Cristian Girotto Girotto itibaren Jestřabí v Krkonoších, Çek Cumhuriyeti
The central character of Jamilah/Jamie will be relevant to almost any immigrant girl. She embodies the whole east meets west cultural conflict so well. The duality of her identity is best seen in her two names, struggling between who she has to be at school, and who she is with her family. Much like in The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Gogol has mixed feeling about his name but accepts it in the end. The added context here is the currency of the novel in how it gives the reader a glimpse into Jamilah’s world and all the negative stereotypes surrounding her background. On top of this she’s a young woman negotiating her identity within the constraints of two cultures. The male characters seem to have more influence in her life, while her sister and stepmother remain less important role models. The book focuses more on Jamilah’s male friendships and the ending feels a little rushed when Jamie reveals her Jamilah identity all too easily making amends with the people around her. Although the ending was a little disappointing the book is definitely worth reading and suggesting to youth and adults.