This YA novel is so heartwarming and witty, and I really enjoyed it. The story is told by Amir with interspersed pages from his family as they are questioned at the airport. Amir is a great narrator as he takes readers through his escape to Rome and the friends he makes whilst there. The narration is warm and funny, and so easy to read. Amir is scared and inexperienced and unsure during this story as he tries to come to terms with being both gay and Muslim, but as the story progresses he starts to find acceptance in himself. I really loved his character throughout.
I also liked the majority of supporting characters, most of them older, gay men who Amir meets in Rome, who show him love and acceptance from the beginning, and allow Amir to experience what life could be for him. There are some romantic elements, but these weren’t the focus of this story, instead it was Amir’s journey to being able to accept himself and face his family.
The author highlights themes of homophobia, racism, and Islamaphobia specifically, in this novel, which are told sensitively and authentically, and obviously come from personal experiences.
This is a story of learning to live a life free from fear of being who you are, of reconciling the different parts of yourself, and how running away from your problems doesn’t make them disappear, but taking yourself out of a bad situation is ok too. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Readers First, Hot Key Books for this early copy
I also liked the majority of supporting characters, most of them older, gay men who Amir meets in Rome, who show him love and acceptance from the beginning, and allow Amir to experience what life could be for him. There are some romantic elements, but these weren’t the focus of this story, instead it was Amir’s journey to being able to accept himself and face his family.
The author highlights themes of homophobia, racism, and Islamaphobia specifically, in this novel, which are told sensitively and authentically, and obviously come from personal experiences.
This is a story of learning to live a life free from fear of being who you are, of reconciling the different parts of yourself, and how running away from your problems doesn’t make them disappear, but taking yourself out of a bad situation is ok too. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Readers First, Hot Key Books for this early copy