Spilled Ink

by Nadia Hashimi

When Yalda hears that her twin brother, Yusuf, will be performing with his band at a local venue, she lets her friends convince her to sneak out to see his show. But the night has something else in store: After the opening band makes some ugly jokes about “terrorists,” Yusuf uses his time in the spotlight for an impulsive stunt responding to the hate speech.

Suddenly, simmering tensions boil over in their Virginia town, where many Afghan refugees have sought safety. When a video of Yusuf’s performance goes viral online, it seems like everyone in town turns against their family’s restaurant, leaving their livelihood in jeopardy—and then Yusuf is seriously injured in a mysterious fall. Despite her grieving and frightened family, friends she is not sure she can trust, and a town that no longer feels like a safe home, Yalda must try to find her own voice—and do what she can to change her world for the better.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Social Justice, Family, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2024

About the author

Now author, once a pediatrician. Always a reader.

Loves dark chocolate, coffee, animals, justice, and many other clichéd indulgences.

Reviews

[Ioana Soare thesunbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was not an easy one to read as it talks about sensitive subjects, but it was a very good read that made me understand better how the Afghan people are struggling when they’re fleeing the terrors of their own country. The characters were great and I felt connected with them and I understood so many things through them. This is definitely a book that needs to be read by everyone.

[Chapters.aur.chai · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being moved by 'The Spark Like Stars', I couldn’t resist picking up Nadia Hashimi’s YA novel 'The Spilled Ink', and it did not disappoint. The story follows Yalda, an Afghan American teenager, whose twin brother, Yusuf, takes a stand against hate speech during his band’s performance. His bold act triggers a wave of controversy in their small Virginia town, putting their family’s restaurant and livelihood at risk. When Yusuf suffers a mysterious injury, Yalda is forced to confront her fears and a divided community while trying to find her own voice and make a difference.

- The book explores racism, prejudice, and the challenges immigrant families face in finding acceptance.
- A viral video highlights the power and risks of social media in amplifying tensions.
- Yalda’s Afghan roots and her family’s efforts to preserve their cultural identity are portrayed beautifully.
- The story emphasizes the strength of family bonds and the support of the Afghan refugee community.
- Yalda’s personal growth and her fight for justice are both inspiring and relatable.

What I loved most about 'The Spilled Ink' is its honest depiction of the struggles and resilience of Afghan immigrants. Yalda’s journey of self-discovery is both empowering and moving, and Hashimi’s evocative writing brings every emotion to life. The novel balances complex themes with heartfelt storytelling, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, 'The Spilled Ink' is a timely and deeply impactful novel that sheds light on important social issues while delivering a story of courage and hope. Nadia Hashimi has once again created a masterpiece that stays with you long after the final page. A must-read for those who enjoy stories with depth and heart.

[Shanéia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper360YA and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review!

This book has a hard topic and I feel it was addressed well. It deals with issues such as racism, anti-refugee/immigrants, and Islamophobia. This book doesn't shy away from the hard discussions and discusses it in a nuanced way that is accessible to many readers. It gives the perspective of a character who while hesitant at first grows into her own and stands up for what she believes in. This book shows the importance of a strong support network, along with differing perspectives on issues. Overall, this was a good book and one that I would recommend to all readers!

[Raga Bhagavathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

love her writing style as always but didn’t realize the book was YA until after ~ explains the lack of plot development which was my biggest complaint

[Ruthvi Shetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book enlightens us in so many ways. The topics Nadia Hashimi throws light on, in this book, is so so important for the world nowadays to read more about.
The topics include hate speech, racism, mental health and more like these.
She writes so well, I just want to keep reading 🥹

[القارئه رغوده✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

يتكلم الكتاب عن عائلة افغانيه مهاجره الى امريكا العائلة مكونه من ام واب والابن اسمه يوسف وشقيقته التوئم يالدا
القصه تبداء عندما يقرر الابن يوسف ان يعزف هو وفرقته الموسيقية في مكان ما وتحضر يالدا واصداقائها لمشاهدة يوسف وفرقته لكن يتعرض يوسف لموقف على خشبة المسرح غيرت مجرى احداث هذه الليله وتبداء سلسلة من المضايقات ونقد على السوشل ميديا بسبب الحادثه التي حدثت بليلة الحفل الموسيقي لكي تتطور الاحداث وتقع جريمة من نوع ما ليوسف وتبداء عائلته بالمعاناة الاقوى
فماذا حدث بتلك الليله؟
وماذا حدث ليوسف تحديدا!؟
ما نوع الجريمه التي وقعت؟

[Hossai Hashimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable Characters and Stories

This was one of the best books I’ve ever read. The unfortunate situations of minorities and prejudgments of some people were well explained please read it with deep thinking and understanding.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing YA read!

