Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis

READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZE

Nadia Amin, a PhD graduate, publishes an article on deradicalisation, and ends up with a job rehabilitating Isis brides in Iraq. Relishing the opportunity to escape her claustophobic mother and broken relationship she realises she needs to heal herself as well as the Isis women. Told in a uniquely satirical and humorous narrative.

By normal, you mean like you? A slag with a saviour complex?

RACHEL
●  At first, it felt inappropriate to laugh at Fundamentally. The author has taken a serious, politically charged subject and layered it with humour that is anything but subtle, it’s almost slapstick. But as I kept reading, the comedy grew on me, as did the main character, Nadia, with her sharp tongue and vulnerability. I felt like Nadia was the only character with true depth though, the support cast seemed there mostly to serve a function.

While I did learn a lot about Isis brides and the struggles with deradicalisation, the narrative did have its flaws in terms of plot holes and an overly sentimental ending. However, I was never tempted to DNF, it kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t swept away by it. I didn’t love it, but I appreciated what it was doing and I would probably recommend it. – Rachel

SUZY
●  This book is shocking in that a comical spin is put on a definitely unfunny situation, but somehow the author does this in a way that doesn’t make you feel like a piece of sh!t when you accidentally smile at some of her hilarious writing. 

I really enjoyed it and while the plot is implausible at times, it’s completely forgivable as it’s such a rollicking read. 

Published 2025
Tiny Reparations Books
352 pages