Stunning, not only on account of the author's talent, of which there is clearly plenty, but also in its humanity, in how a book this unflinching in its depiction of class and institutional injustice can still feel so tender . . . The fullness of the characters and their intersecting lives make this far more than a murder mystery . . . Ahmad's compassion, her deep care for the psychological and emotional nuances of her characters, never wavers . . . It extends through generations and transformations of place, all the way to a devastating final chapter, fully human, fully engaged with what makes us human Omar El Akkad New York Times Book Review
Praise for The Return of Faraz Ali:
Stunning not only on account of the author s talent, of which there is clearly plenty, but also in its humanity. The fullness of the characters and their intersecting lives make this far more than a murder mystery Ahmad s compassion, her deep care for the psychological and emotional nuances of her characters, never wavers, no matter how monstrous or self-interested or defeated they become. It extends through generations and transformations of place, all the way to a devastating final chapter, fully human, fully engaged with what makes us human. New York Times Book Review
Extraordinarily accomplished. . . . This is a great novel, rich in setting, shocking in its depiction of brute, inexorable power, but unexpectedly sweet in conclusion. The Washington Post
It starts out as a crime novel. . . . . and then evolves into so much more. . . . come for the evocative writing, the subtle characters, and plot some of which veered in completely unexpected territory. NPR
A masterpiece of a mystery. Bitch Media
Dark and compelling, this debut novel is one of secrets, murder and loyalty. It s one that will stay with you. Ms Magazine
Outstanding. PopSugar
This novel has everything a reader could ask for: a sizzling, noirlike plot; political intrigue juxtaposed with a rich intergenerational family saga; capacious, conflicted characters, including women who may be marginalized by society but are masters of their own narratives; and sublime sentences. A debut novelist, Ahmad manages this complexity seamlessly. A feat of storytelling not to be missed. Kirkus (starred review)
The Return of Faraz Ali heralds the arrival of a strikingly accomplished and mature talent. Ahmad has managed to meld fast-paced, intelligent noir with a devastating portrait of the true costs of ambition and desire. Does not let you go, even after the end. Maaza Mengiste, author of The Shadow King
A rich and deeply moving novel about confronting histories both personal and political. Marvelous. Yaa Gyasi, author of Homegoing and Transcendent Kingdom
The Return of Faraz Ali is a masterpiece. An intricately woven, deeply affecting labyrinth of history, hope, and longing that fulfills its every great ambition. I'm stunned by the gentle grace and spellbinding storytelling of Aamina, a writer I will return to for years to come. Fatima Farheen Mirza, author of A Place for Us
Aamina Ahmad has done the impossible: made her literary debut with an enduring classic. Essential and compelling. Adam Johnson, author of The Orphan Master s Son and Fortune Smiles
A gripping read everything beautifully evoked, from the alleys of the Old City to the atmosphere of corruption and secrets. Noir with a heart. Kamila Shamsie, author of Home Fire
Mesmerizing . That a novel so epic in scope can remain so intimate at heart is nothing short of astonishing. Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Stunning not only on account of the author s talent, of which there is clearly plenty, but also in its humanity. The fullness of the characters and their intersecting lives make this far more than a murder mystery Ahmad s compassion, her deep care for the psychological and emotional nuances of her characters, never wavers, no matter how monstrous or self-interested or defeated they become. It extends through generations and transformations of place, all the way to a devastating final chapter, fully human, fully engaged with what makes us human. New York Times Book Review
Extraordinarily accomplished. . . . This is a great novel, rich in setting, shocking in its depiction of brute, inexorable power, but unexpectedly sweet in conclusion. The Washington Post
It starts out as a crime novel. . . . . and then evolves into so much more. . . . come for the evocative writing, the subtle characters, and plot some of which veered in completely unexpected territory. NPR
A masterpiece of a mystery. Bitch Media
Dark and compelling, this debut novel is one of secrets, murder and loyalty. It s one that will stay with you. Ms Magazine
Outstanding. PopSugar
This novel has everything a reader could ask for: a sizzling, noirlike plot; political intrigue juxtaposed with a rich intergenerational family saga; capacious, conflicted characters, including women who may be marginalized by society but are masters of their own narratives; and sublime sentences. A debut novelist, Ahmad manages this complexity seamlessly. A feat of storytelling not to be missed. Kirkus (starred review)
The Return of Faraz Ali heralds the arrival of a strikingly accomplished and mature talent. Ahmad has managed to meld fast-paced, intelligent noir with a devastating portrait of the true costs of ambition and desire. Does not let you go, even after the end. Maaza Mengiste, author of The Shadow King
A rich and deeply moving novel about confronting histories both personal and political. Marvelous. Yaa Gyasi, author of Homegoing and Transcendent Kingdom
The Return of Faraz Ali is a masterpiece. An intricately woven, deeply affecting labyrinth of history, hope, and longing that fulfills its every great ambition. I'm stunned by the gentle grace and spellbinding storytelling of Aamina, a writer I will return to for years to come. Fatima Farheen Mirza, author of A Place for Us
Aamina Ahmad has done the impossible: made her literary debut with an enduring classic. Essential and compelling. Adam Johnson, author of The Orphan Master s Son and Fortune Smiles
A gripping read everything beautifully evoked, from the alleys of the Old City to the atmosphere of corruption and secrets. Noir with a heart. Kamila Shamsie, author of Home Fire
Mesmerizing . That a novel so epic in scope can remain so intimate at heart is nothing short of astonishing. Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena