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Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite
In the city of Naghaar, women are regarded not by their worth but by their appearance and are sold upon passing the required inspection. In The Willow Tree, Komal Akhtar explores this popular ritual which is practiced by many Eastern cultures. Under the oppressive Allotment System, fifteen-year-old Talia awaits the dreaded seeking ceremony where girls are purchased by the highest bidder, much like a valuable piece of property, something Talia finds both degrading and demeaning. But perhaps there is hope. Kalei, the 17-year-old grandson of the man who founded the System and soon-to-be council member, is strongly opposed to the law. When Talia and Kalei meet, they can’t deny the fire their feelings ignite but how long can their romance last? With every stolen moment together, the seeking ceremony looms ever closer. But Kalei also carries a secret –one that would shatter his life and that of his loved ones were it ever discovered. However, sick of Naghaar and its oppressive laws toward women, Kalei and Talia vow to bring an end to it. But how when money, power, and greed are the very heart and soul of Naghaar?
With an enchanting and deeply moving narrative, The Willow Tree is full of conflicted characters and a wonderful, soulful storyline, inviting readers into an emotional tailspin. A storyteller of the highest caliber, Komal Akhtar gifts readers with a heart-wrenching story and characters that leave their footprints on the heart long after the last page is turned. The Willow Tree evoked emotions in me that no story has done in a long time; I was completely immersed in the plot, sympathizing with the characters as though they were close friends. Talia’s housekeeper was one of those characters. She is the type of maternal figure that every young girl needs in her life; her words of wisdom were filled with love for Talia, the daughter she could never have. The relationships forged by the characters were inspiring and motivating. This is a story that I am not likely to forget, and I wait in eager anticipation for Komal Akhtar's next novel. I recommend this beautifully written novel to fans of young adult love and those who, like Talia and Kalei, fight for the rights of women every day.
