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Book Review - Dubai Wives by Zvezdana Rashkovich


I don’t typically review fiction but there are so many kernals of truth in Zvezdana’s book, Dubai Wives: A Novel and many instances where I was nodding my head, recognizing similar situations I had experienced (or read or heard about) while living in Dubai, that I thought it would be appropriate! 

Dubai Wives is realistic, yet fictional, journey into the lives of eight women, all from different backgrounds and walks of life, but all living in the very cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Their experiences are fraught with the unique conundrums of living in an exciting, contemporary city with an undercurrent of Muslim values and Islamic law.

It’s full of mystery and intrigue, high emotion and colourful characters whose personalities both clash and meld all at once. Zvezdana cleverly describes the wildest contrasts that bring the reader skilfully into the private lives of each woman…. like the demur outer trappings of the Emirati heroine, Jewel, to the inner sanctity of her bedroom. Steamy stuff! She also takes you on the crazy roller coaster ride of Tara's life, an expat, married to a high powered executive, living and breathing his job and the toll it takes on her family.

Dubai Wives is full of all the elements that make a book a page-turner… power, betrayal, romance, exotic locations and a few plot twists to keep you glued.  Happy Reading!


Comments

Holly said…
Great book review & a great book. It's fun reading for anyone who lives in Dubai or is interested in the city.
Thanks Holly! I felt the same way.

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