Fast-paced, realisitc story about a Pakistani girl living in London rejecting an arranged marriage made by her father when she was eight-years-old for payment of a debt. ( )

Halima is one of four children; she has two older brothers, and a sister, Asma. They are brought up in a Pakistani village mainly by their dear mother Ammi because their father, Baba, is often away. He eventually decides that they should move to London, and that his children will get a good education. After a brief but expected period of adjustment, Halima finds that she enjoys her studies and her life in England very much. Then her sister reveals that Halima is to be married to a very arrogant, hard hearted man who acts like Halima is a piece of property. In fact, he actually tells her, "You are owed to me." Indeed, this turns out to be true; Baba promised his younger daughter to a man who helped him out in a business deal, and now the time has come to repay the debt, and the payment is Halima. It turns out she has no say in the matter, and her family expects her to fulfill her duty and marry this man. She feels she cannot possibly do this.
Payback is based on the real life story of a Muslim woman who was brave enough to defy her family and reject the husband who had been chosen for her. It is both thrilling and shocking, and provides a glimpse into matters that are quite complex and timely. A very gripping read. ( )