An opening and telling tale that hits you right where it hurts. Nadia pulls no punches in this story that tells the hard truth on racism and intolerance which is present in life around the globe today. This is a novel that really makes you think about these tough topics. I found myself feeling all the emotions that these main characters were feeling, this author makes it so easy for you to sink into their lives and minds.

I have to say this is one of the most amazing YA books i've read in a while. From its amazing pacing to a plot line that easily sucks you in and makes you want more. First hand reading about what this family has to go through really had my emotions all over the place, this is a powerful story which highlights the problems in our society and how we need to come together as a community especially in times of tragedy, and how we just need to be a little nicer to each other.

[Sudhakar Kadiyala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words coming out of frustration or anger may lead to more problems than a solution. Often it happens that the intent of the speaker may be harmless but unbeknownst to him, the words
that are uttered, particularly in response to a criticism or an upsetting remark intended as retaliation, may turn out to be far more harmful than can be thought of. Such acts of venting out the angst may belittle the speaker and may even be chastised publicly depending on the gravity of the words used. The consequences of such a thing happening at an event in front of a crowd ,where their religious beliefs and sentiments are seen attacked, then the wrath of the entire crowd can be felt. In such a situation, it engulfs the entire community with feelings of retaliation and hatred towards the person and may even extend to his kith. Surprisingly, such news spreads like a wildfire through online media where the post becomes a common topic for discussion among the groups. ‘Spilled Ink’ by Nadia Hashimi is based against such a backdrop, and the book can be discerned both as a fictional story as well as a familial biography. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, an Afghan couple seeks refuge in US.The plight of the couple who left everything in their country and sought refuge in a far-off country for survival can be well imagined. Their twin US-born children, viz. Yalda and Yousuf, are now into their teens. We find Yousuf being flamboyant and extroverted in nature as against Yalda, portrayed more as an overthinker and a lurker in comparison. But a few conversations of Yalda with her parents, friends, and others like her aunt(Ama Leeda) are quite intriguing and interesting besides Yalda’s character adds its own spice to the story. The twins’ parents manage to open a restaurant in Virginia that runs seemingly well, and the children too join them in their free time to assist. With good customer
care and serving quality food, the restaurant earns a good reputation. Overall, we find a happy family working hard to educate their children and were also liberal enough to let their son Yousuf to follow up his interest and passion for music while simultaneously holding on to their cultural values. The frequent use of ‘Dari’ at home (the native language of Afghanistan ) is indicative of families attachment to the origins.Unfortunately, an incident that occurred at an event where their son’s comments, who was a part of a musical band changes the entire situation upside down for the family. Replying to critical comments made by his fellow competitor,Larsen earlier,Yousuf’s response turns out to be hurtful to the crowd present at the event. They were taken aback and shocked at the sudden turn of events and started backlashing Yousuf for the derogatory remarks which they felt as against their beliefs and sentiments. The entire family faces the public ire with feelings of retaliation from people affecting their long-earned goodwill with marginalised footfalls at their restaurant.Above all, the incident leads to a mysterious fall of Yousuf from a building where he gets severely hurt and goes into a coma. Though the book is not about racial discrimination but echoes a sense of bottled-up fear of teenaged offspring of immigrants. A book meant for YA, book lovers that comes with an extraordinary narration through its characters.
NB: I accidentally picked up the book with the shocking news of people climbing on the rooftop of a plane to escape from the Taliban to save themselves and lost their lives during the US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and which was still fresh in my mind however, I enjoyed reading it

[Carol Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different story

At first I thought this was a book written for young people but it turned out that it was a story about all those who feel separate because of their age, family background or sexuality and understanding loss.

[Devika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spilled Ink is the newest book by Nadia Hashimi. This is a book I choose to read because of the cover. It is mysterious but also really pretty. What will this book have in store for it's readers?

The book starts of right away. I felt like there was little time to get to know Yalda and Yusuf in the beginning and was hoping I would get to know better throughout the story. However this wasn't the case.
I do see a lot of potential in this book, however I feel because of the lack of details it just couldn't reach it's potential. Nadia Hashimi does have a nice writing style, making this book a rather easy read.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t realize this was YA (my fault, didn’t look the book up). But I’m sure it would be well liked by my adolescent self. Ideal for teens who may not be that familiar with immigration!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia Hashimi’s latest Young Adult novel, Spilled Ink, may be fiction, but it will open eyes to deep-seated social issues within contemporary society. Featuring teenage banter, school life, and a fictional social media platform called Pick-Up, it caters to youth, but its suspenseful plot, social issues, and important message can also be read by adults.

