TAKE IT BACK by Kia Abdullah

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TAKE IT BACK, an explosive and riveting drama.



Kia Abdullah has written a bold and compelling novel that deals head-on with difficult and divisive issues. This page-turning novel explores the conflict between justice and pursuit of the truth versus family and cultural loyalty; rape and the sexualization of women; women's rights versus cultural  misogyny. If that's not enough, then there are also thematic threads related to substance abuse and bullying.

The main story centres around Jodie, a genetically disfigured 16-year-old who reports that she's been raped by four young Muslim boys from her school. Main character, Zara, ex-hotshot barrister, now a sexual violence legal advocate, takes the case and is immediately thrown into an explosive and highly publicized courtroom drama where the focus immediately switches to race rather than rape. Pitted against her estranged Muslim family and her community, Zara is branded a traitor to her race and nothing more than an "Uncle Tom", when she tries to protect Jodie, a quiet, tragic girl with a neglectful, alcoholic mother, and support her in her fight for justice. Tensions soon escalate and Zara becomes a target in the centre of a violent fight between white supremacist, anti-immigrant groups and disgruntled Muslim extremists.

Abdullah creates a strong, conflicted and vulnerable character in Zara, a woman who rejects the female role prescribed by her family and community, yet still struggles to find love, acceptance and confidence in her own identity. The novel explores the case from multiple perspectives which allows the reader to understand even the alleged perpetrators' feelings and realize that the entire situation is a tragedy for all involved. This powerful, riveting and provocative novel is sure to resonate with many readers. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.


                                                            KIA ABDULLAH

KIA ABDULLAH is an author and travel writer. She has contributed to The Guardian, BBC, Channel 4 News, and The New York Times. Kia currently travels the world as one half of the travel blog Atlas & Boots, which receives over 200,000 views per month.

Comments

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