The Pearl That Broke Its Shell - Nadia Hashimi - 4 stars

[[deleted user]]

This wasn't my favorite fictional account based on Afghan culture, but still a worthwhile read. I am embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of the practice of bacha posh which is a theme that runs throughout the entire book and ties two timelines together. Other elements were reminscent of books I had read by authors such as Khaled Hosseini and Mira Jacob, so I wasn't quite as impressed.

Just noting, that some online reader's guides list this as a YA novel. Some content is rather mature for YA audiences though, including violence against women and drug abuse.

[LibraryCin]

Interesting. I wouldn't have thought of it as a YA book. Maybe it's just because one of the main characters is a teenager?

[[deleted user]]

LibraryCin wrote: "Interesting. I wouldn't have thought of it as a YA book. Maybe it's just because one of the main characters is a teenager?"

Maybe, so. That is the only idea I could come up with.

[Denizen]

This one has been on my TBR for some time. In fact, I think I own it but would have to check. Thanks for your review. I also love Hosseini but have never heard of Mira Jacob. Off to look at some of her books.

[Regina Lindsey]

The writing definitely does not rise to Hosseini's level. But the bocha posh concept is utterly fascinating as is Queen Soraya