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Shackled to my Family
10th ANNIVERSARY The improved 2022 edition includes a short interview with the author bringing her life story up to date as well as the editor's reflections on the origins of this bestseller.This is the true story of Samina Younis, born in Britain to a strict, religious Muslim family - a family that practices the tradition of forced marriage which they brought back with them from their village in Pakistan.One of seven sisters and two brothers, she was a bitter disappointment to her parents who desperately wanted a son; as a result she suffered terrible physical and mental abuse at the hands of both her mother and father - later she was to fall victim to continued abuse from her very own siblings.At the age of just sixteen, on a trip to Pakistan Samina was told that she must marry her second cousin, a boy she had met only once in her life.The writing of this book was Samina's only way of coming to terms with the life that she had been forced into, the mental conflict over her enduring love for a mother, now dead, who even on her deathbed was compelled to dominate and control her future.The book recounts in an honest, unvarnished style, her struggle against her family and her dramatic escape to a life of her own.The publishers and author want to thank the thousands of people who have already read this book and made it such a success in raising awareness of cruel and archaic practices forced on women and men around the world.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2012
238 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 28, 2013
Needs lots of editing. Sister's name is written as Yamin and Yasmin, which is confusing. Interesting story, but disjointed; I suspect the author is still very traumatized. Family relationships are confusing with the sheer number of names and relationships mentioned; on the one hand, this demonstrates the cultural complexities under which the author lived. On the other hand, it makes it exceedingly difficult to follow.
August 18, 2025
I’m so glad for the ending of this book. It was powerful to see both Samina and Aisha find the courage to break free and share their story in the hope of inspiring others who might be going through something similar.
At the same time, it made me sad to think about how many people face these struggles, and that not everyone is able to reach the same outcome.
I would have loved to see more about what happened after the main events—how Samina and Aisha’s lives unfolded and the steps they took to get to where they are now.
Overall, this was a moving and important read that sheds light on a painful reality many people endure.
At the same time, it made me sad to think about how many people face these struggles, and that not everyone is able to reach the same outcome.
I would have loved to see more about what happened after the main events—how Samina and Aisha’s lives unfolded and the steps they took to get to where they are now.
Overall, this was a moving and important read that sheds light on a painful reality many people endure.
July 9, 2019
Interesting story about the life of a British Muslim woman who wanted freedom from her family and endured the consequences.
August 13, 2017
I can honestly say Sam is such a strong woman. I am so proud of her. Well Done!
I know her personally and regard her as a friend. I have so many questions to ask although I wouldn't awaken the trauma she has endured. Sam has never spoke of her family apart from her twin sister, whom I know she is very close to. However, she speaks of her journey since leaving her family. In my opinion, her family's only shame is their own. She is remarkable, strong, and such a breath of fresh air...always bubbly and smiling...You would never know, I never would've guessed! She will make an amazing Nurse and should continue to tell her storey.
I know her personally and regard her as a friend. I have so many questions to ask although I wouldn't awaken the trauma she has endured. Sam has never spoke of her family apart from her twin sister, whom I know she is very close to. However, she speaks of her journey since leaving her family. In my opinion, her family's only shame is their own. She is remarkable, strong, and such a breath of fresh air...always bubbly and smiling...You would never know, I never would've guessed! She will make an amazing Nurse and should continue to tell her storey.
January 3, 2015
Captivating Life Story
This is a triumphant story of bondage and the courage to escape said bondage. I hope that Samina and Aisha find the peace and love that evaded them their entire lives. Such bondage most of us westerners will never know but heart-wrenching stories like this connect us all. From the beginning the story has a familiarity, and that familiarity is humanity. When one of us suffers we all do.
This is a triumphant story of bondage and the courage to escape said bondage. I hope that Samina and Aisha find the peace and love that evaded them their entire lives. Such bondage most of us westerners will never know but heart-wrenching stories like this connect us all. From the beginning the story has a familiarity, and that familiarity is humanity. When one of us suffers we all do.
September 8, 2020
Really good book. I finished it within a few days as I just couldn't put it down and wanted for her to escape so badly.
March 27, 2021
Different cultures
I gave it a 4 star because of the very quick ending. I find it interesting to read of other cultures. It also makes me feel grateful for what I have.
I gave it a 4 star because of the very quick ending. I find it interesting to read of other cultures. It also makes me feel grateful for what I have.
September 29, 2013
couldn't finish it. so sorry. I loved the actual story but it needs some editing.
