- Author: Tahereh Mafi
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Number of Pages: 320
- Year of Publication: 2018
- Name of the Publication: HarperCollins
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Short Summary
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea” is a profoundly moving novel by Tahereh Mafi that tells the story of Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl living in America one year after 9/11. Shirin deals with constant bigotry and hostility due to her hijab and her cultural background. Feeling alienated and angry, she uses breakdancing as an outlet for her frustrations. Her world changes when she meets Ocean James, a kind and popular boy who wants to get to know her despite societal pressures and prejudices.
Their connection forces Shirin to reconsider her defensive stance and opens her up to new possibilities. The book beautifully explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of love to transcend cultural barriers. Through Shirin’s journey, readers gain insight into the challenges of being different in a world quick to judge and the strength it takes to stay true to oneself. To read summaries of more books, stay with us at Better Summary.
Who is the Author of A Very Large Expanse of Sea?
Tahereh Mafi is an Iranian-American author best known for her engaging and thought-provoking young adult novels. Born on November 9, 1988, in a small Connecticut town, Mafi grew up in a multicultural environment that profoundly influenced her writing. She is fluent in several languages, including English, French, and Persian, which adds depth to her storytelling.
Mafi’s writing career took off with her debut novel, “Shatter Me,” published in 2011. This book, part of a dystopian series, gained a massive following and established her as a significant voice in young adult literature. The series includes other popular titles like “Unravel Me,” “Ignite Me,“ and “Restore Me.”
Apart from the “Shatter Me” series, Mafi has written several other books, including:
- “Furthermore“ (2016): A middle-grade fantasy novel inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
- “Whichwood“ (2017): A companion novel to “Furthermore,“ exploring a dark, magical world.
- “A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ (2018): A contemporary novel based on Mafi’s own experiences as a Muslim teenager in post-9/11 America.
Tahereh Mafi’s works are celebrated for their lyrical prose, compelling characters, and the way they address complex themes like identity, prejudice, and resilience. She continues to be a powerful voice in the world of young adult fiction. For more information about this Author, visit Tahereh Mafi.
Who Should Read This Book?
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ by Tahereh Mafi is a powerful novel that resonates with a broad audience. Here’s a list of who should read this book:
- Young Adults: Teenagers and young adults will find the story relatable and impactful. It addresses the struggles of high school life, identity, and fitting in, which are everyday experiences during these formative years.
- Fans of Contemporary Fiction: If you enjoy contemporary stories that tackle real-world issues, this book is for you. It offers a heartfelt narrative about prejudice, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery.
- Readers Interested in Diverse Perspectives: Those looking to understand the experiences of Muslim Americans, especially post-9/11, will find this book enlightening. It provides a deep dive into the challenges and prejudices faced by Shirin, the protagonist, offering a unique perspective.
- Anyone Facing Prejudice or Bullying: People who have experienced or are currently dealing with prejudice, bullying, or discrimination will find comfort and inspiration in Shirin’s story. Her resilience and strength can serve as a powerful example.
- Educators and Parents: Teachers and parents can use this book as a tool to discuss important themes like tolerance, empathy, and the impact of stereotypes on their students or children.
- Fans of Tahereh Mafi’s Other Works: If you have enjoyed Mafi’s other books, such as the “Shatter Me“ series or “Furthermore,“ you will appreciate her distinct writing style and the emotional depth of this novel.
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ is a must-read for anyone looking to explore themes of identity, love, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. If you are interested, you can read the summary of Restore Me by this author in Better Summary.
Important Lessons You Can Get
Understanding and Empathy
One of the most significant lessons from “A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ is the importance of understanding and empathy. The story shows how Shirin, the main character, faces constant prejudice because of her hijab and cultural background. Through her experiences, readers learn the value of seeing beyond stereotypes and understanding people’s unique struggles. This lesson encourages readers to approach others with kindness and empathy, regardless of their differences.
Resilience and Strength
Shirin’s journey is a testament to resilience and inner strength. Despite facing bullying and isolation, she remains true to herself and finds ways to cope, such as through her passion for breakdancing. Her story teaches readers that, no matter how difficult life gets, it’s essential to stay strong and find positive outlets for expression. This lesson is particularly inspiring for anyone dealing with similar challenges.
