Title: The Diamond Necklace
Author: Turab Dedanwala
Publisher: PageTurner, Press and Media LLC
ISBN: 9781643768434
Pages: 223
Genre: Religious, Inspiration
Reviewed by: Rae Capri

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What is the importance of jewelry? One can use it as an heirloom, something to pass down from generation to the next. By granting the opportunity for someone else to take care of precious gems, it would mean so much to the recipient of it. The love that is attached to such objects from the original owner lives on into future lives to come. Our loved ones are the most valuable people in our lives and when they have valuables they want to freely part from, should the time come for their departure, it would be honorable to have possession of it.

In The Diamond Necklace, author Turab Dedanwala introduces characters while mentioning the ways of Muslim culture. Sharifa, as the only child of her parents Masood and Maimuna, lived the greatest life until marrying her husband, Abdullah. She devoted herself to making her marriage work, no matter how difficult the man she married could be. Through this new life’s journey, they had a son named, Iqbal, who was the greatest blessing from their Allah. He was intelligent and hard-working, amongst other traits that were an exceptional representation of his parents. Unfortunately, Sharifa’s parents were victims of a car accident that led to losing her mother. After the mourning period, upon clearing out her mother’s belongings, her father suggested that she hold the diamond necklace and wedding sari for Iqbal’s future wife. Sharifa has kept her late mother’s wedding sari and diamond necklace because she is to fulfill her mother’s final wish. It is also customary to pass down items of the dead as a form of respect. Sharifa maintained best through constant prayers and molding for the future of Iqbal by ensuring his schooling as a top priority. Through constant positivity, gratitude, and prayers, many things asked for were granted in their life at the right moment.

As a reader, you would learn about a particular group of character’s hardships, what areas of life they’re trying to find their footing and their true desires. The Muslim ways appoint parents to arrange marriage partners for their children, especially their daughters. Through women caring for their household and tend to their children, sometimes their husbands don’t provide anything beyond financial support. Iqbal took care of his mother because Shabana’s behavior complicated things, who was Abdullah’s little sister, to the point Abdullah ran away from his responsibilities of a husband and father. From there, Iqbal felt it was his duty as a man to be the financial provider for himself and his mother, so he did his best to inquire for employment. Sharifa’s brother, Hussain, ensured an opportunity that would provide an honest living for Iqbal. Through his recommendations and connections, he was able to get him hired. From this first job, Iqbal’s life steadily continued in the right direction towards his destiny. He had the privilege of having three important women in his life, his mother, his childhood friend Tabassum, and his future wife.

As a reader, you will understand the definition of keeping your faith, despite everything terrible that could occur in your life, your faith is a constant that would encourage you to keep going. All of these opportunities that happened in this family was because of constant prayer and gratitude to Allah. It is commendable they didn’t lose faith during the rough and toughest times in their lives. Now, they get to reap the benefits of remaining strong. An inspirational story proving no matter what happens, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The ending was an appropriate setting that tied the entire book together. You will take a piece of each character with you, as it will always be part of the reading experience.

I enjoyed reading this book, as it provided an insight into another culture and their ways of life. In understanding how prayer is the main core of their lives, it’s inspiring and encouraging for others to take their religious or spiritual ways more seriously. I learned that there are cultural customs for both men and women in the Muslim way of life, as this story was insightful. Many characters involved in the community ties the story together because everyone had a specific role to play in the lives of others. One thing that stood out to me the most was despite all the terrible experiences that fell upon most characters, seeing everything as either a lesson or a blessing. It demonstrates that even though life might not be what you initially dreamed of yourself, it molds you into a strong individual at being most appreciative of future experiences.

The Diamond Necklace is a page-turner as it’s written in short chapters for better understanding. I highly recommend this book to everyone. There is so much to learn from this book, it’s a great gift to pass along to others.