I'd predict that 99 percent of the small talk in the staff elevator at my library involves the following question and its answers: "Are you reading...
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nthomas, January 20, 2012 (view all comments by nthomas)
"Finding Nouf" is a captivating story about the disappearance of an engaged Saudi Arabian girl and the detective asked by the family to find her. The story evolves into a murder mystery and an unlikely alliance between the male detective and a female forensics tech who work together to unravel the clues to determine what actually happened. The story is made more interesting by the interweaving of information about Saudi society, family relationships, and the roles and interactions of men and women.
This book is great for discussion groups because of the rich material about the society in which it occurs.
Wellesley woman, January 3, 2011 (view all comments by Wellesley woman)
In addition to a wonderful mystery, this is a fascinating look into the lives of both women and men in modern Saudi Arabia. Ferraris tells her story with great skill, but it is her character development that makes the novel so dynamic. We get an inside look at the dilemmas facing women and the men around them in this extremely restrictive society. Impossible to put down.
pandora, October 22, 2010 (view all comments by pandora)
A beautifully written look into Saudi Arabia shared through an engrossing mystery. Nayir al-Sharqi is a compelling narrartor, at turns alien to "western" eyes and incredibly resonate in his loyalty and humanity. This eloquent story allows readers to gain insight in subtle and unexpected ways. A must read!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No (3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
"Whats remarkable about this debut is that its mystery takes place within a culture that is largely under wraps ... The thriller plot is well-placed. But its the individual journeys of Nayir and Katya, who abide by societys strictures even as they are frustrated by them, that elevate Finding Nouf to a larger human drama."
"Review"
by Washington Post,
"[Ferraris] weaves a richly detailed tapestry of the countrys gender-segregated and pious Muslim culture."
"Review"
by Minneapolis Star Tribune,
"The authors canny move using the tried-and-true murder mystery format allows her to sketch a trenchant portrait of Saudi society within an engaging yarn."
"Review"
by The Oregonian,
"Finding Nouf, Zoe Ferrariss engrossing debut novel, yanks the veil off Saudi Arabian culture while unraveling a compelling murder mystery."
"Review"
by Cleveland Plain Dealer,
"Reads like a breeze ... Ferraris offers a fascinating glimpse inside domestic Saudi Arabia. Even better, she has written a fascinating thriller, not only an academic treatment. Finding Nouf turns out to be a great beach read."
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