Finding Nouf

2.75

I went in with low expectations as I often tend to with books written by non native writers writing about the Middle East. I loved how gripped I'd been by the story and I enjoyed the writing a lot. However, I couldn't ignore all the little details that were clear indication of insufficient research and it irked me a lot. Terminologies being misused, associations of certain other cultures being confused with the one presented, other misrepresentations, and a wholly American narrative being used as a ‘voice' for the characters. While the author has done her best, the book still gives a superficial feel, a lack of authenticity to the people, culture, and the times being represented.

I still enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series because despite the parts that didn't settle well with me, the story had me hooked.