Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Introduction

Tahereh Mafi’s A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a poignant young adult novel that explores identity, prejudice, and resilience. Set in 2002, just a year after the 9/11 attacks, the book follows 16-year-old Shirin, an Iranian-American Muslim girl who faces intense discrimination due to her hijab. The novel is semi-autobiographical, reflecting Mafi’s own experiences, which adds an authenticity that makes the narrative deeply compelling.

Plot Overview

Shirin is no stranger to bigotry. Having moved frequently due to her parents' aspirations for a better life, she has learned to keep her guard up, shielding herself from the Islamophobia and racism that have intensified after 9/11. Her survival mechanism is indifference—music, breakdancing with her older brother Navid, and avoiding deep connections.

However, her carefully constructed walls begin to crack when she meets Ocean James, a popular white boy who genuinely wants to understand her. Their relationship challenges Shirin’s worldview—while she knows the backlash they will face, Ocean is blissfully unaware of the consequences of their connection. The novel follows Shirin’s internal struggle between allowing herself to feel happiness and protecting both herself and Ocean from societal prejudice.

Themes and Analysis

1. Islamophobia and Racism

The novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of Islamophobia, both blatant and subtle. Shirin faces verbal abuse, physical aggression, and microaggressions from classmates, teachers, and strangers. One of the most striking aspects of the book is its portrayal of the exhaustion that comes with constantly having to justify one’s existence. Shirin’s frustration is encapsulated in this quote:

“I’m tired as hell. I’ve been trying to educate people for years, and it’s exhausting. I’m tired of being patient with bigots. I’m tired of trying to explain why I don’t deserve to be treated like a piece of shit all the time.”

Her experiences highlight the way systemic discrimination seeps into everyday life, making the book a necessary and eye-opening read for those unfamiliar with these struggles.

2. Identity and Self-Preservation

Shirin’s hijab is a symbol of her agency. While others see it as a mark of oppression, for her, it is “armor” that grants her control over how she is perceived. The book delves into the complexity of self-expression when surrounded by hostility—how one must choose between blending in or standing firm in their identity.

Shirin's self-imposed isolation serves as a defense mechanism, but it also distances her from potential allies. Her slow realization that vulnerability is not always weakness is one of the novel’s most compelling character arcs.

3. Romance and Privilege

At its core, A Very Large Expanse of Sea is also a love story, but not in the typical YA sense. The romance between Shirin and Ocean is fraught with external pressures. While Ocean, as a privileged white boy, believes love should conquer all, Shirin knows better. She is painfully aware of how their relationship will be perceived by others, how it will invite further hatred and judgment.

Ocean's initial naivety is realistic—he does not fully understand the weight of Shirin’s experiences until he sees the consequences firsthand. His character serves as a reflection of how privilege allows some to remain oblivious to struggles that others face daily.

4. Family and Cultural Representation

A highlight of the novel is Shirin’s relationship with her brother, Navid. Unlike her, he has a more outgoing personality and a larger social circle. However, he fiercely supports and protects Shirin, providing a sense of comfort amidst her daily battles.

The book also celebrates Persian culture, weaving in elements of language, food, and family traditions. This cultural richness adds depth to the story, making it more than just a book about discrimination—it is also a love letter to resilience and heritage.

5. The Role of Art and Breakdancing

A unique and unexpected aspect of the book is Shirin’s passion for breakdancing. It serves as an outlet for her frustrations and a way to reclaim space in a world that often tries to erase her. This element brings a vibrant energy to the narrative, showing that joy can exist even in the face of adversity.

Writing Style and Structure

Mafi’s writing is raw, emotional, and deeply personal. The first-person narration allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Shirin’s thoughts and feelings. The conversational tone makes the book accessible, and while some reviewers initially found it too informal, most agreed that it fits the voice of a teenage protagonist.

Some criticisms include:

• Repetitive internal monologue: Shirin’s thoughts often circle back to the same frustrations, which, while realistic, can feel repetitive.
• Lack of side character development: Ocean, despite being a central figure, is not as fleshed out as Shirin. Some readers found him to be too idealized.
• Heavy focus on romance: While the romance is well-written, some felt it overshadowed Shirin’s relationship with her family and cultural identity, which could have been explored further.

Criticism and Areas for Improvement

• Ocean’s character depth: While Ocean is portrayed as kind and caring, he sometimes comes across as too perfect, lacking depth beyond his relationship with Shirin.
• Unexplored side plots: Elements like Shirin’s breakdancing crew and her relationship with her parents are introduced but not deeply explored.
• Abrupt ending: The novel’s conclusion is bittersweet but feels rushed. A longer resolution could have provided more closure for Shirin’s journey.

Final Verdict

A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a powerful, necessary novel that addresses racism, Islamophobia, and privilege through an authentic and deeply emotional lens. It is both a coming-of-age story and a critique of societal prejudices, making it an essential read for young adults and beyond.