A disillusioned academic with a strained relationship with her strictly religious mother, Nadia the main character of Fundamentally, the debut novel of Nussaibah Younis, arrived in Iraq to lead a de-radicalization program for former ISIS brides. The name of her program is more glamorous than the everyday working life she is getting accustomed with: office rivalries, bureaucratic proceedings, security screenings.
Fragments from her past, especially related to her East London episodes, are very much part of her life, once she mets Sara, a young ´bride´ who joined the ISIS at 15, with whom she relates more than professionally required. An encounter that may change her already insecure career paths more than she ever expected.
The topic of ISIS brides is definitely a serious one, and it haunts decision makers and human rights activitist ever since. The daily work of UN agencies could also be serious, unless you completely lost your sense of humour. As I haven´t lost mine yet, and I am dealing with bureaucracy of a daily basis - not UN, but German one - I guarantee that it offers an infinite source of hilarious episodes. Hence, the laughing out loud I often bursted into, while reading this book. This bureaucracy does not give any chance to a normal solution, hence my lack of objection for Nadia´s solution, although largely misguided.
Belief, with capital ´B´ plays an important role in this story: misguided - like the brides, substituted for love - as Nadia´s mother, nourishing - like Sara for her daughter. At the same time, women´s places in this world, no matter if ISIS brides or UN employees is outlining the main benchmarks of the story. Often, no matter whose ´bride´ you are, being a woman is already an element operating against one´s advantage.
I wanted to read Fundamentally for a very long time and it was worth waiting for it: it uses the right kind of humour to take on serious daily issues that approached on a solemn tone will never get the right audience.
I would clearly want to keep up with the writing of Nussaibah Younis - herself experienced in the field of international organisations.
Rating: 3.5 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment