Two Muslim teens in Texas fight for access to abortion while one harbors a painful secret in this funny and heartfelt near-future speculative novel perfect for fans of Unpregnant.
In a not-too-distant America, abortions are prosecuted and the right to choose is no longer an option. But best friends Laylah and Noor want to change the world. After graduating high school, they’ll become an OBGYN and a journalist, but in the meantime, they’re working on an illegal guide to abortion in Texas.
In response to the unfair laws, underground networks of clinics have sprung up, but the good fight has gotten even more precarious as it becomes harder to secure safe medication and supplies. Both Layla and Noor are passionate about getting their guide completed so it can help those in need, but Laylah treats their project with an urgency Noor doesn’t understand—that may have something to do with the strange goings-on between their mosque and a local politician.
Fighting for what they believe in may involve even more obstacles than they bargained for, but the two best friends will continue as they always have: together.
Introduction
A few years ago, just the premise of this book would have sounded fantastical. With the way America is going recently, it's now simply ripped-from-the-headlines. Writing about things like this is how we get people talking about them, and for that reason this book is very important.
Plot Summary
Noor and Layla are Muslims born and raised in Texas. A recent spate of laws have made abortion illegal and continue to tighten the net, making it more and more difficult for people in trouble to get help. Layla and Noor are working on a guide to help people, guiding them to a network of underground clinics and medical personnel who are risking prison and worse to try and help. It's personal for both girls for different reasons; for one, because her beloved mosque seems to be tied up in it, and for the other, because she desperately needs the services these clinics are providing.
Characters
Noor is studious and analytical, with everything planned out down to the minute. Layla is more of a 'gut' person, following her instincts, which serves her well as an aspiring journalist. Noor's grandmother, Nanima, is one of the most important people in her life and serves as an inspiration for anyone who thinks the elderly should sit quietly and knit. Both girls have other friends who help in their lives, but they keep the Guide very secret to protect everyone if it's found.
Writing Style
The point of view skips back and forth between Noor and Layla, each with part of the story. It's interesting to see how their points of view differ; something that's very clear and obvious to one seems ridiculous to the other, but they are still very close friends and look out for each other. The writing style is clear, without too many lyrical descriptions. Things move along at a good pace.
One thing I have to mention, though it's probably only a problem in the proof and not in the actual book; there are spots where things like text messages or Bollywood scripts are rendered with one letter on each line, which makes them unreadable, at least to me. However in the final product this shouldn't be an issue.
Themes and Messages
The book talks a lot about women and their rights. Obviously the main theme is about abortion and birth control, but there's a subplot about how the mosque treats girls and women; they have to enter and leave through a smaller, ill maintained door, their rooms are smaller and dirtier, the imam shouts and treats them as pests. When they ask for more representation in the mosque, they are instead given a kitchen so that they can bake food for the men. It's more subtle than the abortion storyline, but it's there in the background, adding to the main idea.
Strengths
- Reflects contemporary times
- Shows everyday bravery in action
- Clever and heartfelt
Weaknesses
- Some people will think it's preachy
- Nanima's backstory is potentially very upsetting, as is the basic plot
Personal Connection
I am lucky that the issues raised in this book have never, and are unlikely ever to, affect me personally. However, reading about how it affects others is horrifying, and it will lead me to be more careful next time I vote. It's also lovely to see how people step up throughout the novel, risking everything to try and do the right thing.
Conclusion
Excellent read for teenagers or anyone interested in contemporary fiction.
Further Reading/Viewing
For a more farfetched look at some of the issues raised here, the classic story is The Handmaid's Tale. Another religious teen struggles with these issues in Red, and on another continent another teen tries to sort it all out in Little Bang. Finally, for more on Nanima's history, try A Fine Balance (I haven't read this one.) (Links to all these titles.)
Unbecoming publishes on the 9th July, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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