September 17, 2023
such a beautiful book
This book is such an amazing read from the start to the end. There’s so much detail of everyday and all that happened in the lives of the main two girls it makes you feel as your a part of their lives. This book was just outstanding I can’t explain in words it was just too good & the ending was so emotional, sad but happy at the same time, also the tension building inside me towards the end not knowing they would make it out was great but then finally relived that they did was just beautiful. Altogether this book was emotional but courageous & a lesson of life for those who are going through the same situation, that silence is never the solution to any problem instead you have to fight for your rights & freedom & this is exactly what this book is about, hats off to the author she did a outstanding job in writing it. Absolutely beautiful book couldn’t put it down I had to read it all in one time. Definitely would recommend to someone
This book is such an amazing read from the start to the end. There’s so much detail of everyday and all that happened in the lives of the main two girls it makes you feel as your a part of their lives. This book was just outstanding I can’t explain in words it was just too good & the ending was so emotional, sad but happy at the same time, also the tension building inside me towards the end not knowing they would make it out was great but then finally relived that they did was just beautiful. Altogether this book was emotional but courageous & a lesson of life for those who are going through the same situation, that silence is never the solution to any problem instead you have to fight for your rights & freedom & this is exactly what this book is about, hats off to the author she did a outstanding job in writing it. Absolutely beautiful book couldn’t put it down I had to read it all in one time. Definitely would recommend to someone
August 4, 2023
Jean38no
Most interesting book. I had no idea that girls were still forced into marriages with men. Just to get the men out of Pakistan. Or that women still did all the work. It all sounds so primitive . I’m surprised they even let them go to school. I think if they hadn’t they would have been married to a first cousin . Living in a village washing clothes in the river . Having baby after baby! I did read a book about an Indian couple he married a girl not of his culture. She was treated horrible too. She finally got away.
It’s just amazing in this day and age around the world civilization has not made advances for women. In many cultures the woman does all the work. They are abused physically , and emotionally even sexually. I’m so glad these girls got away . This book really makes you think of how much a woman is devalued in many cultures even in ours in many ways!
Most interesting book. I had no idea that girls were still forced into marriages with men. Just to get the men out of Pakistan. Or that women still did all the work. It all sounds so primitive . I’m surprised they even let them go to school. I think if they hadn’t they would have been married to a first cousin . Living in a village washing clothes in the river . Having baby after baby! I did read a book about an Indian couple he married a girl not of his culture. She was treated horrible too. She finally got away.
It’s just amazing in this day and age around the world civilization has not made advances for women. In many cultures the woman does all the work. They are abused physically , and emotionally even sexually. I’m so glad these girls got away . This book really makes you think of how much a woman is devalued in many cultures even in ours in many ways!
May 10, 2017
It's true story so I felt really sorry for the author, as she's telling the readers about her life and her daily issues with her family. Coming from a typical backwards Asian family who is being forced into arranged marriage. You think her story would improve but it just got bad to worst. The author repeats herself her a lot. By the middle you think she's dealing with her depression. That's why she wrote this for herself, like a diary or therapy. God knows how it got published, this book was written so poorly. You get lost with so many names and who's related to who. I really hate to say this, but I didn't enjoy this book.
September 27, 2018
This really could have made for a captivating read - I was genuinely interested in gaining more of an insight into the experiences that being raised within a strict, Muslim family would bring. Unfortunately, this really does not deliver - it's like the author had a grand plan of publishing a memoir that would both capture an audience and serve as a release; it certainly failed to do the former. Poorly structured and paced, less than a 1/4 of the way in and two key figures are no longer in the picture, when one would have expected there to be more focus and detail surrounding their influences.
I have attempted the book twice now - this time a little further but again I am putting it down.
I have attempted the book twice now - this time a little further but again I am putting it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2021
A very boring read, poorly written and terrible grammar. Samina seems to contradict herself and comes across as a jealous bitter attention seeker. I’m sure her family are now at peace knowing she isn’t around to shame them with her sluttish ways. Justin had a lucky escape, Tariq just seen a besotted Virgin who was taken advantage of. I read on Amazon that Samina did married Rizwan in the end therefore not really any point in the book being written. I hope she sticks to the day job as she clearly isn’t an author.
May 22, 2022
Written in her own words
This book is simply amazing. I love that The book has been written in spoken word - its like being told a story. I recommend people read this to understand the culture and the differences between us all in this way.
I loved every page of this book, what an amazing, strong young woman she is! And to overcome the difficulties of her life, the violence of her family throughout generations!
I truly believe that all the women of the world need to stand together, holding each other up with love.
Thank you for sharing your story. 💖
This book is simply amazing. I love that The book has been written in spoken word - its like being told a story. I recommend people read this to understand the culture and the differences between us all in this way.
I loved every page of this book, what an amazing, strong young woman she is! And to overcome the difficulties of her life, the violence of her family throughout generations!
I truly believe that all the women of the world need to stand together, holding each other up with love.
Thank you for sharing your story. 💖
May 14, 2018
In the beginning I was fascinated with the author, her feelings , the simpleness of how she described day to day life in a barren land. I was always expecting something harrowing to happen.
I feel personally most women of her cultures faith will end in some twisted way.
Other stories like this one , seem to have the same ending filled with depression, confusion and the wish to someday reconcile with family. If I got anything from this story it would be families mold us and give us a sense of who we are. The women seem to adapt and only a rare few can see through the kind of family life that allows women to be treated as slaves.
