SHORTLISTED FOR THE PORTICO PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARDSLONGLISTED FOR THE AUTHORS’ CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARDSHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARDWINNER OF CALIBRE AUDIO’S ‘HIDDEN GEM’ AWARD________
‘Poignantly paints the extraordinary in ordinary lives’‘An engrossing and moving story’‘An evocative portrayal of love and family’'Invites you in, not as a stranger but as a family friend’‘A masterclass in representation and brilliant writing’CLARE CHAMBERS, author of AYISHA MALIK KATIE FFORDE ZEBA TALKHANI, author of ______THE SUNDAY POSTSmall PleasuresMy Past is a Foreign Country
Amjadcradles his baby daughter in the middle of the night. He has no time to mourn his wife’s death. Saahil and Zahra, his two small children, are relying on him. Amjad vows to love and protect them always.
SaahilYears later, and his best friend, Ehsan, have finished university and are celebrating with friends. But when the night turns dangerous, its devastating effects will ripple through the years to come.
Zahrais now her father’s only source of comfort. Life has taken her small family in different directions – will they ever find their way back to each other?
is the moving story of a British Muslim family full of love, laughter and resilience as well as all the faults, mistakes and stubborn loyalties which make us human.The Family Tree
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Kia Abdullah‘A profound, beautifully observed portrait of a British-Muslim family rocked by tragedy. So endearing are the characters, I grieved as they grieved, cheered as they healed and clung to them for days after the final page’
Vaseem Khan‘A multi-generational story crafted with warmth… An engaging debut’
Stephanie Butland‘Both unflinching and full of hope; the writing is compassionate and true’
Your roots can always lead you home…