Gargash’s characters are both believable and identifiable. . . . Designed to both inform an international audience of past days in the emirates and to provide insight for a younger generation of Emiratis, the debut novel provides an intriguing plot blended with snippets of history and culture.” - Gulf News on THE SAND FISH
“Modern, can-do city state Dubai—known for its indoor ski slope and manmade resort islands—has been in the news for its debt woes. Thanks to Dubai native Gargash, it may get some ink about literature.” - New York Post on THE SAND FISH
“Through richly drawn characters who drive their shared destiny, Maha Gargash depicts a world of wealth while revealing the true meaning of value as two young women, through the power of their warm friendship, transcend the dictates of society’s expectations and transform from outsiders into leaders of a new future. I hope the very talented Maha Gargash will write many more books in the future.” - Jessica Jiji, author of SWEET DATES IN BASRA
“Light in tone, her reflections on culture and social norms will strike a familiar chord with Arab readers and will intrigue, even surprise, western readers.” - The National
“Through richly drawn characters who drive their shared destiny, Maha Gargash depicts a world of wealth while revealing the true meaning of value as two young women, through the power of their warm friendship, transcend the dictates of society’s expectations and transform from outsiders into leaders of a new future.” - Jessica Jiji, author of SWEET DATES IN BASRA
“A compelling tapestry of familial strife and stresses…Gargash layers on the restrictions of Arab society, masterfully capturing the constricting expectations each person faces. All are acutely aware of how they are presenting themselves and what others will think of them, and the way they behave in response is one of the most revealing aspects of their characters. A nuanced look at Arab life and society.” - Booklist
“A compelling tapestry of familial strife and stresses…Gargash layers on the restrictions of Arab society, masterfully capturing the constricting expectations each person faces…the way they behave in response is one of the most revealing aspects of their characters. A nuanced look at Arab life and society.” - Booklist
“Gargash…paint[s] a complex portrait of a family, as its members struggle to maintain their ties with one another and to their traditions, while consequences of enormous wealth prove more threatening than modernity or Western influence.” - Publishers Weekly
“Opens a window into the complicated world of Emirati culture. The book shines brightest when focused on Mariam and Dalal as they come of age in two different worlds…The examination of changing norms in Middle Eastern culture, and the differences between Dubai and Cairo, is at times extremely engaging…fascinating.” - Kirkus
“Simply beautiful…The imagery in THAT OTHER ME is brilliant, constant and fresh…an enjoyable, mind-provoking and flowing read. I’ll definitely be interested in reading more of Maha Gargash’s work in the future.” - Nadaness in Motion blog