OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Near One" by Hanadi.A.Lüthi.]

The Near One, by Hanadi.A.Lüthi, is a novel about a girl named Dania. Growing up in an environment where traditional family values determine one’s life journey, Dania desires to be herself. Her father is a wealthy man who has his own dreams for her. He wants her to study either medicine or engineering at university, but Dania, who is multitalented, wants to study art. Will her father, who sees art as a hobby, let her choose her own career?

Set in Egypt and Kenya, the book unveils Dania’s remarkable experiences during childhood and adulthood. In an engaging way, it tells about her life at school and work, while revealing her relationship with her family and others. It shows her struggle to live her life on her own terms, unveiling her good and bad experiences. In summary, it’s a story of self-discovery, friendship, trust, love, and beliefs. Dania grows up to be someone who never needs sympathy from others. She is disciplined and focused, always doing her best.

Written in the first-person point of view, The Near One is intriguing and captivating. It’s easy to read and straightforward. Being compelling and character-driven, the plot is simple and solid, having fascinating events in it. Actually, the book is a page-turner, filled with interesting and sometimes, witty conversations. It’s not only entertaining but also enlightening, providing useful information about some places and issues in life. From it, I have learned more about the Egyptian and Kenyan cultures. However, it comprises several grammar errors and typos, especially comma splices, verb tense mistakes, and the wrong use of capital letters; it wasn’t well edited. I advise the author to send it for a round of professional editing.

Furthermore, the characters of the story are memorable and relatable. Some of them are complex and quirky, and these traits spice up the story. Dania, the focal character, has a kind, friendly personality. Also, she is brave and resilient. Moreover, the book includes romance, but there are no graphic sex scenes, and regarding profanity, I didn’t notice any profane word.

In conclusion, I rate The Near One 3 out of 4 stars. I couldn’t rate it higher because of the frequent appearances of grammar and typographical flaws, which are quite distracting. In addition, I didn’t rate it lower because it’s light and intriguing. It has a good storyline. Readers who love reading fictional books about personal development and romance will love it.

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The Near One
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This book sounds like an inspiring read. I admire Dania's determination to live her own life without being dictated by parental or cultural wishes. Since I do enjoy books about personal development and romance, I'm looking forward to reading this. Thank you for this concise and informative review!

I would love to read it because the setting is in my country. Nice review.

I love books that will teach me more about cultures I am not familiar with. And ones that are character driven and page turners are even better. I will have to keep an eye out for this book.

Thanks for the review. I think this book sounds interesting and is a book I want to read. I know my own children believe that I want them to follow certain paths in life, but really I just want them to be happy in their choices. However, because this is a different culture, maybe the expectations are that children should follow the parents desires. I am definitely adding this book to my reading list.

This is an interesting setting with all the information about Egyptian and Kenyan cultures. I also like the father-daughter struggle that is highlighted in the book. This looks interesting, and I appreciate your thoughtful review.

As someone who completed medical school and then still went on to become an artist, I can fully grasp the conflicting struggle between familial expectations, necessary education, long-term commitment, and finding your own passions in the end, no matter what they may be. Look forward to reading this tale of self-discovery! Appreciate your helpful review.