The story describes the relationship between Zuhur who is from Oman and studying in Britain. She is lonely and isolated and reliving her relationship with the woman she thought of as her Grandmother. The story is rich and the guilt Zuhur feels is heart breaking.

This is a quick glimpse into the life of Zuhur, an Omani student in Britain, showing glimpses of her struggling to reconcile her present with her past. Most notable is her relationship with her "grandmother", Bint Amir, who she reflects on often, considering her struggles, her life, her triumphs and challenges.

Much like Celestial Bodies, the language and storytelling is beautiful - to the point, shattering and honest. This is a short read, and in so few pages, Alharthi is able to capture the sentiment of a struggling young woman alongside the trials of her Omani grandmother. I appreciated that, in the space of two generations, we're examining life through an entirely different lens - education and enablement for Zuhur, contrasted by the realities of Bint Amir's life in Oman.

If you liked Celestial Bodies, this will be an enjoyable read!