The Daughters of Izdihar

“The Daughters of Izdihar” takes place in a fictional city, inspired by 20th century Cairo, which feels so real it seems it’s about to jump off the pages. We follow our two main characters: the headstrong Nehal, who has to marry a stranger to please her family, while all she really wants is to learn the magic of weaving elements at the city’s Academy. And Miriam who’s said stranger’s secret affair and seen as a disgrace in the society as a woman who’d unmarried sex and an abortion. While Izdihar is a truly magical place, with the cosy bookstore Miriam works at and grand parties with incredible food Nehal attends, it’s also a city in crisis. Don’t let the Studio Ghibli vibe and beautiful descriptions fool you. The book is truly feminist and a story about revolution and a fight for women’s rights at its core. The topics aren’t a side plot either, but openly discussed and fought for on the pages. Besides the social justice aspect, I also adored the queerness in it and the sapphic developments between two unexpected characters. The city of Izdihar calls for revolution and Nehal and Miriam are here to answer it!