Nishat the Trooper

Aya Surheyao

"Nishat can be anything she wants to be, except herself" (Jaigirdar 204)

 In 2021 I’m making an effort to branch out from sci-fi/fantasy books and read more realistic fiction. Full of love, laughter, and tears, The Henna Wars does not disappoint. This novel, by Adiba Jaigirdar, tells the story of a Bangladeshi teenager who moved to Ireland with her family when she was young. At home, Nishat grapples with her new family dynamic when she comes out to her parents. At school, she’s used to the occasional rumors flying around about her culture and her parent’s Bengali restaurant. She’s shocked when in a school business competition, two of her classmates (including the starter of the rumors) decide to start selling henna designs, just like her. Furious, Nishat becomes determined to beat them.

Throughout the story, Nishat displays great strength and persistence. She refuses to break down after her mother essentially gives her ultimatum saying, “Your Abbu and I love very much… but that means you have to make the choice to not be… this” (Jaigirdar 147). Her parents want her to "change her mind" about being lesbian, something Nishat knows she cannot do. The next day, Nishat affirms to herself: "My choice is clearly laid out in front of me. I'm going to choose me (Jaigirdar 153). She knows she can't control how her parents see her. Instead of breaking down, she decides to focus on what she can control: her business. To me, this displays not only Nishat's strength but also her maturity. Her declaration also creates an air of hope, of what's to come.

 The one other thing giving Nishat resolve is her relationship with her younger sister Priti. Priti always finds ways to make Nishat laugh but more importantly, she comforts Nishat at times when she needs it. I particularly admire what Priti says to her sister after Nishat receives the ultimatum: “I promise to love you the most, no matter what” Priti says. “Even when you’re old …  and you’re somehow more annoying than you already are” (Jaigirdar 150). Their relationship is painted in such casual light, simply the way you would any close siblings to act. But this warmth lies in sharp contrast to the tension in Nishat’s other relationships. As strong and determined as Nishat proves herself, she relies on her sister more than anyone else. Priti is Nishat’s island of peace in an otherwise turbulent sea. 

Overall, Adiba Jaigirdar writes a radiantly rich and heartfelt book about prevailing through conflict. Jaigirdar carves out, a strong, fiercely relatable main character and despite her hardships, this book has such a feel-good vibe. I'll admit The Henna Wars is not the kind of book that I'm used to but now about two-thirds through, I can’t wait to find out how the novel ends!

Works Cited

Jaigirdar, Adiba. The Henna Wars. Page Street Kids, 2020.