

She and Nasrin have moved slowly from friends to 'more than' friends, stealing kisses and romantic moments whenever they can. Sahar has been in love with her best friend since they were little. If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan gives just a small but emotional look into what it's like to be gay in Iran. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self? If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan: My Review

Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution.

But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively-and openly. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. So they carry on in secret-until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love-Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture. Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Romance, Fiction, ContemporaryĪbout the Author: Learn more about Sara Farizan by following the author on Twitter. Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers (September 9, 2014)
