Netflix needs to hear me when I say TheHenna Wars needs an original movie adaptation yesterday! This book would make the perfect, hit-you-in-the-feels-but-still-feel-good film. Thanks to Jaime at @absorbedinpages for putting this one on my radar - I had so much fun listening to it!

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Like so many talented YA authors these days, Adiba Jaigirdar is taking on a lot with this book. She tackles issues such as cultural appropriation and homophobia, seamlessly weaving them into the narrative. The story centres around 16-year-old Nishat, who has just come out to her parents. But they're struggling to accept their daughters sexuality, as Muslim girls aren't supposed to be lesbians. Meanwhile, at school, she can't keep her mind off Flávia, but when they both choose to do henna for a school business competition, their relationship becomes even more complicated as Flávia is appropriating Nishat's culture.

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I was hesitant when I realised how long theaudiobook was (the book is 400 pages) but then I just wanted to spend every waking second with Nishat! She's such a great character, and I loved the relationship between her and her little sister Priti. Jaigirdar writes the bond between sisters perfectly - hating one another one minute, loving them the next, but always looking out for each other no matter what. I also liked that Nishat and Flávia's relationship was complicated and messy. It's not your typical picture-perfect YA romance.

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This book made me laugh and broke my heart several times over. I did notice a few writing quirks that were probably more obvious on audio - Nishat says her heart is beating a mile a minute at least eight times 😂 But just silly little things, for the most part, it's a brilliant book, Jaigirdar balances fluffy and serious so well!

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I also loved the narrator of the audiobook! It's narrated by Priya Ayyar and I could have listened to her voice forever.