When We Were Sisters

In her debut novel, When We Were Sisters, Fatimah Asghar explores the complex relationship between three orphaned siblings navigating their way through life after their parents' death. The novel delves into themes of loss, grief, and identity, and was longlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction 2022 and won the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction 2023.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

In this captivating debut novel, Fatimah Asghar delves into the profound connection between three orphaned siblings who, after the untimely passing of their parents, are left to care for one another. The youngest sibling, Kausar, navigates the overwhelming grief of losing her parents while also embarking on a personal journey of understanding gender roles. Aisha, the middle sister, struggles to maintain her sense of family amidst the challenges posed by her younger sibling's behavior. Meanwhile, Noreen, the eldest, assumes the role of a sister-mother while also striving to create a fulfilling life for herself on her own terms.

As Kausar matures, she faces the inevitable clash between her private and public lives, weighing the decision to stay in the familiar world of love, sorrow, and codependency or forge a new path for herself. "When We Were Sisters" explores the intricate dynamics of sisterhood, uncovers the dangers of being three Muslim American girls in a world that often poses challenges, and ultimately showcases the resilience and strength that can be found even in the face of loss. Through its poignant storytelling, this novel offers a poignant reflection on the bonds that tie us together and the power of human connection to create homes amidst adversity.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472157591