If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan

If You Could Be Mine

by Sara Farizan

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They've shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. 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. So they carry on in secret--until Nasrin's parents announce that they've arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they had before, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively--and openly. Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. 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. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants in the body she wants to be loved in without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?

Reviewed by Angie on

4 of 5 stars

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Sahar and Nasrin are girls in love in a country where homosexuality is punishable by death. If You Could Be Mine was their sad story, as Sahar desperately tries to find a way for them to be together after Nasrin's family announces her engagement. They have obviously been keeping their relationship and feelings secret, but then Sahar's cousin introduces her to Iran's hidden LGBT community. There Sahar gets the idea to have a sex change so she can be with the woman she loves in public, since being transgender is considered a medical condition rather than a sin.

If You Could Be Mine broke my heart in places! Sahar loves Nasrin sooo much, and would do anything for her. Even go through painful surgeries and give up her identity as a woman. The operation does have more appeal to Sahar, since she'd have more freedoms as a man, but is it really worth living the lie? I didn't think so, because I (and Sahar) wanted them to be together as themselves! Yes, I desperately wanted these girls to get their fairytale ending, but I knew it was never going to happen. This isn't a Dystopian novel where the teenagers take on the unfair government and win. Their only options are to be together and get killed or let each other go to pursue their other dreams.

If You Could Be Mine is quite short, so if I say much else I'll just be giving everything away. While the story was really sad, it does end on a bit of a hopeful note. It's not a nice, neat ending with a big red bow, but there isn't one for these girls in their current situation. I really enjoyed going on this journey with Sahar as she figures out how she's going to live her life and what's worth it and what's not. I also liked being immersed in a different culture, especially one so different than the one I'm living it. It was also an interesting look at the international LGBT community, since gays are even looked down upon by the transgender people as sinners, just because their situation is illegal and immoral, while theirs is just medical. What a difference the law can make.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 February, 2015: Finished reading
  • 3 February, 2015: Reviewed