Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

It's summer vacation!

I posted my summer reading list on my personal Facebook Monday.  This is book #1.

*Before I begin, please know this review refers to the Advanced Reading Copy edition.  This book is now available for purchase.

This was among the 70+ ARCs delivered to WHHS students by Ms. Kym, formerly of the WHPL and now at the State Library.  It looked fantastic, so I snagged it.  It'll be on the free shelf when...if...return to school.  It is already on our pending order for next school year.  Cross fingers the order is approved!

I actually read this in its entirety on Monday right after getting home from delivering the last of the senior Band gifts.  I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down.  

I am typically not a huge fan of alternating view points, but in this case it works.  

17 year old Khayyam is an American (specifically Chicagoan) of immigrant parents.  Her mother is Indian and Muslim and her father French.  Both are professors.  So although Khayyam is most definitely "other" in the checking of ethnic/racial/religious boxes (and is a strong female lead to boot), her life is quite comfortable.  She will go to college without question, one of prestige likely.  She wants to major in art history.  

Enter the summer before her senior year.  Khayyam has submitted a thesis, hoping for a scholarship to an art school, on the connections between Delacroix, Dumas, Byron, and a mystery woman of possible Indian or Muslim origins in their art and poetry. 

The alternating viewpoint is of Leila, an unfaithful harem, the mystery woman and her travels to France. 

While on summer holiday in France, specifically Paris, Khayyam meets the *cute/same age/male* descendant of Dumas, who is also on the hunt for Leila.  

In an almost Scooby Doo-ish (they actually say so) way, they set out to unravel the story in old letters, manuscripts, poems, and paintings.

Now, I know you might be thinking this sounds kinda silly and contrived, and yep, it is.  BUT, if you like any of the above, especially the secrets contained therein (hello, Da Vinci?), you will absolutely love this.  

Lighthearted, but also historically intriguing, I'd definitely recommend.

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs W.