Sunburnt veils by Sara Haghdoosti

Things don't go well for Tara on her first day at uni. After leaving her bag in a lecture hall she triggers a bomb scare, her hijab associated with the guise of a terrorist.  It's not really surprising, she has become used to the looks, and the slurs, and now it seems she has become the bomb-threat girl. However, encouragement from friends sees her standing up for herself and running in the student elections for the Union board. She wants to ensure that students from all different backgrounds can come to the university without suffering harassment.

Haghdoosti’s novel, in exploring themes of diversity and inclusion, breaks down stereotypes in surprising ways. Tara’s parents are successful Iranian Australians; they disapprove of the hijab. Tara as a teenager is having to assert her own beliefs; her hijab provides a sense of worth, of not being dependent on other people’s approval. Her faith gives her strength and confidence.

At the same time she has friends who drink, party, revel in Game of Thrones, and who include a couple in a same sex relationship. Tara finds herself falling for one of the cool rich boys who is a natural flirt, but who might have more to him than just good looks, he might also be brave and honourable.

Many of the things Tara has to contend with are common to all teenagers, parental expectations, the macho culture of the university, even hazing rites, as well as finding one’s own values, and one’s own voice.

And if anyone is looking for how to explain sexual consent to teenagers, this book provides the perfect illustration: two teenagers attracted to each other, wanting to explore further, but one of them needs to take it a bit slower. Haghdoosti presents a respectful relationship, where it is fine to slow things down or change your mind, and consent is based on mutual agreement and understanding.

There is so much to appreciate in this debut novel by Sara Haghdoosti. I highly recommend it for YA readers.

Themes: Identity, Islamophobia, Racism, Self empowerment, Romance.

Helen Eddy