Book Review: When The Moon Is Low, Nadia Hashimi

Nadia Hashimi has crafted a beautiful story with her latest release, When The Moon Is Low.

I had heard of Hashimi because of her international bestseller, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. I have a copy of that book, but have not yet had a chance to read it. I'll be remedying that quickly, as she has a new fan in me. Needless to say, when I saw her name on the TLC Book Tours list of possible reads for review - I grabbed hold and got myself a copy.

When The Moon Is Low (affiliate links provided for your shopping convenience!) is set in Afghanistan, and tells the story of a beautiful mother - Fereiba - and her family. We meet her in her youth, actually, at her birth, and we follow her as she goes through life. She establishes herself. She creates her own story.

When we move forward in time to the point where Fereiba marries we watch the turmoil of Afghanistan surround her and her loved ones. We watch as her family faces too much danger. We know that their time to journey will come soon.

Hashimi tells this story from the perspective of both, Fereiba and her son, Saleem. Saleem's struggles are relatable and realistic. Fereiba's choices leave her aching. As a mother - a woman - a family member - as everything she is and can be.

As the family looks towards England with hopes to connect with Fereiba's sister they face obstacle after obstacle along the way.

Saleem is separated from his mother and family members, and much of his journey is his heartbreaking battle to return to them. His desperation and determination leave us admiring the young man, while in many ways we long to reach out to him and hold him close, as his own mother would have had she been near.

He became a man way too soon. The journey he takes is an impossible one. But we hope for him to make it. We hope for them all to stay strong and find ways to survive.

When The Moon Is Low is such a wonderful read. It's a story that will stick with you for some time. It's the kind of book that you'll recommend to friends and family members and not truly be able to describe why - you just know that you think they should read it.

That said, you can order your copy of When The Moon Is Low on Amazon right now. Click this link or click the cover image below. You'll also find the cover of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell for your convenience. Maybe we can read it together!

    

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