I feel personally most women of her cultures faith will end in some twisted way.
Other stories like this one , seem to have the same ending filled with depression, confusion and the wish to someday reconcile with family. If I got anything from this story it would be families mold us and give us a sense of who we are. The women seem to adapt and only a rare few can see through the kind of family life that allows women to be treated as slaves.
January 3, 2021
Ended abruptly
Would have liked to know a bit more about how life was after she left the family. This was condensed into maybe 2 pages. The book was enjoyable, an easy read but it's amateurish. It's sad how some woman are treated in the so called name of Islam. It's not what Islam is about. I'm glad Samina was able to escape and hope she's found happiness.
Would have liked to know a bit more about how life was after she left the family. This was condensed into maybe 2 pages. The book was enjoyable, an easy read but it's amateurish. It's sad how some woman are treated in the so called name of Islam. It's not what Islam is about. I'm glad Samina was able to escape and hope she's found happiness.
December 19, 2024
real, tough and true
A very honest life spoken in true terms. Cultures have their own realities that for many typical Americans are hard to swallow. It’s hard for us to fathom the intricacies and nuances of a culture but even harder to face them and say no when you want something different fur your own life.
A very honest life spoken in true terms. Cultures have their own realities that for many typical Americans are hard to swallow. It’s hard for us to fathom the intricacies and nuances of a culture but even harder to face them and say no when you want something different fur your own life.
August 1, 2020
I was drawn in by this girl's story and couldn't out it down. What goes on in these strict religious families and the hurt and abuse they feel whilst trying to live. But the ending was strange hence the 3 stars.
September 13, 2020
Could have been better
The storyline was very interesting but too many details were left out. I was hoping the end of the book would tie things together or there would be an epilogue p, however there wasn’t.
The storyline was very interesting but too many details were left out. I was hoping the end of the book would tie things together or there would be an epilogue p, however there wasn’t.
May 5, 2022
Utterly boring to read! Found myself skimming pages just to hurry it along and hope it got more entertaining or at least, spark some interest but no.
Boring until the end and childishly written
Not for me
Boring until the end and childishly written
Not for me
October 10, 2023
Heartbreaking
Incredible story! I cannot fathom these mentalities!!!! So happy for their courage to break free and also share their story with others who might be inspired to do the same!
Incredible story! I cannot fathom these mentalities!!!! So happy for their courage to break free and also share their story with others who might be inspired to do the same!
August 7, 2022
Very moving
A sad look into the tragic life some girls are forced into. This raw account should move anyone who reads it to act to end this female enslavement.
A sad look into the tragic life some girls are forced into. This raw account should move anyone who reads it to act to end this female enslavement.
August 7, 2022
Good insight to how Samina lived her childhood
March 21, 2023
Brilliant
What these poor girls went through is heartbreaking this book is from the heart I wish samina and her sister all the best
What these poor girls went through is heartbreaking this book is from the heart I wish samina and her sister all the best
July 22, 2023
excellent
An insight into a backward, cruel, misogynistic culture. How this is happening in the uk today is beyond me .So many young girls living a life of fear and heartache
An insight into a backward, cruel, misogynistic culture. How this is happening in the uk today is beyond me .So many young girls living a life of fear and heartache
November 23, 2024
Very good book, a true eye-opener. I felt the ending was a little too rushed, if not for this, I would've rated it 5.
April 21, 2025
Heart wrenching 💔
Couldn't put this book down.
It was sad too read, but I'm so glad you and your sister made it out in the end!
Couldn't put this book down.
It was sad too read, but I'm so glad you and your sister made it out in the end!
December 19, 2025
Heartbreaking 💔
There isn’t much to say about this story except thank goodness that they overcame and got out of the situation.
There isn’t much to say about this story except thank goodness that they overcame and got out of the situation.
March 2, 2017
I was able to finish the book but was pretty displeased with the ending. I would have liked more elaboration and details of her life after the confinement. Now that she is an adult if she still practiced Islam, was apart of a Muslim community that didn't save the extreme views her family did, etc. The story can get hard to follow with the amount of names and relationships in the story that really have no meaning. I understand It shows the complexity of their culture but is hard to follow. I wish the author would have made a point to emphasis that not all Muslim families are like hers. not all are controlling or force women into marriages and not all are abusive. It is painting a tainted image of Muslims for others who may not know about their beliefs or practices.
July 2, 2015
Good story; horrible writing
This could have been a great read. Instead it was a play by play. "First, blah. Then, blah blah. Last, blah blah blah. There were no details of dialogue. Nothing of true substance. While it was a sad story, it was depressing because of how mundane it was written. Long story short, there is no resolution.
This could have been a great read. Instead it was a play by play. "First, blah. Then, blah blah. Last, blah blah blah. There were no details of dialogue. Nothing of true substance. While it was a sad story, it was depressing because of how mundane it was written. Long story short, there is no resolution.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews