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natashaleighton_'s review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Powerfully poignant and heart-wrenchingly honest, Ayaan Mohamed’s debut tells the story of one courageous teenage girl, Hanan and her experiences of bigotry and Islamophobia she and other Muslims face —both at her prestigious London grammar school and within the wider local community.
Having grown up in an area of London with a diverse Muslim community, this was such a relevant, deeply emotional read that definitely gave me a deeper understanding into the experiences and fear that friends, neighbors and many other people in my community have had to face on a daily basis.
It’s beautifully written and will most definitely have you sobbing and heartbroken for the hurt and pain that Hana and her family endures, but also brilliantly highlights the warmth, love and vibrancy of Somali culture —and dispels all those negative media portrayals of what being Muslim and a refugee in modern day Britain is actually like.
I genuinely loved Hanan, who was such a warm, brave and fiercely loving character who, despite the hardships and vitriol thrown her way, has powered through with a dignity, integrity and determination that I am in awe of—living in her shoes (if only for the day and half it took me the finish this) was a deeply moving, and eye-opening experience that I won’t soo forget.
Given the relevancy and importance of the themes highlighted, I definitely think everyone should check this out and, I also encourage you check out some of the reviews by Muslim readers, who definitely do a far better job than I at conveying just how incredible a book this.
And also thank you to Usborne for the advanced proof copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Bullying, and Hate crime
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
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