*I received an ecopy of this book to read and review by the author*
Syrian Brides by Anna Halabi
![Syrian Brides by [Halabi, Anna]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mUHMPHBjL.jpg)
Synopsis:
“This delightful collection of short stories offers insight into the lives of Syrian women, both the married and the brides-to-be. It reveals the warmth and humor as well as the oppression in the Syrian society. The stories make the reader laugh while addressing serious issues such as domestic violence. Um Hussam can’t find a suitable bride for her son, testing each candidate’s sight, hearing and reading skills, occasionally cobbing a feel. Jamila’s husband Hassan can’t forget his deceased wife, until she makes sure he never mentions her again. Rami can’t help but wonder whether his new bride is a natural beauty or a talented surgeon’s masterpiece. Khadija’s maid stabs her in the back while Rana’s husband Muafak can’t find the right excuse to avoid a fight.”
Review:
4.25 Stars
When Anna had first contacted me to review her book, I instantly knew that I wanted to read it because it’s about a culture that is different from the one I practice, and I thought it would be a good way to see some of the ways of the Syrian culture. Throughout each tale I was captivated by the lifestyle of those in the Middle East by how men and women interact with one another to the atmosphere of the settings to everything in between.
This book contains a total of 11 different tales that tells a full story despite its short length.
Each of the stories within this book is about a different woman and the struggles that she faces; even those who looks like she has everything is open to have troubles within her house.
Throughout the stories, I learned that although my lifestyle is different from those of the Syrian women in how we do things, we all have similar struggles from finding love to wanting to be accepted to how we change or persona depending on who’s around! The women of these stories deal with a number of things from physical and mental abuse, jealously, and family drama showing the ‘weaker’ more vulnerable side of women. As each story progresses, it shows the strength of each woman and how she deals with those things.
Happy reading until next time,
