Seven is an important book. It deals with a traditional, yet very contemporary topic : Female Genital Mutilation. I'll shorten it to FGM throughout this review.

Sharifa goes to India to explore her heritage, and create a genealogy tree around Abdoolally (hoping I'm spelling it right, I'm horrible at this), as she gets curious about the various wives he had, that aren't really included in the family history. However, she ends up doing way more than this, and she uncovers the truth about the FGM's importance in India, and Indian culture.

FGM is not a topic I'm familiar with, and I discovered a lot about it in this book. It educated me more than a non-fiction book could have, as the characters involved in all this are very likeable, and talk about it with their emotions instead of complicated words. I especially liked to see how the author was not patronizing or vindicative while writing about FGM. We don't only get angry people saying FGM is BS etc... We also have more moderate reactions, and more interestingly, we get to have an insight from other women in Sharifa's family, who are in favor of FGM, and understand a little why they think it's an ok tradition.

The author was very careful in her writing, and I thought she was brilliantly exposed a topic, that is probably close to her heart. She didn't overdo or underdo it. She found the right tone to bring attention to it, without trying to force the reader to have a strong opinion on it, even though of course the narration is a little oriented against FGM. That was brilliantly executed. Period.

Sharifa and her whole family were such realistic characters it was quite easy to connect with them. I loved that we had both Sharifa's POV regarding everything happening. She uncovered things about her childhood, dealing with her own trauma, all while doing everything in her power to protect her daughter from their family.

A special shoutout needs to be given to Sharifa's husband, Murtuza. He was so gentle and understanding with his wife while she dealt with her sexuality, her sexual and mental health, and everything else ! What a man ! He never pushes Sharifa too far, listens to her, and tries to help her in any way he can, while also giving her the space she needs. We stan !

Honestly, there is only one aspect of the story I didn't like : The Abdoolally POVs and his story. I know his story is partially the reason Sharifa goes to India, but I just couldn't care for him, or his wives, or anything. I felt these parts could have completely left out. Actually, Abdoolally could not exist, and it wouldn't change much. The rest is pure gold, maturity (but in a good way), and well-done education about a topic often left in the dark.

I think the story was good but definitely a bit hard to read about at some points. These points are important topics nonetheless. I thought the storyline was good and the characters were well rounded and I overall did enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this one. Despite it feeling a little disjointed at times, I enjoyed the plot and I really enjoyed Sharifa's research and that part of the plot. I thought that the characters were well rounded. Overall, a solid four star book for me and one I will recommend.

I enjoyed the cultural aspects of this book and liked getting a “day in the life” feel from it, but ultimately the plot line fell a little flat for me.

I knew this was going to be a harrowing book just based off of the topic of khatna, the tradition of female genital cutting in India. But I didn’t expect the story to go into such depth about the mental and family consequences as well, and those turned out to be my favorite parts.

The book follows Sharifa, who heads to India for two reasons: to research her philanthropist and business leader great-great-grandfather, and to save her marriage. In India, however, the topic of khatna has come to the forefront, and it pits traditional religious groups against protestors in the name of human rights. Sharifa’s own family is split on the issue, and as the issue inches closer to home, it is no longer possible for Sharifa to ignore the debate, and she discovers an uncomfortable truth as she looks further and further into her own and her family past.

The plot was interesting, for sure, but I was more interested in one side than the other. Sharifa’s research into her great-great-grandfather Abdoolally was more engaging when it began tying more into Sharifa’s research into khatna, but prior to that, I felt very disconnected from the passages about him. It was the characters as well — I’ve always had an issue with large casts and I often forgot who was who.

I cared less for the characters as individuals and more for the relationships between them. The most beautiful one was Sharifa and Zee; the type of mother-daughter dynamic they had made me nostalgic, and yet Sharifa’s terror and fear of letting Zee outside of her sight for fear she’d be taken to do a khatna procedure was palpable. The relationship between Sharifa and Murtaza was intriguing as well; the book started off describing what felt like a dead-end marriage, but the way their sexual lives ended up tying into khatna was written beautiful. Even so, I have to admit that something about Murtaza never sat right with me. And lastly, the relationship between Sharifa and Maasi — most of the development took place inside our main character’s head, but the way it played out was heart-wrenching; I felt every single ounce of betrayal Sharifa did.

The writing style was good, and in terms of pacing I would have liked a little less time on Abdoolally and a little more on Sharifa’s self-discovery and the family repercussions of their anti-khatna activism. I did like the epilogue though — it definitely sent chills down my spine and for such a heavy book, it was extremely hopeful. Ultimately, I would definitely still recommend this book to readers of historical/cultural genres, and honestly anyone who’s interested in learning about human rights around the world.

An intergenerational story. Ultimatly, this novel is good, but not great. Lots of potential here, but the storytelling is a bit convoluted. I think perhaps the researched true story of her own family might have gotten in the way of the imagined tale.

Farzana Doctor's Seven follows Sharifa, an American-born member of the Dawoodi Bohra religious sect, through a journey of self-discovery as she comes to terms with issues related to religion, family, tradition, and sexuality. This incredible story has a lot to offer, and I really struggle to come up with a single criticism.

