Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Ahang-Mehdawi carries readers alongside as she searches for meaning and strains against the obstacles flung into her path – obstacles inherited from her culture, her identity as a foreigner, and her role as a woman. In the midst of the struggle, Ahang-Mehdawi manages to illuminate the shimmering beauty of her homeland and heritage, threading her resilience and courage across the pages.
Prose: Ahang-Mehdawi's striking pose transports readers to the inner corners of her world, drawing them into the web of history and culture that encapsulates her reflections. Her writing style is akin to a lyrical melody that whispers through both the joyous, and tear-stained, moments of her life.
Originality: The author’s perspective is subtle but powerful, and her experiences will galvanize readers, stamping their minds with her striking conclusions.
Character/Execution: A Quest for Identity is delivered with a fluidity that will electrify readers and leave them wishing for more. Ahang-Mehdawi's gentle grace tethers her past to her future, and her perseverance is as disarming as it is inspiring.
Date Submitted: January 30, 2023