Half Truth – Book Review

How far would you travel to find your family?

Key points:

In the case of author Nadia Mahjouri and this story’s protagonist Zahra, as far as travelling from Australia to Morocco!

Zahra grows up in a single parent home with her Aussie mother, who is unwilling to talk about her father; other than the fact that he is Moroccan.

As the book begins, Zahra finds herself drowning in the harsh reality of becoming a new mum.

While this can be a time of celebration, in a woman who only knows half of who she is it stirs up emotions and desires in her to know more – who is her father?

Half Truth brings the different cultures to life.

How did they end up in Australia? Why isn’t he a part of her life?

Half Truth dances back and forth between present day and the past, where we are able to catch a glimpse into the world as it was for Moroccan women, children and families.

It brings to life the differences in culture – the beautiful colours and fragrances that makes up village life, whilst also highlighting the reality that is men’s rights vs women’s rights, dangerous political instability, the importance of family and taking care of one another.

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The fact that the author made this journey herself is special.

Note: there is some swearing in this book so be mindful if that’s something that bothers you.

Personally, I felt like this storyline moved along quite quickly, whilst trying to broach some weighty topics (Who am I? for example), and because of the pace I unfortunately didn’t find myself connecting emotionally with the characters.

As a woman and a mother, I did, however, relate to the innate desire that is birthed within us once we have our own child, to give them a sense of heritage, family and cultural exposure.

I give this book 4 stars.

The fact that the author herself made this journey is special and it is clear in her descriptions and the emotions detailed, that this was a very personal project for her.

Nadia currently resides in Australia and when she isn’t putting her story onto paper, she is supporting new mothers through counselling.

You can find out more about her story, her works and her podcasts at nadiamahjouri.com or @nadiamahjouriauthor.

I give this book 4 stars.

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Book cover image supplied. Photo supplied and used with permission.