The Thread That Connects Us

by Ayaan Mohamud

A story of shared blood and bad blood, endings and beginnings

Safiya has struggled to pick up the pieces of her family since her dad left them and moved to Somalia. She refuses to trust in love, despite wishing she could fall for boy-next-door Yusuf... And then her dad moves back to town with his new family, shattering her life all over again.

Halima doesn't want to move to England. She resents her stepdad for dropping her in a strange new life with a new language to learn - replacing her friends with bullies who set out to shame her.

When the girls are thrown together at school, it's hate at first sight. But as they uncover life-changing secrets from their parents' past, they begin to realize...What if the key to all their problems lies in their sisterhood?

Genres: Young Adult, Muslims, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2024

About the author

Ayaan Mohamud wrote her first ever book in lockdown and during NaNoWriMo, while also studying as a medical student, and it became her debut novel. It was inspired by her own experiences of Islamophobia and a desire to write about Somali culture which she hopes to shine more of a light on in YA. She lives in London and can usually be found either writing or complaining about writing. When she isn't doing either of those things, you may find her simply annoying her sisters or daydreaming.

Reviews

[saffiyah✧ఌ · Rating 4 out of 5]

plot: "safiya has struggled to pick up the pieces of her family since her dad left them and moved to somalia. she refuses to trust in love, despite wishing she could fall for boy-next-door yusuf... And then her dad moves back to town with his new family, shattering her life all over again.

halima doesn't want to move to england. she resents her stepdad for dropping her in a strange new life with a new language to learn - replacing her friends with bullies who set out to shame her.

when the girls are thrown together at school, it's hate at first sight. but as they uncover life-changing secrets from their parents' past, they begin to realize...what if the key to all their problems lies in their sisterhood?"

this is such a profound story into the interconnected lives of two girls, who despite coming from very different backgrounds, are still tied to together by the bonds of sisterhood, and as it deals with the themes of bullying, family drama, lies and secrets, it is such a heartfelt story.

safiya was such a strong mc, i loved how her struggles were depicted in such a raw and honest way. although i didn't connect to her as strongly as i did to safiya, halima was still an amazing character and her depictions of somalia were beautiful.

this was a wonderful story and i will definitely be checking out the author's previous book sometime soon.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <3


꒰ 💐 ⊹˚. ෆ pre review:

tears were shed. rtc


꒰ 🧸 ⊹˚. tbr review:

“a story of shared blood and bad blood, endings and beginnings” - i have a feeling i'll be crying the whole way through this book

[Yusra ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating is based on vibes and vibes only but damnnnn the vibes were amazing

[Amreen E · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I kind of worked out the family dynamics quite early on. However, it was still enjoyable.

I enjoyed reading about somali culture and Somalia.

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ayaan Mohamud's first book, "You Think You Know Me" was a powerful, intense narrative dealing with racism and Islamophobia. Her second book is about family and complicated relationships - and I'm glad she chose different themes to explore in this story.

Two girls, one in Somalia and one in London, find their lives thrown together in a way both unexpected and unwelcomed. Halima and Safiya need to dig past secrets and buried lies to discover what - if anything - they mean to each other.

I was absolutely hooked on the plot, though I have to admit that I think the strength of prose is weaker than in her first book. There were also a few places where I felt like the story wasn't as fully developed as it could/ should have been, falling a little flat, and I would have also liked to see a more developed conclusion.

But!!! THE PLOT TWIST OMG!! Absolutely had me on the edge of my seat, and I DEVOURED the second half voraciously.

This was definitely a very unique story and I love that it's super original! Also - the Islamic rep was fantastic - seamlessly woven in with meaningful references to salah and dua, in a way that was relevant to the characters.

What absolutely shines in this book is how TRULY authentic and own voices it is - zero time spent pandering or explaining to a Western audience, and simply telling the story in all its realness and complexity. I LOVE that we are getting a Somali story that isn't watered down.

Ayaan's writing is fantastic, and I want more books, stat!!

