The Henna Wars By: Adiba Jaigirdar Tokybook
“The Henna Wars” is a young adult novel by Adiba Jaigirdar that follows the story of Nishat, a young Bangladeshi lesbian who is trying to find her place in the world. When a new girl named Flávia moves to town and starts a rival henna business, Nishat is forced to confront her feelings for Flávia while navigating the challenges of cultural identity, familial expectations, and societal pressures.
Nishat has always loved henna and has dreamt of opening her own henna business. When Flávia, a beautiful and talented girl, starts her own henna business, Nishat is heartbroken. However, her disappointment turns to anger when Flávia appropriates Bangladeshi culture and henna designs without acknowledging their origin. Nishat decides to confront Flávia, and in the process, the two girls start to develop a romantic connection.
As Nishat and Flávia explore their feelings for each other, they face a number of obstacles. Nishat’s family is traditional and does not accept her sexuality, while Flávia’s family is conservative and does not accept her interest in art. Nishat and Flávia must also navigate the challenges of being from different cultural backgrounds, with different experiences and expectations.
Throughout the novel, Nishat learns to assert herself, stand up for her beliefs, and embrace her own identity. She also learns the importance of respecting and celebrating cultural heritage, even when it is difficult. “The Henna Wars” is a beautifully written and powerful story that explores themes of identity, love, and cultural appropriation, and is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
