Samira Ahmed takes on art history, family secrets, and romance set in Paris and spanning the lives of two Muslim women across time. Khayyam arrives in Paris, like she does every summer, feeling the weight of failure and criticism after her art school admission essay is ripped apart. Not only is she crushed by this defeat she is also feeling the sting of a recent breakup between her and her not-quite boyfriend. When she runs into a descendent of Alexandre Dumas her life begins to take an adventurous turn. Is it fate that brought them together? Together they work together to uncover the mystery of the woman, Leila, who brought together Lord Byron, Delacroix, and Dumas. This book was impossible to put down. I love how Ahmed tied together the stories of Khayyam and Leila and made connections between two Muslim women trying to find their place in the world. Leila's story is tragic, yet she is one of the strongest characters in the book. Her voice and her convictions rein true throughout her story and Khayyam's desire to honor her shows her deep respect for Leila. The romance and tension between Khayyam and Alexandre, as well as Khayyam's ex Zaid, will keep readers engaged beyond the mystery of the story. This story will lead the reader down a rabbit-hole of internet research to uncover more about the history of Dumas and his connection to other artists of the 19th century. But this story isn't just about mystery and romance. Ahmed brings identity to the forefront as she discusses the complex identities that people have. Khayyam is a young woman whose Muslim mother's family was from India and whose white father is from France. She is constantly trying to figure out her place in the world that constantly challenges her identity. Colonialism and Orientalism are also discussed as it related to Khayyam's family in India during Partition as well as the history of Dumas, whose mother was a slave. This book is ultimately about feminism and giving a voice to the silenced.
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