Hashimi sets the opening scene in the Jamali home as two high school seniors, the twins Yalda and Yusuf, prepare for school, fight over the bathroom, and rush to meet Yusuf’s friend Keith, a close neighbor, for their walk to school. Brief mentions of the twins’ pranks, of the family’s loss of Yalda and Yusuf’s cousin Rahim, and of “PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD” signs cropping up in local yards all hint at trouble to come.

Outgoing, charismatic Yusuf, a guitarist and songwriter, along with band members Liam and Chris, are scheduled to compete in a battle of the bands at Wherehouse, a local nightspot adjacent to a bar. Introverted, artistic Yalda and Yusuf’s friend Keith decide to attend together. Keith’s brother—a veteran of the war in Afghanistan--and Yalda’s two best friends tag along, the Muslim students concealing from disapproving parents where they have gone. When a member of the band preceding Yusuf’s, makes derogatory remarks about immigrants as Yusef’s band listens in the wings, Yusef cannot resist responding once his band has taken the stage. His words set off a firestorm that spreads overnight on social media, adversely impacting Yusuf and his family. Tensions escalate from there.
As readers follow the impending tragedy and watch family, community, and police deal with it, they also learn what happened to Yalda and Yusuf’s cousin Rahim.

Hashimi draws upon her professional and personal background as pediatrician and daughter of Afghan immigrants as well as on that of her husband, a neurosurgeon and Afghan refugee. Having also worked with Operation Allies Welcome, which has aided recent refugees who helped American troops during the war in Afghanistan, Hashimi knows her novel’s subject matter, including opposition to Afghan and other Muslim immigrants and refugees and the difficulties of cultural assimilation.

The book’s epigraph comes from the 14th-century poet Hafez: “What we speak becomes the house we live in.” Few ideas could be more central to Spilled Ink. The more our young people come to understand this message, the more hope we have for peace and understanding.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advance reader egalley of this highly recommended YA novel.

[Shikha S. Lamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

No stranger to complex and challenging themes, Nadia Hashimi has weaved together a story around racism, intolerance, Islamophobia and dual identity with Afghan-American twins Yalda and Yusuf at the centre of her new #yanovel, Spilled Ink.
Her protagonists are your average teenagers growing up in a suburban Virginia town that has seen a recent influx of Afghan refugees. When Yusuf takes a joke around religion too far (at least for the white folks in that town), the twins find themselves in the middle of a huge controversy that almost destroys their family.
The story builds slowly, giving readers an insight into the lives of the protagonists. I could relate to so many things in this book—sometimes identifying with Yalda (she also reminds me of my daughter) and many times identifying with Yalda's mother. Indian and Afghan cultures are similar in many ways.
Focusing also on the importance of community - especially a community united by humanity and friendship, the novel highlights how easy it is to misunderstand people and situations - how easily one can be misunderstood if one doesn't belong to the dominant culture/religion of a particular place, and how sometimes people we least expect are our best allies.
"Spilled Ink" comes out during a time that has seen Afghanistan back into the hands of the Taliban for almost three years now. It exists in a world where millions of Afghan girls are being denied their fundamental human rights. It comes during a time when many countries have seen an influx of Afghan refugees, which is why stories like Spilled Ink are even more necessary and relevant in bookstores and libraries and in the hands of people. The lives and experiences of Afghan refugees and immigrants have had little representation in mainstream publishing. I am thrilled for those who will pick up a copy of Spilled Ink and find a glimpse of their experiences.

A few questions that came up in my mind while reading the books –
Was Yusuf right in standing up for racism in the manner in which he did?
At what personal cost should one stand up for what's right?
(This one is very relevant right now and probably always has been).

Nadia started writing this book just before the Taliban takeover in 2021. Since then, she has been heavily involved with Afghan refugees, helping with resettlement and much more. She is a very vocal and sought-after advocate for Afghan women's rights, sitting on the boards of various schools and organizations. There is so much she does and continues to do. To write and publish a book under these circumstances—that alone should tell you how important stories like this one are.
I'll end by saying I will read anything Nadia Hashimi writes, whether a book or a grocery list, and that's for a very good reason. For now, it's back to square one, where I will sit and wait patiently for her next release.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poignant tale of a teenage Afghan American navigating her identity, fighting against racism and ignorance and for refugees, and dealing with issues that hit close to home, especially a hate crime committed against her twin brother (side note: she and he are both different kind of artists. And Yalda is named after a holiday I didn't previously know about, which is also cool!)

