Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

The Loophole celebrates queer identity with humour, emotion and magic

The Loophole celebrates queer identity with humour, emotion and magic

The half-Indian, half-Malay author has drawn upon personal experiences of growing up as a gay Muslim for his newly published young adult (YA) debut novel.

The story revolves around a USA-based 17-year-old, Sy, who was too afraid to go travelling abroad with his boyfriend Farouk and is now stuck in a dead-end job. His problems are compounded further by a strict father, not willing to accept his sexuality. While recovering from heartbreak, the teenager is given hope from a mysterious woman, who offers him three wishes in exchange for his help.


She grants the first wish of depositing a million dollars in his bank account. He doesn’t know if the girl is wealthy or some kind of magical genie but decides to travel with her in the hope of being reunited with Fa­rouk, and what follows is a globetrotting adventure filled with surprises.

The talented new literary voice weaves together a decidedly different story to what is usually found in the YA genre, with a gay young protagonist trying to find love and a sense of belonging by venturing out of his comfort zone for the first time.

He mixes up humour, emotion, travel, and a twist of magic, in a book that celebrates queer Muslim identity, but perhaps, more importantly, presents a protagonist going on a relatable journey of self-discovery.

The free-flowing writing style makes this an easy and engrossing read that takes a deep-dive into various issues, without being too preachy. The interesting surprise elements add to a book that packs in a lot.

It does at times go off on some unnecessary tangents and becomes a little predictable. But that doesn’t prevent this from being one of the most unique novels published in 2022 and one that does deserve to be put on a reading list, especially for those who are struggling to find their place in the world.

More For You

‘Majboor’ at 50: Revisiting Amitabh Bachchan’s timeless thriller and its most iconic moments

‘Majboor’ at 50: Revisiting Amitabh Bachchan’s timeless thriller and its most iconic moments

HINDI cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan has an enviable repertoire of blockbusters that defined his superstardom, but among his most underrated gems is the suspenseful drama Majboor.

Released on December 6, 1974, this gripping tale of a terminally ill man who falsely confesses to a murder to secure his family’s future, only to fight for his innocence after being cured, remains a timeless classic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kani Kusruti: India’s hidden gem shines bright on global screens
Kani Kusruti

Kani Kusruti: India’s hidden gem shines bright on global screens

THIS year, the world discovered one of India’s best-kept secrets, Kani Kusruti.

The acclaimed actress brought depth to successful web serials in multiple languages and delivered impactful performances in two contrasting films that made waves on the international festival circuit.

Keep ReadingShow less
National and Kiln champion diversity with ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘The Purists’
From 'The Importance of Being Earnest'

National and Kiln champion diversity with ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘The Purists’

THESE are halcyon days for black theatre audiences, with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at the National and The Purists at the Kiln in Kilburn, celebrating diversity.

To get to the Lyttelton Theatre at the National, I travelled on London Overland, which has been freshly christened the “Windrush Line” after the ship that brought immigrants from Jamaica to British shores in 1948.

Keep ReadingShow less
DJ Yash brings Bollywood beats to London’s Christmas party scene
DJ Yash

DJ Yash brings Bollywood beats to London’s Christmas party scene

THE Christmas party season kicks off this week with an array of exciting events, featuring outstanding talents like DJ Yash.

Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, DJ Yash (real name Hetul Chagane) has spent nearly a decade in the UK and performed at parties worldwide. By day, he works as an IT technician, but by night, he transforms into an internationally renowned DJ.

Keep ReadingShow less
Zayneb Haleem’s journey from digital doodles to published success
Zayneb Haleem

Zayneb Haleem’s journey from digital doodles to published success

FOR Zayneb Haleem, digital illustrating began as a way to pass time while expecting her second child, but her artwork has since attracted a huge social media following and a first book, titled Dear Moon.

Often paired with inspirational quotes from the Qu’ran, her illustrations are especially popular within the Muslim community.

Keep ReadingShow less