An Emotion of Great Delight

by Tahereh Mafi

Overview

From bestselling and National Book Award–nominated author
Tahereh Mafi comes a stunning novel about love and loneliness, navigating the
hyphen of dual identity, and reclaiming your right to joy—even when you’re
trapped in the amber of sorrow.

It’s 2003, several months since the US officially declared
war on Iraq, and the American political world has evolved. Tensions are
high, hate crimes are on the rise, FBI agents are infiltrating local
mosques, and the Muslim community is harassed and targeted more than
ever. Shadi, who wears hijab, keeps her head down.


She's too busy drowning in her own troubles to find the time
to deal with bigots.


Shadi is named for joy, but she’s haunted by sorrow. Her
brother is dead, her father is dying, her mother is falling apart, and her best
friend has mysteriously dropped out of her life. And then, of course, there’s
the small matter of her heart—


It’s broken.


Shadi tries to navigate her crumbling world by soldiering
through, saying nothing. She devours her own pain, each day retreating
farther and farther inside herself until finally, one day, everything
changes.


She explodes.


An Emotion of Great Delight is a searing look
into the world of a single Muslim family in the wake of 9/11. It’s
about a child of immigrants forging a blurry identity, falling in love,
and finding hope—in the midst of a modern war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062972422
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/28/2022
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Tahereh Mafi is the #1 New York Times bestselling, #1 international bestselling, and National Book Award–nominated author of over a dozen books, including Shatter Me: Series One and Shatter Me: Series Two, the Woven Kingdom series, A Very Large Expanse of Sea, and An Emotion of Great Delight. Her books have been translated into more than thirty languages. She lives in Southern California with her husband, fellow author Ransom Riggs, and their family. Visit her online at taherehmafi.com.

Editorial Reviews

PRAISE FOR A Very Large Expanse of Sea: “A raw yet astoundingly elegant examination of identity, loneliness and family that is unflinching in its honesty and power. Tahereh Mafi holds nothing back—and the reader is better for it.” - Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series
“A Very Large Expanse of Sea reads like a beautiful heart—one that shines and aches and yearns, and above all else, one that loves fiercely against all odds. Years from now, you will remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you experienced this. A transcendent story about truth, love, and finding joy.” - Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Warcross series
“This is a gorgeous book. It’s tender and fierce, beautiful even as it depicts some ugly truths. Tahereh’s prose is passionate and honest, unsentimental and big-hearted. The very best books move you to reconsider the world around you, and this is one of those. I truly loved it.” - Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star
“Tahereh Mafi, known for her fantasy and dystopian novels, proves a master of the contemporary realistic novel, as well, with A Very Large Expanse of Sea, longlisted for a National Book Award. Shirin’s first-person voice bristles with anger, wit and pain. Even as the fraught love story drives the short chapters to a surprising close, Mafi weaves in moments of camaraderie and joy.” - Washington Post
“Mafi tackles the life of an American Muslim teenager in the wake of 9/11 in this visceral, honest novel. Shirin’s sharp, raw voice narrates, and her captivating story opens a window onto a different narrative than the one typically dominating the airwaves after 9/11. Mafi excels at highlighting the relationships between her characters. Rich characters, incisive writing, and a powerful story will thrill readers.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)
“[Mafi’s] writing is nuanced and smart. Shirin and Ocean’s interactions are palpable, and the discussions and exploration of what it means to be a Muslim in politically charged America will resonate with many teens and will be enlightening for some.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Mafi introduces some potent issues around whether passive resistance or confrontation is the better community strategy, and scenes of anti-Muslim aggression are brief but impactful."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Mafi returns with another lyrical contemporary novel. An aching, emotional story that touches on various internal struggles of being a child of immigrants." - Buzzfeed
“Listeners beware: Joffrey’s emotional performance might just break your heart… Joffrey’s emotional connection with each character adds layers of authenticity that will resonate with listeners. This audiobook is sure to leave a lasting and memorable impact.”
- Booklist (starred review of audio edition)
"Mafi takes you places you never anticipate as she demonstrates the many forms of heartbreak and whether they can be healed." - Forbes
"Tahereh Mafi has written a timely, compelling novel about love and family and the remarkably complex nature of religion and faith. An Emotion of Great Delight is as profound as it is beautiful." - Matt de la Peña, New York Times and Newbery Medal winning author of The Last Stop on Market Street
"Mafi clearly and movingly illustrates how grief can escalate uncontrollably and seep into every facet of life." - Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher