Sunday, 7 August 2016

Forced Marriages


Australian Writer  Helen Thurloe Promising Azra Allen & Unwin 2016 $22.99pb 355pp ISBN 978 1 7601 1327 8 Themes: Cultural differences/ Family life/ Forced marriage/ High School Life (Australia)

Azra, who is sixteen and is a gifted student was born in Pakistan. She is looking to the future with time at university in Sydney and then a career in the sciences which is where her talents and interests lie. Then she finds her parents (whom she loves dearly) are planning a marriage for her to a cousin in Pakistan – in three months time.  This is a story of a dilemma based on a terrible truth  - in 2012-2013 in Australia at least 250 girls under the age of 18 were forced into marriage with a partner chosen by their family. This is quite different to an arranged marriage that relies on the consent of both parties. Forced marriages are still common in many parts of the world across many cultures.

However, this is certainly not a book of gloom and doom as Azra is a lively heroine and her story will be related to and understood by many young adult readers. 
Great jacket don't you think?!!

Year 9 up/ Age 13 up

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