This is a story that I can relate to, as I was the same age as the two main characters, Zahra and Maryam were at the start of the book.
The author, Kamila Shamsie, has filled the story with the sights and sounds of growing up in the 1980's in Karachi. The typical classic, but compulsory viewing American teen films - The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink (seen them, loved them); the teen angst books of SE Hinton and works by Jackie Collins (yes, I read those as well as a 13 year old).
Yes, strange as it may seem now, computer science was considered a fad or a waste of time and pupils were discouraged from taking up the subject.
However, this is not a typical teen story aimed at young adults and their growing pains, but a journey from youth to maturity. The way your body is changing, physically, mentally and emotionally.
The main thread running throughout is friendship, what happens to that friendship as you travel from youth to maturity. How your decisions affect your relationship, what are the consequences of your actions.
What happens to Zahra and Maryam? Changes are affecting their friendship already as teenagers, what will happen as they mature, can their friendship survive and in what form?
Who knows what the future holds for Zahra and Maryam, only time will tell.
Wonderfully engaging characters and flowing prose have created a contemporary story that I am looking forward to reading.
* * * * * *
A road merging at a crossroads leading up a hill, or road diverging as it leads away from a hill depending on your outlook, perfectly depicting the journey of their friendship and illustrated in contemporary style.
The cover is eye-catching and well matched to this contemporary story.
The author, Kamila Shamsie, has filled the story with the sights and sounds of growing up in the 1980's in Karachi. The typical classic, but compulsory viewing American teen films - The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink (seen them, loved them); the teen angst books of SE Hinton and works by Jackie Collins (yes, I read those as well as a 13 year old).
Yes, strange as it may seem now, computer science was considered a fad or a waste of time and pupils were discouraged from taking up the subject.
However, this is not a typical teen story aimed at young adults and their growing pains, but a journey from youth to maturity. The way your body is changing, physically, mentally and emotionally.
The main thread running throughout is friendship, what happens to that friendship as you travel from youth to maturity. How your decisions affect your relationship, what are the consequences of your actions.
What happens to Zahra and Maryam? Changes are affecting their friendship already as teenagers, what will happen as they mature, can their friendship survive and in what form?
Who knows what the future holds for Zahra and Maryam, only time will tell.
Wonderfully engaging characters and flowing prose have created a contemporary story that I am looking forward to reading.
* * * * * *
A road merging at a crossroads leading up a hill, or road diverging as it leads away from a hill depending on your outlook, perfectly depicting the journey of their friendship and illustrated in contemporary style.
The cover is eye-catching and well matched to this contemporary story.