Farha Z. Hasan

Disclaimer: I know the author.

I really enjoyed this. I was a bit concerned since I sometimes don't like the magic realism style but this was well handled, a bit spooky and otherwordly but believable. I like the characters and the shift from the otherworldly Lalia speaking and the more straightforward narrative was well done. I found a few clunky moments here and there, mostly describing the Indian culture, but I really liked all the characters, they felt very real. About halfway through it became pretty hard to put down but, Curses on You, Farha! What a cliff hanger! I can't wait for what comes next.… (meer)

3.5 stars

This book has the mother-in-law from hell. She controls her family with a hint of evil. The book never comes out and actually let the reader know how she is doing it completely..but it's well done.

Miriam is the second marriage for this idiot of a son. Arranged by mommie dearest of course. Basically she is an unpaid slave that caters to Humara's (the mother-in-law) every need. She was picked for her meekness and Miriam is an orphan so hopefully she will know her place.
I kept wanting Miriam to kick everyone in this books arse..then she finds the cure.



It's a cute variation on a fairy tale. I loved that it featured Pakistani characters. The food descriptions had me drooling for Indian spiced food.

ETA: This book made me crave Indian food so bad. So I ended up making okra/squash curry.


I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

… (meer)

I got a free copy of this book from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. It was touted as a “fairy tale” so I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but I thought it would be an interesting read, and it was. I haven’t read many books where most of the characters were Pakistani, so that was new, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Every time they talked about the yummy, spicy food it made me hungry! The book jumps around a lot and it took a little while for me to get into the rhythm of the book. Still, it was a compelling read, and I read it all in one sitting. The characters were easy to visualize, and Mirium, the daughter-in-law is especially likable and easy to root for as the “underdog”. The title character, Humara, is just so completely evil!

The author has a good handle on imagery, and found myself appreciating the lyrical writing throughout. I loved the rain motif. The book had a lovely mysterious feel to it, but in the end, I felt like not enough of the mystery was explained. I still had many unanswered questions.

Would I recommend this to my BFF? Probably not. It’s not one of those books that I finished and immediately felt I needed to gush about or recommend to others.
Would I recommend this to my teen daughter? No. It had a bit of profanity — not a lot, but some. Plus, I just don’t see her enjoying this one.… (meer)

I don't know why this doesn't have any reviews?? I liked it and found it to be an easy read.
I give this novel points for creativity and originality. This book is intriguing and mysterious. What is the Mother-in-law’s secret and how does she always get what she wants? How will a mysterious potion solve all of Miriam’s (the daughter-in-law’s) problems? I found this to be a quick read. I finished it in only a couple of days. The characters are caught in the dilemma of following middle eastern traditions or breaking from them. What price will Miriam and Humara pay for getting their wishes fulfilled? In the end of the book the evil that is lurking through out is revealed. Boy that sounds ominous doesn’t it. LOL. I will be keeping an eye out for her next book. I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.… (meer)