young adults in particular but for any thinking person, especially those who support Australian women authors. I do hope Helen Thurloe gives us more wonderful books. Her first novel is a true gem.
It is horrifying that forced marriages can and do happen in a country like Australia and that young girls are subject to this kind of abuse. Something trying to be passed off as tradition has no place in any society, let alone ours. Helen Thurloe is to be commended for being brave enough to write about a "taboo subject." It is such an incredible book that I am disappointed that it didn't make the Children's Book Council of Australia's list this year. I am disappointed that it hasn't been more widely publicised.
I can't recommend this brilliantly written book highly enough - for young adults in particular but for any thinking person, especially those who support Australian women authors. I do hope Helen Thurloe gives us more wonderful books. Her first novel is a true gem.
August 18, 2016
Azra loves school and science. She also loves her family. But when one is going to take the other away from her, she is faced with the biggest decision in her life.
This is Azra's story of being faced with an arranged marriage a the age of 16. Her uncle has much influence in her family and he orchestrates the marriage even as she begs her parents to let her finish school.
She has to make a terrible choice - Family and their control of her arranged marriage or a future she chooses for herself. She can't have both.
If you liked 'Secrets of the Henna Girl' you'll like Azra's story too. It shows her culture, customs and family traditions such as Ramadan, prayer and cooking - but also an important rule of her culture - obedience by woman.
Her brother gets away with much, including trouble with the law, laziness, unemployed etc, but Azra being a girl can't even attend school events where there will be boys attending.
Azara's uncle soon takes things into his own hands, with a shocking conclusion.
This is Azra's story of being faced with an arranged marriage a the age of 16. Her uncle has much influence in her family and he orchestrates the marriage even as she begs her parents to let her finish school.
She has to make a terrible choice - Family and their control of her arranged marriage or a future she chooses for herself. She can't have both.
If you liked 'Secrets of the Henna Girl' you'll like Azra's story too. It shows her culture, customs and family traditions such as Ramadan, prayer and cooking - but also an important rule of her culture - obedience by woman.
Her brother gets away with much, including trouble with the law, laziness, unemployed etc, but Azra being a girl can't even attend school events where there will be boys attending.
Azara's uncle soon takes things into his own hands, with a shocking conclusion.
August 9, 2016
Like most people who grew up in Australia, the idea of arranged marriage has always been such an alien concept to me. I should say that I grew up with almost zero religious beliefs, so the idea of religion dictating your entire life was strange too. But this was a good thing to have going into this book, learning more about a culture I don't understand or can reference. This book is a learning curve, for sure.
Basically Azra loves school, loves science especially. Her parents have always been supportive of this, but things start to change as she gets closer to her 17th birthday and she begins to suspect they're arranging a marriage overseas for her. Giving away any more than that will wreck the book for people, but that's the basic idea. Azra has to decide what she wants, aside from her family and their beliefs.
A really engaging and well written story. I really feel like I know Azra, after reading it. It isn't preachy or over the top either. Highly recommended YA book. Five stars.
Basically Azra loves school, loves science especially. Her parents have always been supportive of this, but things start to change as she gets closer to her 17th birthday and she begins to suspect they're arranging a marriage overseas for her. Giving away any more than that will wreck the book for people, but that's the basic idea. Azra has to decide what she wants, aside from her family and their beliefs.
A really engaging and well written story. I really feel like I know Azra, after reading it. It isn't preachy or over the top either. Highly recommended YA book. Five stars.
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September 9, 2016Azra's dreams of finishing high school in Sydney and going to university are threatened by her uncle's plans to marry her off to an older cousin she has never met - will she have to choose between her family and her happiness?
Azra is sixteen, smart and knows how to get what she wants. She thinks. When she wins a place in a national science competition, she thinks her biggest problem is getting her parents' permission to go. But she doesn't know they're busy arranging her marriage to an older cousin she's never met. In Pakistan. In just three months' time.
Azra always thought she'd finish high school with her friends and then go on to study science, but now her dreams of university are suddenly overshadowed. Can she find a way to do what she wants, while keeping her parents happy?
Or does being a good daughter mean sacrificing her freedom?
Azra is sixteen, smart and knows how to get what she wants. She thinks. When she wins a place in a national science competition, she thinks her biggest problem is getting her parents' permission to go. But she doesn't know they're busy arranging her marriage to an older cousin she's never met. In Pakistan. In just three months' time.
Azra always thought she'd finish high school with her friends and then go on to study science, but now her dreams of university are suddenly overshadowed. Can she find a way to do what she wants, while keeping her parents happy?
Or does being a good daughter mean sacrificing her freedom?
