This coming-of-age tale is engagingly written, nicely paced and often defies expectations, making it an absorbing and entertaining read all the way through. Gamieldien gives her characters gravitas, as she does young adulthood. While each character has elements of an avatar representing different parts of the ummah, they are also clear individuals, making the kind of choices that determine the adult you are becoming. The women in particular, have warmth extended to them, even as they move into having different priorities and values to each other. The book is strong in its portrayal of the way that friendships - and romantic partnerships - are tested as lives change. The portrayal of Sydney university life is recognisable without being arch, in the way many novels written by young authors can be. There is, in short, authenticity to this writing.
My reading app tells me this is the least popular book I have read this year. That is a shame - this is not showy or overly emotional, but it is a really well-told story with characters you want to spend more time with. Australian literature could use more like this.