What a relatable start to a novel. The main protagonist knows he is gay, he’s also a Muslim and navigating the two opposing elements of his life. This emotive start suggests this is a story about contradiction, the emotional conflict of growing up from a teenager into a young adult and navigating this transition. We hear how he desperately looks for signs that his mum may accept him, she watches Ellen Degeneres in tv is a plus. Will he be able to live visibly as a gay Muslim, will his family accept this. This is set to be a story of familial and community acceptance, alongside the ubiquitous tale of a teenager stepping out into the world and trying to find his way. I’m already rooting for him and hope he’s able to be exactly what he is.