How It All Blew Up

What happens when two aspects of your identity seem contradictory? Eighteen-year old American Amir Azadi is gay and Muslim. He knows what it feels like not to fit in. It’s a difficult time in his life as he wonders how life will change once his family knows his sexuality. On top of that, he is dealing with school bullies pressuring him to come out before he’s ready. Instead, Amir travels to Rome, a city engrossed in culture, on a journey towards self-acceptance.

In Rome, Amir is thrust into the glamorous world of parties and Italian dinners with new friends. There, Amir discovers a sense of belonging, and begins to idolise his new friends. Although he is living in a romanticised version of life, it teaches him a lot about himself, and where he places his self-worth. Ahmadi weaves a multitude of complex, important storylines skillfully into this thought-provoking text. Not only does he explore the family dynamics of loving Muslim parents, trying their best to understand their son’s sexuality, but also the social injustices that many Muslims face in today’s America.

The novel follows two narratives: a retrospective look on Amir’s time in Rome, and Amir telling his story in an airport interrogation room in the present. I believe Ahmadi has provided excellent own-voices representation through this storyline, giving a voice to the often voiceless. I really appreciated that in the interrogation room, the only voice we hear from is that of the Ahmadi family, as the officers are often over-represented in the media. This unique writing style was incredibly engaging, and my favourite aspect of the novel.

At its heart, this is a novel about family, friends, belonging and acceptance. It’s about being true to yourself, and serves as a great reminder that we must always value empathy.

Niamh O’Donnell