This book was eye opening and Im really glad I read it. The culture was so harsh and antithetical from the west and politically incorrect. I also really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely recommend this book. ( )

Personal response:

This book seemed to be written in a prose style rather than normal paragraphs. The main character is shut up in a hut to 'fatten up' for her wedding. This fictional island likes their women large. Her married sister who has an infant is also in the hut, as she needs to add bulk also. But an aunt who has been outcast by the village visits her and intimates that there is danger ahead. The girl learns of a 'cutting ceremony' soon to come, and she escapes the hut just in time. Her trek across the island is dangerous, but she finally reaches a ship and even manages to get her younger sister away from the island. Her best friend, a young male who has lead her to the ship, must remain behind. This book is sad and scary but it addresses a very real custom still being practiced in many parts of the world.

Cirriculum/programming connections:

It could be used in a unit/display about youth health issues, arranged marriage, female genital mutilation, dangerous rituals, feminism.

This was a fascinating read. It is quite a contrast between the island society which values fat women and our society which values thin women. I like stories about other cultures, so I really liked the book. I doubt if many of my teenaged readers will be interested in it. ( )