Customer Reviews
an entertaining read - By: the scribbler, 07 Sep 2008 
this is a book you can get through quickly. The characters are well drawn & the setting is neatly drawn. It shows something of the dark side of being an immigrant in France but is also an optimistic story of making good in the face of adversity.
Uplifting voice from the suburbs - By: Sofia, 23 May 2008 Guene's short novel is a great read; in Doria she has created an engaging character full of humour & imaginative asides spun from her exposure to television. There are plenty of subtle side-stories chronicling the perils of living in the poorest suburbs of Paris - stolen cars, drugs, children failing at school, social workers etc - but this is ultimately an uplifting tale of hope, of rising above one's origins & circumstances, through the beautifully rendered naivity of a 15 year old. Guene's tale also gives an insight into a largely foreign France, into a world peopled by immigrants from North Africa & showcases the culture clash in expectations between the two worlds brilliantly.
An enjoyable & often funny read - you won't be disappointed.
a tiny package of entertainment - By: x-bout reviews, 31 Mar 2008 When I saw Faiza's book had been compared to Bridget Jones' Diary, I didn't expect much - simply a day of light, entertaining reading. Nevertheless, I found surprising depth in this book, although at times it takes a very French eye to appreciate the humour. Faiza parades a fascinating array of characters, alll illuminating of the French banlieux experience in their own way. I think in England, a book this short would be callled a novella, but it's a good debut nonetheless.
Jusqu'a ici, ca va. - By: Madly Bobbington-Blythe, 20 Sep 2006 For Doria, reality holds no enchantment. Her father has left for Morocco to find a younger, more fecund woman, & she & her mother live in a sprawling council estate outside Paris. So she retreats into a world created from her dreams, whilst trying to set up her mother with the owner of the corner shop. Thoughtful & entertaining, Guene hints at the light in the darkness of being born between cultures.
Humane, funny and deep-Bronte of the burbs - By: P. Ali, 22 Jun 2006 
This book is a great read for distractions.
Guene reallly captures a realistic life of Paris's hisgh rise estates. She is bold & bright.
The multicultural nature of Paris is depicted with great reflections with a teenagers viewpoint, feelings & hopes.
We read "shots" of different scenarios with different levels of feelings & can empathize with Doria,a teen we can falll in love with.
I feel that Guene is one woman who can become a household name.
