This sequel to the YA novel Shabanu picks up several years later, when the young protagonist has been married for a few years and has one child. Perhaps a bit less young adult in its appeal than its predecessor, it should still appeal to older teens and adults and make for an interesting reading, if they have read the first book or not. Without judgment or sentimentality, it focuses on the special difficulties of life as a young married woman in Pakistan. This time, the culture described so evocatively centers on the city of Lahore and Punjabi custom, rather than that of the Cholistan desert people. Well-developed dramatic tension and a pleasant, readable style make for good reading. ( )

this is such a fantastic book! It is the sequel to Shabanu and even better. I wish that everyone could read it and enjoy it! ( )

http://amgrumm.spaces.live.com ( )