Mainstream Mini Review - If You Could Be Mine By Sara Farizan

If You Could Be Mine By Sara Faizan

(Published by Algonquin Young Readers)

In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love—Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secret—until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively—and openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?

~ My Review ~

This was the first title I read when I got home from BEA 2013, and it was the one I was most excited to receive. This author is one bold lady, and If You Could Be Mine will leave you stunned. This story is so beautiful, and heartbreaking--and a million other descriptors that mean wonderful. I so appreciated how different this story is from anything else I've read, and the emotional roller coaster it brought on was one I actually enjoyed. I'm sure a lot of readers might shy away after reading the synopsis of this book. But this story is not just about lesbians and the gay community of Iran--although these are important factors. It is about a deep rooted and complicated love and the difficult decisions our main character faces because of it. How far is she willing to go to follow her heart? 

I highly recommend reading If You Could Be Mine in the hopes that it will at least be an eye opener for you. As far as debut novels go, this one hit it's mark.