It's interesting, because the start of this book feels like a vivid illustration of her life and all of the characters' profiles, with anecdotes, humour, and a hint at possible romance. In fact, it's hard to say for sure, of course, but I feel like I'd probably listen to Hipper Campus were they real!

But then, as life --- and people making bad choices --- will do to us all sometimes, Yalda gets thrown into an impossibly difficult scenario straight out of her nightmares, complete with a mystery, what-ifs and regrets, and even dealing with things like people's misconceptions about teenagers in general.

Yalda has to go from what seemed to me like an in-depth observer and a peacemaker in her family to not only someone who needs a lot of support --- from her best friends, her community, and other people in her life --- but someone who has to determine how to stand up to all the hateful voices all around the world, realizing that there is not really such a thing as attracting the "right" kind of attention.

It's a very good and poignant book! I would definitely recommend Nadia Hashimi.

One of my favorite quotes from this book:
"Chris...reminds me of the people who stick around at the airport after they drop off a mom or brother to watch the plane take off. He has that look always --- a permanent state of missing someone."

[Zhelana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't one of my favorite books, which is a shame because Nadia Hashimi has long been one of my favorite authors. I think we spent too much time waiting for anything to happen while we were in a hospital room. And I get that a lot of healing is like that especially from such a severe injury, but honestly it was just too much. Either more had to happen with Yalda or less time had to be spent in the hospital. I mean I know that a lot of life goes on hold when a loved one is in the hospital, but I don't think it makes a good story. So basically I don't know. I really liked the part of this book while they were running around being teenagers together and I really liked the part of this book after Yusuf was taken off the vent, but the middle part really lagged. I would have liked to see more of Chris after the climax and how he goes about reintegrating with his friends, and I just don't know. There was this whole prolongued middle and then the end just rushed through itself. I guess what I'm trying to say is this book suffers from some major pacing problems. I still really enjoyed it, but maybe less than I have enjoyed previous books from this author

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia Hashami is a very gifted author- I have loved her few books and this one is no exception. It is an incredible read- for both young and old adults. It is a story of 'what-ifs', love, intolerance AND tolerance of others that are different that 'you', hate... and very important, perspectives and how that affect how we each deal with others. We have the ability to decide to see the world through another person's eyes thereby changing our own attitude and how we treat that person. This book is powerful- a story about people from Afghanistan and how they are treated in the USA- racism and preconceived notions just because of where they come from. It is a very sad story of how one family's life changed in an instant because of a hate crime-
I cannot recommend this book enough as well as other books this author has written. She offers a lot of thought provoking. Her books are as powerful those written by Jodi Piccoult. I read every word on every page and in return, got many takeaways, or 'nuggets' as I call them, from this terrific read. Well done!

[Natalie Coyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, and I'm ashamed to admit this, I was a bit hesitant to read this book. I loved all of Nadia Hashimi's adult fiction (three 5 stars and one 4 star), and I do tend to enjoy a good amount of YA, but for some reason, I felt scared (?) to read Nadia Hashimi's YA novel. I'm not even sure that I can come up with a good reason for why. But I am really glad that I pushed all of that reluctance aside and pick up this book.

Although it didn't evoke in me all of the same amount of emotions that her adult fiction evoked, it still did evoke a good amount of emotions and was very well written. I felt deeply connected to the characters while reading it, and I feel that the story itself was very important. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 just because I felt like I was missing some emotion in the writing, but it was still really great and I'm glad I read it. I'd definitely recommend it to others.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reps: Afghani, 1st generation American, immigrant, straight
TW: hate speech, hate crimes/violence, bullying, dog whistle politics, social media bullying

This book starts slower establishing the setting (a town divided over its acceptance for/hatred of Afghani refugees) and the MC's relationships with friends, a potential (white) love interest, her family, and other Afghani refugee families. Once Yalda's brother publicly and provocatively responds to hate speech, the book shifts to the dangers of xenophobia. Yusuf becomes the victim of a hate crime, and the latter half of the book revolves around Yalda's family finding a way to move forward and care for each other. Very real and hard-hitting, though teens might have difficulty getting into the meat of the story due to the slow start.

