Books like Onion Tears

There are various reasons why this novel deserves a 5 star status. First and foremost the lyrical prose in which it was written is truly a salve to the soul. Secondly the language use of the three women is typical to their age and calender time. Thirdly the themes of life and loss are handled in a way in which the reader becomes a part of these emotions and not an innocent bystander. I find the author's metaphors refreshingly new and deeply meaningful. The title not only relates to Kadeejah's handling of onions and the subsequent reasons as to her not crying as a rule when peeling them but also profoundly to the layers of the novel. Layers are peeled back to reveal ever more truths lying in wait. We peel the layers of the characters to the bare essences.In Kadeejah's break down toward the end of the novel all the tears regarding previous experiences are at last released and the character reaches an epiphany. I was moved by this novel; hats off to Shubnum Kahn.