The Tyrant's Daughter is about a teenage girl who flees to
America after her father is assassinated. Raised to think her father is
king, Laila experiences an intense culture shock when she arrives. This
tale brings attention to the different experiences of three warring factions,
focusing on a Dictatorship in the Middle East. Laila's eyes are open to
not only how the world viewed her father's 'rule', but also how the factions
who opposed her father suffered. This novel is masterfully written, an
experience that is easy to relate to as well. Laila’s American classmates
welcome her with open arms. Through her friendship with Emmy and Ian
Laila is able to experience a freedom that she isn't accustom too, but Carleson
doesn't write a tale to sign the praises of the freedoms of America.
Laila also learns the immense difference in cultures through the
different versions of the Cinderella tale, and how the moral of the story is
lost on her American friends who only see it as a barbaric tale. Laila
also connects with Amir who is a boy her age. Through him she learns of
the atrocities people had suffered during her father's reign. (I hope
that isn't too much of a spoiler.) Laila also learns more about her
mother during the course of this novel, where she comes from and what drives
her. The characters in this novel have a depth to them that makes it
effortless to sympathies with. The Tyrant's Daughter is a
journey of self-discovery, family and culture. I highly recommend this book;
it was quite an enjoyable read.
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