Promising Azra

A Book About Forced Marriage in Australia

‘Promising Azra’, by the Australian writer, Helen Thurloe, was published in 2016.  It is a novel which centres around the life of a sixteen year old student, who because of recent academic success is given a place in a nationwide science competition.  Little does she know that as she prepares for the competition, other members of her family are planning a marriage for her.   This is a timely book, since it is set in Australia, and highlights forced marriage against a background of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery?like Conditions and People Trafficking) Act 2013.  The story illustrates the importance of young people, in particular, having informed understanding of the laws against forced marriage in Australia, and knowing their rights. The book, targeted at young adults,  would be an asset in all school libraries .