Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
Nussaibah Younis’s Fundamentally is bold, unique, and downright hilarious. The book is centered around Nadia, a UN employee tasked with aiding the repatriation of ISIS brides to their home countries. This premise alone set the stage for a deeply engaging read, exploring themes of identity, radicalization, and the intricate intersections of faith and culture. The heart of the novel is Nadia’s relationship with Sara, one of the brides. Sara’s story mirrors aspects of Nadia’s own life, and their connection creates the central element of the narrative. Through Sara and the other brides, Younis highlights the surprisingly diverse backgrounds of those who end up in these dire circumstances, offering a truly nuanced exploration of the factors that lead to radicalization in an accessible way.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its respectful and nuanced approach to sensitive topics. Younis bravely dives into how radicalization is not an abstract phenomenon occurring in “far away” places, but something shockingly close to home. The story also provides a delicate balance of critique and praise for Islam, filtered through the perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, alongside its vibrant representation of Pakistani, queer, and Muslim identities.
While Fundamentally is close to a five-star read, a couple of shortcomings did impact my reading experience. One inconsistency I noticed was while the main characters are complex and realistic, the side characters often fall into stereotypes. This contrast did not significantly detract from the overall narrative, but did stand out against the otherwise intricate storytelling. Additionally, the ending felt rushed. After a perfectly paced journey filled with tension and emotional depth, the resolution tied up too neatly and far too quickly, lacking the nuance that defined the rest of the book.
Despite these minor flaws, Fundamentally remained a compelling and important read. Younis shed light on a rarely discussed topic with humor, humanity, and insight, keeping readers engaged from start to finish by challenging assumptions and provoking reflection in a unique way with loveable characters.
Click here to read my review on BrownGirlBookshelf.
