The Marvelous Mirza Girls

March 1, 2021
Although Noreen Mirza is graduating high school, the one-year death anniversary of her beloved aunt Sonia Khala dominates her thoughts. When she learns that her mother will be spending a few months in New Delhi for work, Noreen, a Pakistani American Muslim who aspires to become a screenwriter, defers her college entrance to travel with her to the city that Sonia Khala had dreamed of visiting. In India, Noreen spends time with Kabir, a thoughtful, attractive young filmmaker who takes her to visit ancient Mughal ruins and historic religious sites and is sensitive to her grief. When Kabir's world is rocked by allegations of his writer father's sexual misconduct, Noreen supports him even as she confronts her own troubled relationship with her estranged father. She struggles to understand the impact that relationship, along with her fear of further loss, has had on her ability to open herself up to love. Filled with beautiful imagery, sensory language, clever structuring, and humor, this is a romantic coming-of-age story. The author also explores South Asian politics, culture, and history, touching on issues such as Islamophobia, racism, and violence toward women in a complicated country during the #MeToo era. Glimpses of poverty, classism, and the struggles of people living in poverty contrast with the privilege and wealth of Noreen, Kabir, and their elite circle. An engaging and perceptive story of love, grief, and personal awakening. (Fiction. 14-18)

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May 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-Noreen, a Pakistani American teen, is reeling from the sudden death of her beloved aunt to cancer, although it's been months. She has to readjust to the world without Sonia Khala, and figure out what her future will look like without her aunt in her life. When her mother discloses that she has the opportunity to work in India for a few months, Noreen sees it as the perfect way to honor her aunt and visit all the places Sonia didn't get to go. Deferring her college admission for a year, she travels to India to honor Sonia, bond with her mother, and discover herself. Along the way, she and her mother find love and community. Noreen is a strong and instantly likable character, and her quiet journey feels powerful as she struggles through understanding first love and her own family issues, with a timely interstitial about the #MeToo movement in India. VERDICT A quiet, powerful romance recommended for fans of feminist stories like those by E.K. Johnston.-Stacey Shapiro, Cranford P.L., NJ

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