Rachael G. (rachaelgonzales) reviewed Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind (Shabanu, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The first time I read this book I was in 5th grade and it was for a book report. For the first two chapter's or so I just couldn't get into it and was on the verge of picking another book when my mother told me that I shouldn't base the book's worth on the first few pages. So, I listened to her, and I finished it. More than ten years later it is still one of my favorite books. I find myself going back to often, when I have nothing new to read, or when I'm doing a little spring cleaning and happen to find it in a forgotten corner.
Life is both sweet and cruel to strong-willed young Shabanu, whose home is the windswept Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. The second daughter in a family with no sons, she's been allowed freedom forbidden to most Muslim girls. But when a tragic encounter with a wealthy and powerful landowner ruins the marriage plans of her older sister, Shabanu is called upon to sacrifice everything she's dreamed of. Should she do what is necessary to uphold her family's honor-or listen to the stirrings of her own heart?
Ana K. (crazywonderful) reviewed Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind (Shabanu, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
An interesting look into another culture.
Fascinating, heartbreaking -- this book is a quick read that will stick with you for a long time. The title character is smart and has a strength of spirit anyone can admire and cheer for. And if, like me, you read through it in one sitting and are thirsting for more, there is most fortunately a sequel, Haveli.
Mari N. (kittyclub2005) -
I think it is a very good look on the lives of women in another culture. Both sweet and cruel.
John O. (buzzby) -
There is, of course, a real place called Cholistan, it's the east central part of Pakistan (and goes into India). It is a pretty good story, although from what I read I think it's a typical "how westerners think wonderful dads in traditional countries should treat their daughters" kind of a book.
