Review by Elena Nasto
If You Could Be Mine is a unique story centered around the strict society in Iran. Both religion and tradition are the foundation of several rules enforced which limit how citizens are allowed to wear, act, and express themselves. For example, all women must be covered up and wearing a hijab or full body outfit as part of their religion. Moreover, certain acts such as public affection are greatly prohibited. Those who are caught disobeying these laws are subject to getting arrested and most likely physically abused by the police. The main character, Sahar, is going through a bad time in her life because she is in love with her best friend Nasrin, who is a girl. Because girl relationships are illegal, they risk keeping their relationship a secret. However, when Nasrin is set up to marry a handsome and wealthy man, Sahar is heartbroken. The story tells the entire journey the girls go through trying to stay together in a place where they simply do not belong.
In my opinion, I thought this book was a shocking burst of reality. While reading it, I truly realized that there are many places in the world that do not have many of the freedoms such as in America. As a result, people have to suffer and keep secret while they try to somehow to live a normal life. The story was especially compelling to read because the characters are adolescents and are making huge decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. I definitely recommend this book to everyone because it is something that everyone should be aware of, regardless if you do not support gay rights. It is surprisingly different from other stories in that it does not present a perfect ending but rather the truth about what happens in the world today.
