- “This life has taught me that sometimes, the most beautiful humans find themselves in painful situations. That doesn’t  mean they’re not worth fighting for.”

- “there is a kind of pain that exists when your loved one carries  a hurt too heavy for with of you to bear.

This story is so necessary and I thank the author for this, I thank her for the pov’s, I thank her for the topics shared and the experience. This is not an easy read by any means and she graciously lists the trigger warnings at the beginning of the story. 

I loved the set up of the book, we start out walking with young Kiran who is on her way to Canada in a student visa after an engagement goes wrong. And from there we get a very vivid foundation of a woman from a different country and culture where women are not appreciated, respected or believed (in any capacity). The decisions she continued to make for herself and for her daughter, Sahaara, were not easy and I as a mother don’t think I could've had the strength she possessed, as a new mother but also as an undocumented person. 

Pretty early within the book, we then start following Sahaara and her experience of growing up as a Canadian citizen and just how much “easier” life appears for her. She has the freedom to walk the streets and speak her mind (through her art) while her mother is constantly watching over her shoulders and living in this invisible suffocating box. I really loved the relationship between mom and daughter and watching them care for each other, there were really beautiful layers here that are just so good! The care for a daughter is one thing but to watch a teenager care for her mother is really something that can bring tears to your eyes. The fight she has for her mom was so beautiful, when Kiran didn’t have the energy to fight, Sahaara most definitely did!

There are alot of great topics for discussion and at the very end the author gives you points in recent history that influenced different parts throughout this book.

The story does wrap up, still showing the injustice of the world we live in but this journey was so powerful and encouraging and really encourages empathy for those who don’t look like you, don’t talk like you, may come from a different country or background. And truly you never know what someone may be going through at home, so choose kindness!