SuitabookA Very Large Expanse of Sea
Tahereh Mafi
- Reading
- Consider reading alongside conversation about prejudice, religious identity and consent. Pause after distressing incidents, and agree whether discussions of threats, assault or sexual content need extra context or a slower pace.
- Themes
- Religious identity and stereotyping: Shirin is a Muslim teenager who wears a headscarf and faces anti-Islamic hostility and assumptions in the aftermath of 9/11. The hostility and stereotyping are presented as harmful, while Shirin’s efforts to be seen as herself receive serious attention.
- Connection across difference: Shirin cautiously becomes involved with Ocean, a classmate from a different background, while community reaction creates pressure around their relationship. The relationship is presented as tentative and meaningful, but the wider response introduces conflict rather than making connection uncomplicated.
- Music and self-expression: Shirin turns to music and breakdancing while coping with prejudice; the book also discusses breakdancing’s roots and Persian culture. The book presents this favourably.
- Worth knowing
- The book includes frequent strong and crude language, repeated anti-Muslim prejudice, threats, and an assault involving Shirin’s hijab. It also includes intense kissing, sexual banter and a brief accidental touch under clothing.