Rec for HS

[Gayle Cappelluti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spilled Ink is best classified as Young Adult Fiction, but I have loved every single work written by Nadia Hashimi, so I could not resist. She does not disappoint. Ever.
In Spilled Ink, I found many Similarities to Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh, in that the authors both tackle the crises of our day, ie. racism, bigotry, hate crimes, social media, layered by strong family values, courage and resilience, and friendship. I loved Spilled Ink and wish it were required reading for all our impressionable adolescents, particularly those surrounded by many of the adults I see portrayed in our news of the day, those filled with vitriol against immigrants, the constant need to other those different from their own narrow view of worthy, and constant hate speech.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Afghani American twins Yalda and Yusuf do typical teenage stuff, Yusuf is attacked after a night in which he's performing at a dive bar (that Yalda sneaks out to watch him perform at) where he draws negative attention on social media because of his response to racist remarks by the band before them. And the rest of the book is about the response and recovery for all involved.

It feels like that while the book has a social justice focus, there isn't much that actually happens in the story other than continually rehashing what happened and trying to recover. It plodded on and recycled the same content until the end which didn't bring anything substantive to the table in story, character, or situation.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nadia Hashimi is one of my favorite authors. However, this YA book just didn't deliver. There was no character development and the story seemed to meander rather than build and flow. I could feel that the book was written by Hashimi, but everything I typically love about her writing was missing. Thankfully, it was a fast read. The book is relevant to today and worthy of being read by young readers, but I just didn't see how it would keep a younger reader entertained enough to want to keep reading since it's really slow and meanders.

[Zainab Alsawadii · Rating 2 out of 5]

رُغم حبي لكتب ناديه هاشمي وتطلّعي الدائم لشراء كتبها اول بأول الا انها خيّبت ظني بهذا الكتاب،كون الكتاب يتكلم عن جرائم الكراهيه هو شيء مُهم ولم تسلط عليه ناديه الضوء من قبل في كتبها،الا اني وجدت اضافه شخصيه مثليه الجنسيه ولو بشكل عابر امر غير موفق خصوصًا لكوننا مُسلمين ،اضافه الى حبكه القصّه التي جعلت من شخصيه غير مُسلط عليها الضوء تظهر من اللامكان لتكون سبب الجريمه حيثُ شعرت بأن ناديه وجدت طريقًا مسدودًا وارادت ان تكون الشخصيه مُفاجئه للقارئ ولكِن الامر لم يكن موفقًا وبدا ان الكتاب كُتب على عجله لتظهر الحبكه بهذا الشكل المُتسرع

[Rachel Tellez · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA book of one of my favorite authors. As the author has said, the book is unfortunately all too relevant to current events and the increasing hate, bias and intolerance in our world. She expertly captures the teenagers, their confusion, and their growth. looking forward to sharing with my teenagers. Highly recommend

[Staci Vought · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, rounded up. This was good, but could have been great. I liked having an inside view of their family, the racism seemed plausible & was so sad/frustrating….i just felt like the person responsible & the details of the attack were oddly brushed over and were not specified. That may have been intentional to focus on other aspects of the story, but it took me out of it and didn’t work for me.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3

First Sentence: Even with my comforter pulled over my head, I hear the tap, the pause, the two quick taps, and one final tap.

Spilled Ink is the story of racism in the States. I love Hashimi's books; the characters are developed, relationships are dynamic, and culture is central to every story. Perhaps because it's written for young adults, she skipped over what seemed like vital parts of the resolution. I would have liked more, but I will continue to read her novels.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how or when this one came across my radar, but it's been languishing on my TBR pile for a while. I read it in a single night with zero regrets.

Very staunchly situated in the YA zone, this book tackled some tough issues with a gentle hand. I'd even classify this as young YA- 12 yo, etc. Strong family dynamic, fairly shocking plot twist, macro- and micro-aggressions abound.

[Sakinah Al Taleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quiet sow read
Was not one of my favorites for sure
I felt boredom to some extent
Didn’t feel the usual depth in the writing style in her other books

كتاب سهل سلس بس نوعا ما بطيء بالاحداث
مو افضل كتبها أبدا
حسيت القصه مو بالعمق المعهود من نادية
صحيح انها موجهه لليافعين
بس ماكانت بقوة اصداراتها اللي قريتها لها قبل

[John Klein-Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book begins with promise. The conflict is relevant, the characters are engaging, and the topic is worthy for young adults to contemplate. But then the plot wanders off and succumbs to an easy resolution. There was so much potential to dive further into societal and cultural issues.

[༻✮zoha]

nadia hashimi ily i will be reading