The Little Stepmother-A Novel Paperback – August 11, 2015

Though its topic is disheartening, The Little Stepmother is an engrossing and ultimately uplifting story. Lubna Jahangiri does not shy away from the sad fact that young Middle Eastern girls are often married to much older men before they are old enough to give meaningful consent, or that women are silenced and threatened with the loss of their children and financial security—or worse—if they dare file for divorce.Jameela is one such woman. Married against her will at the age of twelve, she assumes second-class status as a second wife to middle-aged Abdul. She is forced to fend off his strident and jealous first wife and their children. Theirs is a chaotic and stifling household that slowly but steadily chips away at Jameela’s sense of self. The one bright spot in her life it that, unlike her mother before her (who was likewise married off at a too-young age), a condition of Jameela’s marriage was that Abdul pay for her education. This opened her mind and heart to the possibilities of life beyond the four walls that literally imprisoned her. Although her schooling provided a temporary respite from an otherwise insufferable life, Jameela “hits bottom” enough times to leave the reader wondering whether she will pick herself up or eventually go off the deep end.The Little Stepmother is not without its flaws, but they did not detract significantly from the overall story. This is a solid, very readable first novel that tackles an important subject matter with sensitivity and artistry. Too few Middle Eastern women are willing to advocate for women’s education and independence, and Lubna Jahangiri is to be commended for exposing the shameful practice of forced marriage. I understand the novel is loosely based on a true story, which makes it a must-read.

This is a debut novel for the author and I commend her! The descriptions reminded me of my home and the story of both mother and daughter's coming of age is touching. Inspiring to learn of a Pakistani lady becoming her own woman both because of and in spite of her traditional Pakistani background.

I just finished the book- I LOVED it. Wow. So much I could say, but simply- was beautifully captivating, and clean, in a good clear bright way; so refreshing, meaningful, honest, thoughtful and inspiring. I really enjoyed ALL of it, from start to end. There was nothing I didn't like and no part that was dull. And that's hard to do! 💕✨👏👏👏

‘The Little Stepmother’ is a powerful story set in rural Pakistan which revolves around the struggles and courage of a twelve year old girl, Jameela. Jameela’s mother marries her off to a middle-aged man in a big city who already has a wife and children in the hope she would get a good education. Jameela has to learn to live and survive in an unfriendly and emotionally challenging environment with her husband’s moody first wife and their rowdy children, some of whom were older than her. Jameela had a passion for getting a good education since her mother in the village was uneducated and she had seen her mother suffer so much in her life. Jameela’s husband encouraged her to get the education she wanted. Because of her sheer determination and hard work, Jameela was able to graduate with a gold medal. The author Lubna Jahangiri gives vivid and heart touching descriptions of the scenes and settings which would transport the reader into the world of Jameela and her struggles and triumphs! An excellent, must read novel, highly recommended!

Excellent Novel. The description of each scene was expressed so well that we could actually feel their emotions. I love Sosan's character of changing her life style from love and comfort to being alienated in a blink of an eye. Lubna Jahangiri captured each scenario so well. The novel also shows the culture where education is so important and was biased only for men. Jameela's love for study is the only piece of thread that her life was hanging withstanding all her struggles. Love, Love, Love the ending. Perseverance will get you to succeed.Thank you Lubna Jahangiri for such a beautiful novel explaining the cultural setting so precisely and bringing a beautiful ending to this novel.Love it..!!!

"Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered hugging her mother for one last time. Her friends, aunts, and female cousins had sobbed softly. Gingerly lifting the curtain just a little, Sosan looked out at the world she was leaving behind - her lane of peace". The opening chapter is so engaging, so emotional; it kept me glued to the end. A novel you can't put down once you start it. It's reminiscent of Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A must read for book lovers!