Sharifa and her family, including husband Murtuza and seven year old daughter Zee, travel to their ancestral home of India - Murtuza to teach at a university, and Sharifa to document a family history centered around a great-great grandfather famous for his business acumen and contributions to charity. There, Sharifa reconnects with two cousins who were once as close as sisters, and finds the group deeply divided about the issue of khatna, or female genital mutilation, which is still practiced in the religious community.

I found it really hard to put this book down for several reasons. Learning about the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim culture of the modern day as well as the past was fascinating, and after finishing the book I spent some time researching to learn more. I also found the characters to be expertly written, each one having strengths and flaws that made them seem very real. Additionally, this was the first time in any sort of 'media' in my 27 years where I didn't find the sex scenes to be awkward, unnatural, or unnecessary. I felt that they helped to better understand what the characters were going through and added to the story's progression.

Overall, I found this book to be an important read to broaden what it means to be a feminist and global citizen, and I would 100% read anything else by this author.

Note: I received a free ebook copy of Seven from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!

"... while the men might have made the rules, it is the women, women I've loved, who've enforced them."

When I read the synopsis of the book, I was a bit hesitant about reading the book as I felt it might be a very heavy read but as I made my way through Sharifa's life, I couldn't get myself to put the book down!

Sharifa is a school teacher in Manhattan who lives with her husband - Murtuza and her 7 year old daughter - Zeenat. While life for her is passing by fairly well she seems to be bored of her job and possibly even her marriage. The family decides to move to Mumbai for eight months where Murtuza has a teaching gig and Sharifa takes this opportunity to research about her great great-grandfather Abdoolally.

The story is a whirlwind after they reach Mumbai and one of Sharifa's cousins - Fatema starts talking to her about khatna - Female Genital Mutilation, i.e. removal of the prepuce tissue off the clitoris also called "haraam ki boti" - which is practiced in India, mostly by the Dawoodi Bohra community which Sharifa and her family are a part of.

The story takes a complex route from here as Sharifa goes on to learn about multiple family secrets and how she and her favorite cousins decide to fight against this practice. It depicts the struggle of the women of this community from generations. This book while talking about khatna with urgency flows smoothly to educate and spread awareness.

The book is quite predictable to me on various occasions but this predictability helps me to realize the sad and horrid truth of human behavior when it comes kinship and community. But on finding out the reason for naming the book Seven, it left me terrified!

Seven is an inspiring, igniting and borderline soul-crushing story about many Dawoodi Bohra women who have had to go through the horrid practice of khatna. It is a story of love for family, self discovery and sadly betrayal.

I will be honest in telling you that I was not aware of this practice until I read this book. As an Indian woman, I know of many ill practices against women in the country, I also know of multiple laws which have helped curb these practices but Khatna is one practice I was oblivious to. This is a terrific book for which I only have praises on how it has subtly addressed this issue.

I would highly recommend you all to read Seven. I feel more educated and informed as a reader and as a feminist. I rate this book 5 out of 5 bookmarks.

I am also adding this link for you to gain more info on khatna and to learn about how you can play a part in khatna khatma!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Publishers for providing me with a copy in lieu of an honest review. I'd also like to congratulate the author Farzana Doctor for taking up this initiative and writing such a sensitive yet soulful book!

I received an ARC ebook which I believe had some chapter's missing which talked about the story of Abdoolally - Sharifa's great great-grandfather or maybe they were intentionally removed from the ARC, hence this review is solely based on Sharifa's narrative.

Sharifa, a teacher by profession takes a hiatus from work and accompanies her husband, Murtuza, a professor, on a work trip of eight months to Mumbai, India along with their seven year old daughter.

They belong to the Dawoodi-Bohra community which is a lesser know sub-sect of the Shias.

While on her vacation Sharifa is intrigued by the life and times of her great-great-grandfather who was known Patriarch and she sets on about uncovering his past and rediscovering her own roots in the process.

The Bohras, as a fact practice the ritual of “Khatna” or female circumcision or as should aptly be known Female Genital Mutilation.
Sharifa while on her journey to study the past comes across unexpected demons in her present.

Though she is initially indifferent to the whole process when confronted by two of her cousins on the opposite ends of the spectrum she is forced to make a decision.

This is the first book I’ve read about the tight knit Bohra community and it was very interesting and enlightening to say the least.
Growing up I did have a few Bohri acquaintances but zero idea of what went on in their lives.

I enjoyed reading this book and the author’s writing.

Though the plot is a very sensitive one and I’m quite sure she will face community backlash for it, her writing has a sort of lightness to it.

The characters portrayed, the situations described are all the sort that will resonate with the reader for a while after the last page has been read.

Their are certain sexual descriptions but as the author herself states “Sexuality is a porthole into understanding khatna, and that’s why I wanted to explore Shari’s and Murti’s sex life.”
The book doesn’t feel lewd and again it’s the author’s talent.

Recommend reading.
It will be out in August 2020.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

P.S. I suppose the present story moves parallel with the past but my copy was missing the past chapters, unless that was intentional.