The Power of Love and Friendship
The relationship between Shirin and Ocean highlights the power of love and friendship in overcoming adversity. Their connection helps Shirin open up and trust again, showing readers that supportive relationships can provide strength and encouragement. This aspect of the story emphasizes that love and friendship can help break down barriers and foster understanding between people from different backgrounds.
Challenging Prejudices
Another important message is the need to challenge and confront prejudices. The novel encourages readers to question their own biases and to stand up against discrimination in all its forms. By showing the impact of prejudice on Shirin’s life, the book inspires readers to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society.
Self-Discovery and Identity
Shirin’s journey is also about self-discovery and embracing one’s identity. Her struggles and triumphs teach readers that it’s essential to understand and accept oneself, even when faced with external pressures to conform. This lesson is crucial for young adults navigating their paths in life, reminding them to stay true to who they are.
Quotes from the Book
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ by Tahereh Mafi is filled with powerful and thought-provoking quotes. Here are some memorable ones:
- “I was stuck in a world that didn’t see me, that didn’t want to see me.”
- This quote captures Shirin’s feelings of invisibility and alienation in a society that judges her based on her appearance and religion.
- “I wanted to punch the world in the face and make it swallow its teeth.”
- Shirin’s anger and frustration with the prejudice and hostility she faces daily are vividly expressed here.
- “Love was the most painful thing I ever knew.”
- This quote reflects Shirin’s vulnerability and the complexities of her emotions as she navigates her relationship with Ocean.
- “I was learning that the world was a bigger place than I’d ever imagined.”
- Shirin’s journey of self-discovery and her realization of the world’s vastness and diversity are encapsulated in this line.
These quotes offer a glimpse into the emotional depth and themes explored in the novel, such as identity, love, and resilience.
Comparison with Similar and Related Works
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ by Tahereh Mafi can be compared to several other young adult novels that explore themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Both books address issues of racial and cultural discrimination. While “The Hate U Give“ focuses on police violence and the African American experience, “A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ delves into the life of a Muslim teenager post-9/11. Both protagonists, Starr and Shirin, face prejudice and find their voices amidst societal challenges.
“Love, Hate & Other Filters” by Samira Ahmed
Similar to Mafi’s book, this novel follows an American-Muslim teenager dealing with Islamophobia. Maya, the protagonist, navigates her dual identity and the impact of a terrorist attack on her life. Both stories highlight the struggles of young Muslim women in contemporary America and their fight for acceptance.
“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
While dealing with different issues—sexual identity versus cultural identity—both novels emphasize the importance of being true to oneself. Simon and Shirin’s journeys showcase the challenges of high school life and the courage it takes to embrace one’s identity.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez
This novel, like Mafi’s, deals with cultural expectations and the pressures of fitting in. Julia’s struggle with her family’s expectations and Shirin’s battle against societal prejudices highlight the complexities of growing up in a multicultural environment.
These comparisons illustrate how “A Very Large Expanse of Sea“ fits within the broader landscape of young adult literature that addresses critical social issues and personal growth.
FAQ
- What inspired Tahereh Mafi to write “A Very Large Expanse of Sea”?
- Tahereh Mafi drew inspiration from her own experiences as a Muslim teenager in post-9/11 America. She wanted to share a story that reflects the challenges and prejudices faced by Muslim youth during that period.
- What themes are explored in the book?
- The novel explores themes such as prejudice, identity, resilience, love, and the impact of societal expectations on personal growth.
- Who are the main characters in the story?
- The main characters are Shirin, the protagonist; Ocean James, Shirin’s love interest; and Navid, Shirin’s supportive older brother.
- How does breakdancing play a role in the story?
- Breakdancing serves as a significant outlet for Shirin, allowing her to express herself and find a sense of community and identity. It also helps her bond with her brother Navid and navigate the challenges she faces at school.
- What message does the book convey about prejudice and acceptance?
- The book conveys that prejudice can have a profound impact on individuals, but through understanding, empathy, and love, it is possible to overcome these barriers and find common ground.