The Kurdish Abu family escaped Iraq after their political father was murdered and now live in Kansas City. Eldest brother Salim rules over his siblings with anger and abuse, which Bilal takes the most of. He feels powerless until he meets Muhammad, who encourages him towards better things.
Publisher’s Description
After fleeing Iraq, the Kurdish Abu family have settled in the United States. Salim, the eldest brother, has been deeply damaged by the torture he suffered at the hands of the Iraqi police, and his psychotic rages are becoming increasingly violent. At only 16, the youngest son, Bilal, holds the family secrets close, revealing nothing. But his conflict is deepened by his own sexual awakening, and he begins to direct his rage and frustration on his own body through cutting. A powerful story of a clash of cultures and the power of the individual voice.
Genre: Contemporary
Representation:
Gender:
Cis boys: Bilal, Muhammed, Salim
Sexual Orientation:
Gay/Queer: Bilal, Muhammed, Salim
Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Bilal, Muhammed
Race/Ethnicity:
Middle Eastern/North African: Bilal
Black: Muhammed
Religion:
Islam
Disability:
PTSD
Trigger warnings: Physical and sexual abuse, war, refugees, torture, self harm, PTSD