A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

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The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped.

Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments — even the physical violence — she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother.

But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her — they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds — and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea Review

Once I heard about A Very Large Expanse of Sea at the HCC Frenzy Fall Preview, I knew I had to read it. I am so glad I did because I absolutely adore this book!

A Very Large Expanse of Sea follows Shirin, a Muslim teenager who is navigating an insensitive world following the 9/11 attacks. She’s extremely guarded because of the comments and stares she gets, purely because of who she is. Then comes Ocean, and her whole world changes.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea is also loosely based on Tahereh Mafi’s own life. As such, it’s an incredibly personal book for her, and it shows.

The characters in this book are absolutely incredible. I seriously love each and every one of them so much!

Shirin is a very strong character but she’s extremely cautious because of her environment. But she develops so much as a character and emerges from this bubble that she creates for herself.

I absolutely love Ocean because he demonstrates the good that there is in the world. He highlights hope and shows the reader the characteristics that more people need to have.

While Shirin and Ocean are wonderful, the side characters are just as fantastic. I love Shirin’s brother Navid and their breakdancing friends because they’re so supportive and understanding. It’s such an enjoyable element of this book!

Another aspect that’s wonderful about this book is the timing. I think this book sheds an important message, especially give the current climate of the world. But Tahereh Mafi’s writing is what shares the message so well. It absolutely consumes you!

Overall, I highly recommend everyone read A Very Large Expanse of Sea. It’s beautifully written and is exceptionally heartwarming.

Rating: ★★★★★

Favourite Quote
Something fluttered against my heart. I felt my armor begin to break.

About the Author

Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of books for children and young adults. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Southern California with her husband, fellow author Ransom Riggs.

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