November 16, 2016
There is a lot to admire about this YA novel which exposes a difficult topic and I think attempts to do so in a sensitive and respectful manner, calling attention to the issue of forced marriage and highlighting the impossible position young women are put in through no fault of their own. It is written by an author from outside the culture it deals with and I would like to know how it has been received by those people directly affected by such cultural mores.
A few small quibbles - some of the main protagonist's dialogue is a bit clunky, and there is the occasional info dump within dialogue especially as the story reaches towards the climax. There is a general lack of rhythm to the writing, but ultimately the subject matter is incredibly compelling and there are some heart stopping scenes. Recommended
A few small quibbles - some of the main protagonist's dialogue is a bit clunky, and there is the occasional info dump within dialogue especially as the story reaches towards the climax. There is a general lack of rhythm to the writing, but ultimately the subject matter is incredibly compelling and there are some heart stopping scenes. Recommended
January 8, 2017
As a high school student reading 'Promising Azra' it really opened my eyes up to how different cultures have different beliefs and traditions. It was a really fun way to learn compared to if I was being in a classroom being told about arranged marriages directly from google search or reading out of a severely outdated textbook from 1998! I was learning without even knowing I was learning.
In conclusion, 'Promising Azra' was an interesting book, it kept me intrigued the whole way along (I read it in two days and stayed up late because I was so caught up in it!)
It helped me understand arranged marriages and Muslim culture a lot better - 'Promising Azra' put it into perspective, a real life situation.
You can also definitely tell the Author went to a lot of trouble to make sure the book was as realistic as possible!
5/5 Stars for me!
In conclusion, 'Promising Azra' was an interesting book, it kept me intrigued the whole way along (I read it in two days and stayed up late because I was so caught up in it!)
It helped me understand arranged marriages and Muslim culture a lot better - 'Promising Azra' put it into perspective, a real life situation.
You can also definitely tell the Author went to a lot of trouble to make sure the book was as realistic as possible!
5/5 Stars for me!
January 3, 2018
When I can, I love to read the books my kids are reading, and as my mum had leant this to my 16 year old, I thought it was good one to read on summer holidays. Sadly I was struck by gastro, but in the in the moments between dashes to the loo and in the days after when I had energy for nothing other than to lie in bed and read, Promising Azra was a great distraction. A little lighter in style than is my preference, it was nevertheless a well told story in the YAF genre, with a good pace, on an important contemporary issue. The characters were well conceived and believable and as always, I love an Australian story that avoids touristy cliches. I definitely recommend this book to teenage and YAF readers, and those who enjoy getting a glimpse into the lives of those from different cultures and the struggles they face in contemporary Australia.
December 19, 2016
Promising Azra is a book about torn loyalties told from the perspective of an amazing 16 year old girl. The story’s eponymous protagonist is an intelligent, ambitious and determined young woman who wants an education while her family feel indebted to her uncle and decide to adhere to an old cultural practice of arranged (and forced) marriage. This book is an important one that highlights an issue that most people would have thought was dormant but is in fact affecting many young people today.
To read the rest of this review please visit: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
To read the rest of this review please visit: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
February 9, 2018
Sixteen year old Azra is a typical Australian teenager. She goes to school in Sydney, her friends are pre-occupied with boys and make-up, and she wants to study chemistry or engineering at University. However, Azra’s family were born in Pakistan, and their cultures and traditions rival what Azra wants for her future. Devastated to learn that her parents have arranged her to marry a stranger in Pakistan, Azra must make the heart-wrenching decision of pursuing her own dreams, or severing ties with everything she knows. An amazing tale of strength and courage that will resonate with teenage girls.
October 7, 2017
Promising Azra is not a great literary work, but very readable, and an interesting, informative account of forced marriage. The protagonist is part of a loving, traditional Pakistani family and the novel shows how there is pressure on her to enter into a marriage with a man she does not know. It clarifies the difference between arranged marriages, where both parties are willing, and a forced marriage where the parties are not consulted. I learnt a lot from reading this book. Suitable for young readers.
August 15, 2016
Azra is nearly 17 years old, she is in Year 11 at a Sydney Secondary school. Her famiy are from Pakistan and are very traditional. Unbeknown to Azra her family have arranged a marriage for her in Pakistan, to a much older man.
When Azra confronts her parents, and tells them of her wishes and ambitions for university and further study, her pleas fall on deaf ears.
Does Azra have the strength to stand up to her parents and follows her dreams?
A though-provoking young adult novel.
When Azra confronts her parents, and tells them of her wishes and ambitions for university and further study, her pleas fall on deaf ears.
Does Azra have the strength to stand up to her parents and follows her dreams?
A though-provoking young adult novel.
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