4.75/5 🌟

#bookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #MuslimBookstagramAwards #MyMuslimShelfSpace #OwnVoices #weneeddiversebooks #diversereads #diversebooks #bookreview #YAfiction #MuslimYA #Somalifiction #books #bookish

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this in the morning, ended up not being able to put it down and finishing it in a day - it was just stunning.
Safiya's dad up and left her and her mum and moved to Somalia, starting a whole new family - until one day, news comes that he will be moving his family right back to Safiya's town. Halima's family is being uprooted from Somalia to a whole new country, because of her stepdad, and much to her disgust - this is where the two girls stories collide.
It was so interesting to read their two perspectives and see their views on each other, and their step/dad and how be had impacted both their lives. I was particularly interested in Halima and how she dealt with moving to a new country - the culture shock, the language barrier and the prejudice, which was difficult to read.
ISafiya's friend group was brilliant- Muna was a personal highlight, so smart and fiercely loyal.
I loved seeing the two girls' interactions - their instincts were to hate each other, but compassion came more naturally to both of them. Seeing their two stories intertwine was fascinating, as we discovered more about their families individually, their respective relationships with their mothers, and that perhaps not everything was as it seemed at first glance. I loved working out what had happened along with them, although I didn't fully guess the whole story myself until it was spelt out.
A beautiful novel that I have genuinely learnt something from. I have not read Ayaan's debut, but will definitely be prioritising it now!
Perfect for fans of Clap When You Land!

[Claneessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!! Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down, it was so addictive and that was exactly what I needed.

I really enjoyed exploring the family dynamic, wondering what was gonna happen, going from Safiya’s pov to Halima’s, reading about Somalia and somali culture…
The relationship between the two girls is very well developed and I loved how they went from hate to friendship in such a natural way.
I loved following Halima’s journey in her new country with the difficulties she encounters and how she overcomes every struggle she faces.
I was so touched by Safiya’s pain and impressed her courage and strength.

If you love books with drama, family mysteries, friendships, muslim representation and a little bit of romance, this book is for you 🫶🏼

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the lives of two girls connected by one man. I loved how the story unfolded. I enjoyed the relationship between Safiya and Halima. The friendship between Muna and Safiya was refreshing.

I wish I saw more of how the relationship between the two families changed after the climax given how complex their story was. Nevertheless this was a good read.

[Salima || salimateez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really good! I really enjoyed the story, the way we explored each girl's parallel lives and how those began to interact, learning how much more connected they were than they originally thought. I loved the way each had their own support system and how they were both experiencing betrayal from the same people in their lives but dealing with it differently- how that played out in their relationship with each other. I wasn't the biggest fan of the dialogue, the slang was outdated and didn't feel natural. That was a bit of a bother for me, I'm not the biggest fan of slang in books, but I also get why it was done and can't fault the choice too much, it's just a personal preference. I really liked how the cultural details were not explained to me but integrated into the story so that someone unfamiliar with the culture could understand it well enough but not like it was over explaining or teaching the reader as opposed to telling the story. Speaking of, I loved how she spoke of Somalia, the love and warmth she poured into Halima's POV whenever she thought back on it- I love that she could be that connection for Safiya too, telling her about it and answering her questions.
Overall, it was really good. it handled big emotions very well and I think captured the turmoil and internal back and forth of growing up too fast and without the proper support systems. These characters carried a lot but they still chose kindness and love and they were trying their best and it was really just a joy to read their developments across the story.

Thank you Usborne & Netgalley for this e-arc <3

[Juwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🥲

What a rollercoaster ride this book was! Didn’t think I would finish it so quickly but it was one of those that kept me up way past my bedtime!

I loved the duel narrations as we got to see Safiya’s POV and Halima’s POV.

The secrets and lies kept me guessing but glad they discovered the truth eventually.

Yusuf…oh Yusuf…idk if I can forgive you for what you did 😭😭😭 I was rooting for you…we were ALL rooting for you!!! Hmmm conflicted 😭😭😭

Loved Safiya and Halima and my fave character was defo Muna! Girl always came through!

I loved the banter and how raw this book was…it wasn’t an easy read especially how Safiya had to take care of her mum when she should have been taking care of her 😔😔😔💔💔💔

Abti Haroon defo should have had more page time! I would have liked to have known him and Khadija more!

I think the end felt a bit abrupt…I would have liked to have seen the family come together and for Safiya to get to know her brothers!!!

It defo was a rollercoaster of a ride and I’m only giving it 4.5 coz of Yusuf and what he did!!! Which is totally UNACCEPTABLE AND HORRIBLE even if he did try to make up for it but idk…I was so disappointed in him 😤😤😤

Overall, an excellent second book and I can’t wait to see what Ayaan writes next!


