I read this book and its predecessor "Shabanu" and am completely impressed with both. Even though this book is written for young adult / high school students, it was mesmerizing to me as a 42 year-old mom. I wanted to fight for Shabanu; for the freedom of choice she doesn't have simply because she is a girl. This story was an eye-opening view of the many different cultural groups that exist within Pakistan and a woman's place in those cultures. The descriptions of the characters, the geographical areas, and customs are detailed. The author doesn't paint the entire culture with a broad brush: she describes the hard choices that people must make and the good people who try to protect those they love within the confines of the culture. I am about to order the last book in the triad. If you have a daughter, this is a must read! I can't say enough good things about these books.
A great read for all ages. The author really knew how to capture the reader's attention. I fell in love with her first book, Shabanu, and couldn't help but love Haveli, a companion to it.
Wonderful young adult book about the muslim world from a teenager's point of view. See companion book, "Shabanu," which won Newbery Honors.
