Title: The Map of Salt and Stars         

Author: Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar     

Genre: Historical Fiction/Contemporary

Publisher: Touchstone   

Format: Paperback

Pages: 361

Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A haunting and suspenseful literary tale set in 1970s New York City and World War II-era Japan, about three strong women, the dangerous ties of family and identity, and the long shadow our histories can cast.

Twin sisters Hana and Kei grew up in a tiny Hawaiian town in the 1950s and 1960s, so close they shared the same nickname. Raised in dreamlike isolation by their loving but unstable mother, they were fatherless, mixed-race, and utterly inseparable, devoted to one another. But when their cherished threesome with Mama is broken, and then further shattered by a violent, nearly fatal betrayal that neither young woman can forgive, it seems their bond may be severed forever–until, six years later, Kei arrives on Hana’s lonely Manhattan doorstep with a secret that will change everything.

Told in interwoven narratives that glide seamlessly between the gritty streets of New York, the lush and dangerous landscape of Hawaii, and the horrors of the Japanese internment camps and the bombing of Hiroshima, SHADOW CHILD is set against an epic sweep of history. Volcanos, tsunamis, abandonment, racism, and war form the urgent, unforgettable backdrop of this intimate, evocative, and deeply moving story of motherhood, sisterhood, and second chances.

Review:

I read this book for the book club at school, and one of the students picked it. I’m forever amazed at the awesome students I get to teach! They picked some amazing diverse reads for book club this year.

This book tells the story of Nour and her family, who move back to Syria to be closer to family, but unfortunately when they go back it’s a troubled time for the country! Forced to leave and become refugees, the story sheds light on the harsh treatment and horrors that people have to experience when seeking a safer place to live.

The story also weaves together with a tale from the 12th century; a tale of a young mapmaker who is a woman, so disguised herself as a boy to learn the trade. The historic and present day story take the same route for their adventure, and it’s cool to see the similarities between the two girls!

I also loved the writing of this book! The author painted such a magical picture of love and heartache all wrapped in one image. Nour sees things in colours, and I loved reading the explanations for what colour she she’s for each scenario!

I highly recommend this book

Happy reading!