A review by kelly_e
We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir, by Samra Habib
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Title: We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir
Author: Samra Habib
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: June 4, 2019
T H R E E • W O R D S
Fierce • Redemptive• Insightful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
We Have Always Been Here details Samra's own personal experiences growing up in Pakistan where she faced regular threats from extremists; immigrating to Canada only to be faced with bullying, racism, poverty and an arranged marriage; and finding herself. An exploration of the intersections of sexuality, religion, and race.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In an effort to read more Canadian content, exploring Canada Reads picks from years past seemed like a good starting point, and I was not disappointed with the Canada Reads 2020 winner We Have Always Been Here. Samra's memoir is beautifully written, oftentimes down right raw and deeply personal, and yet also inviting. It reads somewhat like a diary, offering a sense of connection (despite quite different upbringings and circumstances), which is what I love most in a memoir. Exploring themes and intersectionalities of identity and the need for safe spaces for self-exploration and the power of chosen family this memoir is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
I will say the first two thirds are considerably stronger than the remaining third, and yet her talent is evident.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• memoir lovers
• readers who enjoyed The Death of Vivek Oji
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Maybe home was simply any place where you felt seen and welcome."
Author: Samra Habib
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: June 4, 2019
T H R E E • W O R D S
Fierce • Redemptive• Insightful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
We Have Always Been Here details Samra's own personal experiences growing up in Pakistan where she faced regular threats from extremists; immigrating to Canada only to be faced with bullying, racism, poverty and an arranged marriage; and finding herself. An exploration of the intersections of sexuality, religion, and race.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In an effort to read more Canadian content, exploring Canada Reads picks from years past seemed like a good starting point, and I was not disappointed with the Canada Reads 2020 winner We Have Always Been Here. Samra's memoir is beautifully written, oftentimes down right raw and deeply personal, and yet also inviting. It reads somewhat like a diary, offering a sense of connection (despite quite different upbringings and circumstances), which is what I love most in a memoir. Exploring themes and intersectionalities of identity and the need for safe spaces for self-exploration and the power of chosen family this memoir is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
I will say the first two thirds are considerably stronger than the remaining third, and yet her talent is evident.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• memoir lovers
• readers who enjoyed The Death of Vivek Oji
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Maybe home was simply any place where you felt seen and welcome."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Homophobia, Islamophobia, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Incest, and Pedophilia