Book Review: The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

Review

*This book has subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers.* 

Rukhsana is queer and has a secret girlfriend, but she can’t come out to her very strict Muslim parents. The plan is to wait until she is eighteen and away at college.  Sadly things don’t go as planned and it’s all downhill from here. 

I had no idea how heavy this book would be at times. My heart ached for Rukhsana. The way she was treated by her parents in this book was terrible. I had a hard time reading everything that she went through and couldn’t imagine being in her shoes. 

I also didn’t like all the expectations that were placed on her as the female but her brother the male had it 10 times easier. This needs to STOP. Women are not second class citizens when it comes to men.

Along the way Rukshana finds her tribe and I loved the support system she had especially from people that she least expected. Not going to lie I feel like her parents got off way too easy towards the end of the story. I get that they were trying to change but I needed more from them but progress is progress. 

This was my first time reading this author and it was a well written book that touched on many topics. I smiled, I laughed and I teared up as well. I loved how diverse this story was and introduced me to different cultures. We need more books like these and please keep then coming!