Fundamentally
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in 2025, is a 321-page exploration of love, family, and the quest for belonging. The narrative follows Nadia, an academic who, after being disowned by her mother and ending a relationship with her lover, takes a UN job in Iraq. There, she is tasked with rehabilitating ISIS women and finds herself navigating the complexities of international aid while forming an unexpected bond with Sara, a young woman with a tumultuous past.
Readers will encounter a sharp and humorous examination of friendship and identity as Nadia and Sara, both from Muslim backgrounds, discover their similarities despite their vastly different life choices. The book delves into themes of family life, political dynamics, and LGBTQ+ experiences, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. This edition provides a thought-provoking narrative that intertwines satire with poignant moments, inviting readers to reflect on the decisions we make in pursuit of connection.
Official synopsis Publisher
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION
‘A NEW NAME TO WATCH OUT FOR’ THE TIMES
‘THE DEBUT OF THE YEAR’ STYLIST
‘ELECTRIC’ GUARDIAN
A wildly funny and razor-sharp exploration of love, family, religion and the decisions we make in pursuit of belonging.
‘By normal, you mean like you? A slag with a saviour complex?’
Nadia is an academic who’s been disowned by her puritanical mother and dumped by her lover, Rosy. She decides to make a getaway, accepting a UN job in Iraq. Tasked with rehabilitating ISIS women, Nadia becomes mired in the opaque world of international aid, surrounded by bumbling colleagues.
Sara is a precocious and sweary East Londoner who joined ISIS at just fifteen.
Nadia is struck by how similar they are: both feisty and opinionated, from a Muslim background, with a shared love of Dairy Milk and rude pick-up lines. A powerful friendship forms between the two women, until a secret confession from Sara threatens everything Nadia has been working for.
‘Funny, gripping and compassionate’ DOLLY ALDERTON
‘Not only hysterically funny but trenchant and necessary. I loved it’ INDIA KNIGHT
‘A raunchy, irreverent, touching and daring debut’ PARINI SHROFF
‘Essential reading’ JONATHAN COE
‘A breath of fresh air’ MARIAN KEYES
‘Original, funny and fearless’ NINA STIBBE
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