Rukhsana’s parents value her brother Aamir’s education over hers, but eventually capitulate to the idea that a good degree will render her more marriageable. She dreams of living an unfettered queer existence away from her highly conservative family.

Living in Seattle, Muslim American Ruksana Ali is seventeen and in love with her non-Muslim girlfriend Ariana. Khan immerses the reader in Bangladeshi culture, highlighting its unique beauty while also mercilessly exposing an underbelly of extreme patriarchal misogyny. Written by Sabina Khan, who immigrated to British Columbia from Bangladesh via the United States, this novel is at once relevant, shocking, and heartwarming. The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali brings to life the struggle of a queer Muslim teen and takes the reader on an unforgettable ride of love, betrayal, loss, and transformation. I saw a stranger looking back at me, poised and untouchable. I didn’t feel like I was looking at my own reflection. My skin glowed, and the rosy colour set off my brown skin beautifully. I looked in the mirror after Shaila had draped me in it and secured the aanchal and the pleats with giant safety pins tucked under the folds. Sohail’s parents had sent an exquisitely hand-embroidered Benarasi silk sari in hues of pink and purple. Finally, after about five hours, I was deemed pretty enough for my husband-to-be. I was plucked and waxed while aestheticians worked on my nails.

I had to start getting ready by midmorning even though the actual event was in the evening.įor the next few hours, I had bleaching cream lathered on my arms, legs, and face. The engagement party took place the following day. Scholastic Children’s Books, 29 January 2019ģ32 pages, paperback, $13.99 CAD, ISBN: 978-7-8Īges 14+, Grades 9-12 Young Adult, Contemporary Realism, LGBTQ+, Romance

The love and lies of rukhsana