The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, Sabina Khan

My review of The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan. I adored this book and read it in a day. The story is so important and it taught me a lot about a culture I didn’t know too much about.

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, Sabina Khan

Themes: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, Romance, Religion

Reading Format: Paperback

Pages: 336

5 STARS

I absolutely loved this book, it was such an enjoyable and educational read. I learnt a lot about Bengali culture and what it is like to be within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum inside of that community. This book follows Rukhsana as she tries to maintain her relationship with her girlfriend, whilst also trying to be accepted by her family.

I finished this book the same day I started it because I couldn’t put it down. I felt so immersed in the story, I needed to know how it ended. It continuously shocked me and I felt my mouth hang open more than a few times! Rukhsana is constantly having to live up to the expectations set by her Muslim family and you can see this is a struggle for her as she also tries to keep hold of her own identity.

The harrowing thing is, this story is fictional, but it is based on the facts people like Rukhsana have to live through. The difference in culture and beliefs means it is at times life-threatening to admit to being who you truly are. I felt terrified for Rukhsana for most of this book, it was so well written I felt like I was there with her.

Sabina Khan has written an emotional story here that sheds light onto something I didn’t know much about. I’m very glad I decided to pick it up to read during Pride Month.