My fave LOL moment was referring to Muna as the No1 Ladies Detective Agency 🤣🤣🤣👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

And the acknowledgments made me cry as she quoted Refaat Alareer the Palestinian writer and poet who was killed by Israel 💔💔💔

Looking forward to seeing what the students think of this book but as always so happy to have a British YA Somali book with excellent Muslim representation!

We need more books by and about Muslim characters and so glad Ayaan Mohamud is here to give us that!

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was so good but I was busy creating characters on this ai app called Talkie so I haven’t been able to fully focus on the story but I really loved our two main characters and the drama the family went through I think I’m going to consider myself reading the first book since I adore the writing work and even better it feels personal because the book was signed by her so I really devoted myself into her characters very well

[Galtou Salima · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thread That Connects Us” by Ayaan Mohamud is the first book I’ve read from this author.
Ayaan Mohamud is a Somali writer living in London.
I picked up her book after she won the Muslim Book Award 2024 (Best Muslim YA/Adult Book).

I was ecstatic to finally read a book about Somali characters from a Somali female author. I loved every bit of it. The Somali characters, the Somali sentences, mentioning of the Somali Cuisine and the mentioning of their Islamic Identity more often than once.
I have a few Somali friends so the book was very familiar to me and I cannot wait to read more!
The only thing I liked a bit less was that I knew very early on the plot of the story. It might have been intended by the author, but it made me struggle through some chapters in the middle.
Nonetheless, we need more Somali authors telling their authentic stories. Ayaan has a beautiful pen and I hope she continues with these much-needed stories that shed lights in our communities.

One of the main characters is Safiya. Safiya’s parents are divorced and the story is the aftermath of this painful experience in her life. After her father decides to move back to London after five years in Somalia with his new family including his wife’s oldest daughter Halima (from a previous marriage). Safiya feels like her life is falling apart and she does everything in her power to keep her mother and herself faraway from them…

[Donnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars 😞
Pretty mediocre

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique and fresh Muslim YA story, with beautiful Somali rep, and a story that felt so real, I wanted to reach in and hug these two girls🩷

[Charlotte Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 23% because it got very repetitive and i wasnt connecting with either of the two girls. One was moody and antagonistic and one was moody and impulsive and constantly reading that was a drain on my sanity. I wanted to know about the love story at the story but it was taking too long to get there

[Lorna Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FANTASTIC! It’s my first book by Ayaan and now I definitely want to read more of her work. The Thread That Connects Us was full of drama, revelations and deep family bonds. The characters were so well-penned and I felt myself rooting for each one of them (apart from Kyle, Kyle can get in the bin).

Highly recommend this one! Thank you to Usborne YA and Netgalley for my gifted e-book. 🫶 (ad/gifted)

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

At just over 400 pages this book expertly blends the stresses of school, bullies, and friends in the UK with the twists and secrets of broken families, shattered hearts, and a past that needs to be reckoned with.  Told in dual perspectives from girls thrown together by the actions of their parents, Safiya and Halima maintain distinct voices that are rich with Somali culture, Islam, vulnerability, and ultimately love and hope.  The book is YA, but the premise is a bit mature and is better suited to older teens in my opinion, I think a high school book club would be wise to consider this book, as once you start reading, it is difficult to put the book down. 

SYNOPSIS:

Safiya is mature beyond her years.  Since her father abandoned her and her mother five years prior, she has managed the bills, the upkeep of the home, and for the most part her grades. Hooyo checked out and is rarely more than a silent being curled up unable to care for herself, much less her daughter.  With the the help from the community, particularly her best friends and neighbors Muna and Yusuf, Safiya has a found family that helps her weather the tough times.  When her dad moves back to London with his new family from Somalia, Safiya is forced to deal with not only all the painful memories of her past, but also the very real presence of her family living in her neighborhood, showing up to Eid prayers, and taking over the safe haven that school has often served as when home life has been so cold and lonely.

Halima's father died when she was young, and life with her Hooyo in Mogadishu was good until her mother remarried, Safiya's dad.  Her two younger half brothers that came further added to the rift between her and her mother, and now that they are moving to England with the husband, despite her protests, has her plotting a way to return to her home.  The language, the culture, the weather, are all added stresses to finding her way, and are compounded when she gets paired up to have Safiya show her around and help translate for her in school.  

