Reviews

Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan

zainub_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

rebeccarjallen's review against another edition

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inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

As a former reader of exclusively historical fiction, I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I thought I might do, though I think that has more to do with the narrator of the audiobook which isn't necessarily a fair judgement! I was very grateful for the fresh perspective on WWII historical fiction, in that we are totally immersed in the coming and goings of the Grand Central Mosque, as opposed to the battlefield, or Home Front settings that seem to be most prevalent. I would certainly still recommend this book to a wide range of readers.

dffloyd98's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

ambermariebee's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

mdrbarry's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

fsmithadams123's review against another edition

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It was very slow 

meghanlovesbooks's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

jess_6014's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lizzillia's review against another edition

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4.5

Short-listed for the Yoto Carnegie Medal. This is set in WW2 and is about something that I wasn't aware of, the fact that the Grand Mosque of Paris saved 1700 Jews, smuggling them out through underground passages. This story revolves around Safiyyah, a young Muslim living in Paris with her parents, her little sister and her grandmother, Setti, who is such a warm, wonderful character. When the Germans take control of Paris, Safiyyah begins to see things changing - soldiers on the streets, her friends leaving and for the first time, her father keeping secrets. This book not only gives middle grade readers a brave, little heroine, but it also gives them a message about showing respect and compassion for those who have different religions - the importance of showing love in the face of hatred. The story is fascinating and the author shows the way that life changed for Safiyyah and her family - the lack of food, the fear of walking on the street. I challenge anyone not to adore Safiyyah.

amiralikestoread's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I love this book!! I also love that the main character is a Muslim because I am Muslim, and there aren't many books about Muslims!!!