Book review

Zaatar Days, Henna Nights

Reviewed by Saushan Rahman

Maliha was bored of her daily routine. Her life needed a change, an adventure. She felt the need to connect with her inner self and at the same time she wanted to explore the land where she came from. Thus she sets put of the cosy cocoon to embark an amazing adventure. That is how the story of Zaatar Days, Henna Nights: Adventures, Dreams and Destinations across the Middle East begins. Written in first person narrative, the travelogue shows the readers the journey of a young woman from Seattle to Middle East. Her one way ticket takes her from Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Istanbul and several other places. Being a single woman traveling, she has to face troubles now and again but at the same time makes friendship with strangers in her every destination and even finds love.

Her journey take her to some of the most amazing places on the planet. From spending nights out in the open desert, to walking some of the busiest streets in Cairo to saying prayers in some of the most magnificent mosques to even finding posh night clubs in Middle East-- all becomes a part of her adventure of her self discovery. The book debunks the popular notion about the Middle Eastern world, especially women wearing veils. while some of the characters find wearing a head scar totally backward, some support the notion strongly mentioning that it is a choice and not forced by religion.

On one hand she finds friends who are willing to help her. But at the same time she walks straight into the mouth of trouble. From escaping suitor to being suspected as a spy to being robbed off her passport, money and credit card, she undergoes all the hassles alone and manages to cope out of it . The most interesting aspect of the book is Maliha's courage and her will to move on with her journey.

Since the motto of the writer was self discovery, thus the book does not elaborate on some of the most wonderful places where the adventures takes place. The novel only gives a glimpse of what is out there. The rest is for the curious minds to explore.