The two girls hate each other, at least they have that in common, but their inability to avoid each other forces them to interact more than either wish to do.  As questions, and secrets are voiced, the two girls realize that they might have to work together to get what they want, and figure out their past.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I really enjoyed the owning of the characters' language and culture and faith and how easy it was to be invested in their world.  Nothing pulls you out of the story, it is rich and lush and the reader can figure out why even though there is a crush, nothing is going to happen, and why they are wearing hijabs, and waking up to pray fajr, the balance is both inviting and educating, without the reader even realize it is happening, because hello, we are to busy trying to figure out what these two girls' parents have done. 

The story has layers, and the emotional attachment I feel to both these girls, made me glad the story was over, they deserve some peace, but also desperate to know that they are going to be ok in the future too.  I can't say too much without the risk of spoiling, but the writing is strong, the plot solid, the details intentional and relatable, and the characters very real.

FLAGS:

Lying, bullying, fighting, assault, crush, drug use, arrest, accusation, gossip, abandonment, relationships, edibles, affairs.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This would be such a great upper high school read, the way the story unfolds will keep readers hooked from the first page and motivate those that start, to finish.  Students will see themselves in the characters, and be sleuths themselves trying to uncover what secrets are true and how do the pieces of the puzzle fit together

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing 'blended' cultural family story.

This was a fascinating, compelling storyline with a two-hander narration that worked brilliantly.

In England, Safiya has been coping with her mum's depression since their father left when she was a child. With studies to maintain and food to buy, her good friends prop her up and help her keep her Somali heritage from making her a target for bullies. With her best friend's cousin clearly in love with her, Safiya is also keeping her wounded heart from being hurt again.

Though her deep wound is reopened when she and her mother learn that Safiya's father is returning from Somali with his new wife, children and stepdaughter to start again in their neighbourhood. And Halima, her father's stepdaughter is just as heartsore leaving her life and friends behind and being forced to a new country and school and near the family 'the husband' had left.

When these two teenage girls are forced together, neither is prepared to be anything other any enemies. Their connection and the pain in their families is seen from both sides as both wrestle with long-standing family pain, all stemming from the same man.

This book details the process by which Safiya and Halima delve into their family histories and begin to see each other as more than just a name/face worthy of hate.

I loved the narrative arc here and the girls' dawning understanding of their histories and commonalities. There is a superb supporting cast of best friends and moments for their parents to put forward their stories that enlightens readers. Seeing the Somali culture (and others, as represented by Safiya's friends/neighbours) was also welcome and enlightening.

A great story, with a lot of emotion and well plotted.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[auteaandtales · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thread That Connects Us’ follows two teenage Somalian girls, Safiya and Halima, who are brought together by the same man and who have a complex relationship because of it.

Through Safiya, we walk with her as she navigates how challenging it can be to care for a parent who struggles with their mental health and how she, as a result, has to grow up faster than she wants to. While this is happening, her dad comes back into town, bringing with him the family he left them for.

Through Halima, we navigate the difficulties of being an immigrant in a hostile environment, with a family situation you did not ask for, and all the isolation and loneliness that can come with that.

The girls are thrown together, against their will, but they start to warm to each other when they realise their family are hiding secrets and there’s more to both their stories than either of them know.

This was a beautiful story, told in a heartwarming way, while still through the lens of teenage girls preparing for their GCSE exams and planning for their future. I loved how easily it was for them to fall into compassion for one another instead of growing into their hate, and I think perfect for fans of Clap When You Land, with similar themes of sisterhood and female friendships.

I’ve already added Mohamud’s previous work to my TBR 👀

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book AMAZING. I loved the family dynamic the Somali phrases and everything. I love both girls so much in different ways. Honestly being Somali I’ve never read books written or had Somali character. It was refreshing and nostalgic in so way (I’m not sure how). I love the complexities between the family and how it’s not black and white and that not one primary villain but a lot hurt and pain. Also can I just say Somali love story I was shocked a bit cringed but in a good way hahaha. I don’t know reading about Somali people (as a Somali) in love seems so foreign especially young love and keeping halal as well. Also can I just this book had hooked from the moment I saw my home away from home Dimada Yaaqshid I WAS HOOKED.

I’ve been a reading slump for the past 1yr and half and this book pulled me right out it and made me renew my love for reading. Thank you so much Ayaan for writing such a beautiful story and can’t wait to read your next book. YOU OFFICIALLY ON MY FAVOURITE AUTHOR LIST.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the story of two ethnic Somali girls linked most unwillingly and unexpectedly by the decisions of the adults around them.

