Book Review: Henni

Book: Henni written and illustrated by Miss Lasko-Gross

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: January 20, 2015

Description:

In a fantastical world where old traditions and religion dominate every aspect of life, lives a girl named Henni.

Unlike most in her village, Henni questions and wonders what the world is like as she comes of age.

Striking out on her own, Henni goes out in search of truth, adventure, and more! 



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Henni is about a young woman named Henni who lives in a town full of religious zealots where reason and truth go out the window. They instead rely on superstition and fear to guide them.

Henni is the type of person who ask a lot of questions and seeks to find the truth. She just wants to be herself but it's not possible when every aspect of your life is planned out for you. It also doesn't help that she really doesn't fit in with the people of her town and after discrediting one of the town's artifacts, she had to immediately leave (since she was now considered dead) or fear being stoned.

She eventually found her way to another town but despite the townspeople's fancy clothes and sophisticated way of life the town was worse than the one she left. The people use their religion and a caste system to keep people in their place. It's a very controlling and stifling society. There is no reasoning with anyone there.

After witnessing art that is considered illegal, Henni was jailed and awaited trial. But the trial was not fair, however Henni came up with a rather ingenious plan that helped her escape the town.

Once she left, she ended up meeting someone who set her on the path to finding a place that might be right for her and where she could find a faith that is more true to everything she believes in. She also thinks it's possible that taking this new path may help her find her father who is believed to be dead (like she is).

This is a very thought-provoking story that although less than 200 pages covers a lot of different areas. Henni was a very engaging story with beautifully drawn artwork. This was also very witty and humorous at times as Henni tries to find her way.