BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Education is a complex labyrinth influenced by cultural nuances, societal expectations, financial accessibility, peer dynamics, and the support and values instilled at home. Schools, particularly convent schools where church bells chime, hymns echo, and friendships bloom under the watchful eyes of strict nuns, hold a nostalgic charm I can personally relate to—an atmosphere brought vividly to life in Farzana Doctor’s latest novel, The Beauty of Us.
Doctor immerses the reader in the world of Thornton College, an elite private school in 1980s Canada. With a tightly woven, multi-layered narrative, Doctor explores themes of identity, friendship, and resilience through the perspectives of Nahla, Zahabiya, and Leesa. This engaging story straddles the young adult and adult genres, following a school term that ultimately shapes each woman’s journey. Over the academic year, two students and their new teacher grapple with concepts of family, self-confidence, love, and belonging.
Nahla, a young French teacher originally from Beirut, struggles with both personal and professional challenges. Attempting to find her place in the school community while separated from her family, she feels her isolation deepen when her father, unhappy with her decision to live abroad, refuses to answer her calls. Through Nahla’s perspective, readers are drawn into the mystery of Mademoiselle LeBlanc, the previous French teacher who died suddenly, and the secrets she left behind. Nahla stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that Sylvie left behind and finds herself haunted by Sylvie’s unresolved presence. As Nahla navigates family issues and explores a potential romance, she forms unexpected connections that redefine her identity and role in the school.
New arrival Zahabiya, an Indian Canadian student, faces the challenge of fitting in while also dealing with family complexities and first love. Alongside a group of racially diverse friends, Zahabiya finds a sense of community, learning more about herself and gaining confidence as she navigates the school’s social hierarchy—especially the manipulative influence of Leesa. Her reflections on her family are particularly poignant, adding emotional depth to her character.
Leesa, a fascinating yet flawed character, targets Zahabiya and her friends, embodying the “queen bee” role of the school. Although she appears as the story’s primary antagonist, Doctor provides insight into her vulnerabilities, revealing the pain and abandonment that drive her behavior. Through Leesa’s arc, readers come to understand the complexity behind her actions and her desire to feel valued.
Riveting and immersive, The Beauty of Us transports readers to the 1980s with evocative detail, highlighting resilience and personal growth. Doctor skillfully amplifies her protagonists’ voices and explores their struggles, capturing the fleeting magic of youth, the excitement of crushes, and friendships that shape us. With richly developed characters and masterful storytelling, The Beauty of Us celebrates human experiences, showing that true beauty lies in moments of connection and empathy.
