Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
Fundamentally follows Dr Nadia Amin, an academic who finds herself leading a UN deradicalisation programme in Iraq after her personal and professional life has unravelled. She arrives full of hope but quickly discovers that the realities of international aid are messy, contradictory, and emotionally draining. At the same time, she is wrestling with her own past, including a strained family history and a recent breakup that still cuts deep. Nadia’s encounters with the women in the camps, as well as the colleagues she works alongside, force her to confront uncomfortable truths about belief, identity and the limits of her own idealism.
What makes the novel particularly engaging is the blend of emotional honesty and sharply observed humour. Nadia’s inner monologue often has the bite and self-aware chaos of a Muslim Fleabag, switching between confidence, self-doubt and a dry wit that lifts even the darkest moments. Younis has created a story that is thought provoking and politically astute, yet also surprisingly warm and very funny. The result is a bold and memorable debut that explores difficult themes while never losing sight of the flawed, hopeful human being at its centre.
