Thursday, May 19, 2016

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced. Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui. Translated by Linda Coverdale. 2009. 188 pages. [Source: Library]

I am certainly glad I read this one. I wouldn't say it's one anyone could--or should--enjoy reading.

Things you should know:

 1) It is a memoir; there are two authors. 2) It opens with Nujood feeling vulnerable as she seeks justice at the courthouse. 3) Though the title gave it away, readers soon learn that she is ten--give or take a year or two--and she's desperate for a divorce. 4) Several months previous, her father announced he had found her a husband who was around 30. 5) Though his age has something to do with the distastefulness of it, HER age is what is shocking. 6) Though he agreed or should I say "agreed" not to consummate the marriage until one full year after her she comes of age--so to speak--he rapes her on their wedding night. 7) She is raped and abused repeatedly. 8) The couple lives with his family, but, Nujood receives no support or comfort from her in-laws. 9) Her case isn't an isolated one. Sadly, some children are forced into marriage by their families. 10) I probably should have mentioned this before, but, the book is set in Yemen. 11) The book has a definite framework. It opens with her seeking a divorce, and, then flashes back in time at several different points. 12) The book is dramatic and emotional. It may not be literary. But does a book have to be literary to be worth reading???

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

2 comments:

Ms. Yingling said...

I just picked up a copy of this from the Half Price Books donations to my school! Now I have to read it!

Marce said...

I read a review earlier this year and added it to my TBR list, I'm definitely intrigued.