'The
Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali' by Sabina Khan is an insightful book
that shows how some cultural beliefs along with identity, love, and
family. The book is about 17-year-old Rukhsana who is tired of living
up to her conservative household and cultural expectations. Her
mother believes she shouldn’t date and being a lesbian isn’t
normal. Rukhsana’s family is ashamed to know she is lesbian and
knows that if other families hear, the Ali family’s reputation
would be ruined. Her mother starts by bringing her to friends to show
Rukhsana what would happen if word got out. Ariana, Rukhsana’s
secret girlfriend would be in trouble, Rukhsana would be in trouble
and the family wouldn’t be allowed anywhere. After Rukhsana’s
mother found out about Ariana, she was more adamant on finding
Rukhsana a good Muslim boy for Rukhsana to marry. She knew that if
she couldn’t convince Rukhsana “not to be” lesbian then she
would need to send Rukhsana to get married. They head to Bangladesh
to get Rukhsana married with the excuse that Rukhsana’s grandmother
is sick. Once there, with the help of Rukhsana’s cousin/dear friend
they figure out a way to avoid the marriage. During the plan to
escape and head back home, Rukhsana’s soon to be husband is
murdered for being gay. After learning about the sick events
occurring around her, Rukhsana learns and reads about her
grandmother's horrible abusive past to keep herself sane while being
tortured in a room for days. She learns that she needs to fight back
and have the courage to fight for her love. After days of suffering,
she flees her home in Bangladesh and heads back to the US. Her mother
follows her back home, where they both make up for the troubles.
Rukhsana’s mother becomes more inclusive and Rukhsana stays proud
of her identity disregarding the religious/cultural aspect.
I
loved this book for the tie it had to South Asian representation
which I feel is rarely written about. I wish the book didn’t start
off with such a long introduction on how life was like for Rukhsana
in the beginning. I think this would be mainly interesting for anyone
looking for Asian representation, books on same-sex relationships,
and having to follow a strict culture/traditional belief would enjoy
this. But I also agree that this book is great for anyone and
everyone because it includes all-inclusive themes too. I was happy to
find this book on Libby. I have been looking for South Asian books to
read that depict life for minorities in modern day world. I always
thought that arranged marriage is such a common idea for the past
that wouldn’t be as pushed anymore since we live in a modern and
inclusive world. I was shocked to read the perspective of this book
but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reviewed
by Smera T. Grade 8th
