FuNDAMENTALLY

by Nussaibah Younis

This striking debut defies expectations with its razor-sharp wit and keen intelligence. The novel effortlessly balances dark satire and emotional depth as it explores the tangled world of international aid—particularly through the eyes of Nadia, an academic navigating a UN de‑radicalization program in Iraq. Younis employs humor not as a mere escape, but as a tool to dissect complex themes like identity, radicalization, and redemption with both tenderness and acerbic insight. The narrative’s brilliance lies in its unusual ability to make readers laugh while confronting weighty issues head-on. Every twist is grounded in authenticity, and the characters emerge as vibrant, unforgettable voices in a tumultuous landscape. Being shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction is a well-deserved acknowledgment of Younis’s daring perspective and narrative mastery. Fundamentally stands as a testament to the power of intelligent storytelling that challenges conventions while engaging and enlightening its audience.