Before anything, I HAVE to warn people off the audiobook. The narrator sounds emotionless and constantly mispronounces both bengali and portuguese, which is very roundabout considering the context. If you want to read this, get a written copy. 

The story itself was... weird. I really enjoyed the family plot, and dreaded the actual romance. The book also had a hard time balancing the several social issues it wanted to bring up: 

Henna wars touches on cultural appropriation, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bullying, outing, sisterly relationships, imposter syndrome... and most of these don't get the proper weight they should. (Yes, even considering the 13-years-old audience) 

Flavia, the love interest, is an obvious example of that. The book tried to argue that her appropriating of henna for profit (after being asked not to! And while doing it wrong!) is a result of ignorance.

Which would be a valid argument if halfway through there wasn't a whole conversation about the issues she faces for being mixed and Brazilian. So which is it? Is she unaware of how that could be hurtful or does she relate to the problem? The fact that there isn't even a proper apology was also baffling.

The family dynamics, though, were really well done. The sister's relationship in particular was authentic and heartfelt, showing the cultural background for academic excellence and sexuality. 

All in all, this easily could've done without the romance plot (it would work just fine as a side characterization), focusing on Nishat's struggles about being accepted as a lesbian and navigating racism, it would be a beautiful story.

(It also felt like the author didn't understand what year this was set in. At the same time they're fighting for instagram followers there is a 90's style of generalized homophobia happening and the mc is baffled that another teen might like Harry Potter... The most famous ya franchise out of the uk)