When Safia's father leaves his family in the UK to return to their country of origin, Somalia, the last thing she expects is for him to return to return to Britain with a new family, including his step daughter Halima.

The latter is desperate to return to the country she considers home, rather than living with her mother and stepfather in a country where she doesn't even speak the language.

The issues raised in this book are complex, which means that the book sometimes feels like less of an easy read than many others in the YA genre. But it has some important things to say, which do make it a worthwhile read. It gets 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a story about fractured families, school and friendship drama, sisterhood, bullying, and hidden secrets, this book is for you.

Halima is searching for a way to return to Somalia after her mother's husband relocates the family to England. Safiya is struggling to keep her household afloat and not break under the pressure. Both girls feel alone and unheard, and both feel betrayed by their blood.

I loved seeing the relationships develop, unravel, and reknit. Each connection is not quite what it seems on the surface, and I always felt like there were new secrets or problems being revealed. The family conflict is frustrating to watch, the racist taunts are horrible to witness, and the fears around love and trust are heartbreaking to confront - yet there is humour and joy steeped throughout the book as well making for a well balanced and inspiring read.

[dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read of Ayaan Mohamud and it is absolutely beautiful. The descriptions of somali culture effortlessly woven into the fabric of the story made it a pleasant read, I finished it within the day. Safiyah's abo not being as black and white as I originally suspected was so fascinating to read, I was set to despise him at the start but his reveal of his complex relationship with bothh Safiyah and Halima's hooyos caused me to sympathise for him.

One thing I wish we could've explored was Halima being able to go to abti haroon's funeral, I feel that conclusion would've tied the ending together in a satisfying manner.

[Raheel Shaharyar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely ya novel that isn't too cheesy and holds enough interest for both adults and teenagers.

The high school scenes are relatable and deal with bullying and drugs that kids face today.
I enjoyed learning about Somalia and its culture. I really appreciated how the author kept the language and didn't try to translate or dumb anything down for the reader. I also appreciate how Islam wasn't thrown in anybody's face. The characters in the book were Muslim and that was it. Again nothing was being dumbed down and explained to the reader to disturb the flow of the story. This was just who they were and their way of life and living.

[MISS RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I did find it hard to keep track of who was speaking at times (possibly exacerbated by reading on a kindle) but for a change I enjoyed the dual narrators.

I warmed to both girls and felt for them in different ways.

I think I'd anticipated the major twist sometime before it was really revealed but the scene on the football pitch really confused me until the truth was revealed in the next chapter - and I loved that!

Good for seeing how harmful secrets can be; helpful insight into what being a Muslim might look like day to day - even just in terms of referring to prayer times quite naturally; clear on how hard emigrating/immigrating can be.

I'm grateful to Usborne and NetGalley for the ARC and certainly intend to get this for my school library.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well written YA/ teen book from Ayaan Mohamud and another that I enjoyed and will recommend. The story spans two continents , two families and two teenage girls Safiya and Halima. Coming to England from Somalia for the first time Halima has a lot to deal with. Having lived her life in England Safiya has a lot to deal with. There are connections and secrets in both families. Beautiful story, Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for an early read.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I thought this was a solid YA novel discussing issues of divorce, abandonment, mental health and friendship within the context of two Somali teenagers and their families. While it was a little repetitive for me at times, you invested in the characters and wanted the story to resolve happily. I've not read a story like it, therefore it's a good addition to the YA canon. My actual rating for this would probably be a 3.5, but rounding up to a 4.

[kella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sagitta is struggling to look after her mum after her dad left while hanging out with her besties.
Halons moves to the uk leave by behind her best friend and abu, her mum has remarried and she doesn’t like him.
They both end up going to the same school where halons faces bullying the girls end up being very close and then they find out that they’re actually…. Half sisters
I think it was well written a bit dragged out at times but very enjoyable.

[Zainab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. It was interesting to get the dual POV and see how the girls viewed each other as well as the step/father. It was nice to learn about Somali culture and I liked the religious element. My main issue was the author trying to be relatable in the way that Safiya and her friends talked but it really made me cringe, especially in the first chapter from Safiya's POV.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how there is always a hint of sadness and dysfunction hidden behind the witty conversation between the characters, and vice versa. It is a rather long book but it provides a realistic portrayal of contemporary families.

[Milp · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read, full of anger, sadness and back stabbing. I loved how the book changed perspective every couple of chapters so we could see both sides of the story. Recommended to all.