Truly inspiring! Such a sad, tense, and dark tale of Lalloo and his family, and his courage to do whatever it takes to get the rest of his family out of the bhatti, the forced labor brickyard where they live. I knew nothing about bhatti's when I started this novel, and now I'm outraged at yet another cruel injustice in this world, especially after reading the author's note at the end of the novel.

The first quarter of the novel was slow and very sad, but it quickly picked up the pace as it became more involved in Lalloo's life and his connections, between his family, Omer and his family, as well as Salman and Fatima. This novel was not at all what I was expecting and I loved every twist and turn that it took, it was thoroughly captivating while still maintaining a sad undertone to the life that Lalloo has led and the fight to escape for him and his family. There are points throughout the novel where the antagonist shifts as more is revealed about Lalloo's past and his current situation which kept me on my toes, and many morally gray decisions are made as we question how far we will go in order to save the ones we love most.

This novel will stick with me for a long time to come, haunting and beautifully written and definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year. A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this wonderful novel, and I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Such a beautifilly written story. It's one of those few that make you cry but not all sad tears. It was beautiful and I want to read it again for the first time. Thank you so much Netgalley for giving my an advanced copy as well as Aisha Hassan you did a phenomenal job at writting this.

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It was easy to follow, but the journey slowed by the amount of unknown worlds we met. Also, the start was slow with almost no plot development in it. I didn't see where this all was headed. There was mostly history and small bits of current plot, that didn't catch my interest in the way it was told. But an entertaining plot is not the importance of this story.

This said, expect a story inspired of a common reality of a family fighting for each other and heir freedom no matter the sadness or helplessness of the circumstances surrounding them.

We are faced with tragic and important dive into the reality of things that still happen a lot in Pakistan. It reminds us not to forget how lucky we are to have what we have and never to cease fighting for our family and our freedom.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley! 4.5⭐️ Lalloo along with his parents, 2 sisters and older brother are trapped as indentured brick builders. Poor living conditions, barely any pay and high interest rates keeps generations of families enslaved. After the death of Jugnu, the eldest son, their father sends 7 year old Lalloo away to work for a rich family to escape. Heartbroken, Lalloo for once has a friend and a beautiful girl he has grown to love. After years of servitude, Lalloo learns of tragedy back at the hut and is determined to get his remaining family free before it’s too late. Skillfully told and inspired by a true story into the plight of the brick makers in Pakistan. Highly recommend.

When Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan is a deeply moving and beautifully written novel that captures the resilience of a family torn apart by tragedy and oppression. Lalloo’s story is one of heartbreak, courage, and hope, set against the vivid backdrop of Lahore’s outskirts and the haunting presence of the brick kiln that looms over their lives. Hassan masterfully portrays the raw emotion of a family haunted by a night of violence—an act that forever alters their future—and the enduring struggle to break free from the chains of debt, memory, and despair. Lalloo’s journey to escape his past and forge his own destiny is both inspiring and heartrending, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the human spirit. The novel beautifully balances painful realities with moments of tenderness and hope—showing that even in the darkest places, fireflies can dance and light the way forward. Hassan’s storytelling is rich with emotion, drawing readers into a world of hardship but also of unyielding resilience. When Fireflies Dance is a testament to the strength found in hope and the importance of fighting for a better future. It’s a story that stays with you long after the last page, urging us to remember the silent struggles around us and the light that can still shine through hope.