SHAZA

This novel about four women from different Arabic countries who live and meet each other in Canada is an important book every woman should read. Of course it is a show of universal emotions and friendship but it is so much more. Without the story being political or mentioning the current refugee crisis, it provides us with a good look at how similar these women were to us westerners even before they arrived in Canada. They are not refugees but perhaps could have been if timing hadn't brought them to Canada for other reasons. I think we have a very warped view of how some refugees lived prior to their countries being at war and that view predisposes us to an unfounded prejudice regardless of religion. These four friends are educated, fashionable women. While the book centers predominantly on Shaza, this is the story of all their marriages, their lives, their secrets and their friendship. This could be our Canasta group, our book or garden club. This is the story of any of us and I want to be a part of the next chapter of their lives.

Poorly structured. Some events not believable or unexplained.

Disappointing read

I enjoyed reading this book