The struggle of Amirah’s complex family situation with a mom that has had multiple husbands, and is suffering from depression. The stuff that makes the book interesting, isn’t really even the two love birds, it is the context. That and choosing Islam and actively living it. It isn’t out of left field though, there are passages that contemplate the Islamic merits of a young marriage, and perhaps that is the depth of the book, as far as giving the reader something to think about. It isn’t until the very end, SPOILER, they get married. The two, as the dedication of the book states, “are striving to keep it halal.” They have a few encounters and the sparks are there, but they both have their own stories and supporting cast of friends as well. Ok, so it isn’t that cliche’ but it is close. The two meet and in the brief second before gazes are lowered, they fall in love. The middle brother, resists this, but isn’t too critical in the story, other than to add a voice to the concept that people have to come to Islam on their own, that the relationship between a person and Allah is not cookie cutter or often simple.Īmira too has a past and a lot on her plate as she strives to balance her chaotic family life and moving past decisions of her rebellious self. Not very religious before his mother’s death, he and his father and younger brother have made a new start and commitment to Islam since losing her to cancer. It goes back and forth and while the perspective is obvious, the bottom of the page identifies the character so there is no chance for confusion.Īli has begrudgingly moved to London with his brothers and father. The story is told from two 18-year-olds’ perspectives, Ali and Amirah. There are no plot twists, deep thoughts, or intense drama, its a light read that infuses religion and environment into a story that will be great for 14-16 year olds that have slim pickings of relevant, Islamic, “halal” fiction options. Robert has written a lot of books and this 261 page book was an easy and entertaining read. After having fairly good luck with the Muslim YA Romance Novel Genre in An Acquaintance and Saints and Misfits, I was willing to give She Wore Red Trainers a try.
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