What do you think?
Rate this book
Some Unspoken Thing
In the shadows of friendship, can love illuminate the way?
Maryam, a 16-year-old girl from Cape Town, has always been the quiet observer, content to let her vibrant best friend, Tauhier, take the spotlight. But when Fuad, the charismatic heartthrob of their friend group, begins to notice her, Maryam finds herself caught in a whirlwind of curiosity, fear, and excitement. Each interaction with Fuad feels like an insurmountable challenge—until Tauhier steps in to help.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cape Town, Maryam must navigate the complexities of first love, cultural expectations, and her own insecurities. As she grapples with her feelings, she must decide if she has the courage to let her heart lead the way, even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the light.
Maryam, a 16-year-old girl from Cape Town, has always been the quiet observer, content to let her vibrant best friend, Tauhier, take the spotlight. But when Fuad, the charismatic heartthrob of their friend group, begins to notice her, Maryam finds herself caught in a whirlwind of curiosity, fear, and excitement. Each interaction with Fuad feels like an insurmountable challenge—until Tauhier steps in to help.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cape Town, Maryam must navigate the complexities of first love, cultural expectations, and her own insecurities. As she grapples with her feelings, she must decide if she has the courage to let her heart lead the way, even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the light.
- GenresRomance
280 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this in its early stages. It was five stars then, I am sure after many revisions and edits, it’s a five star now.
Narker has managed to beautifully capture what it was like being a Muslim teenager falling in love in Cape Town. If you are a CT Muslim, or are friends/family with CR Muslims, the story will feel as though it’s being told by a friend about a friend. It’s all familiar and intimate. If you’re from outside of the community, it’ll feel like a holiday. You’ll be a tourist, experiencing new things and learning plenty.
The main characters are all very real, full and likable people — which is saying a lot for teenagers. We are lucky enough to see them grow as we edge into adulthood too.
I look forward to what comes next!
Narker has managed to beautifully capture what it was like being a Muslim teenager falling in love in Cape Town. If you are a CT Muslim, or are friends/family with CR Muslims, the story will feel as though it’s being told by a friend about a friend. It’s all familiar and intimate. If you’re from outside of the community, it’ll feel like a holiday. You’ll be a tourist, experiencing new things and learning plenty.
The main characters are all very real, full and likable people — which is saying a lot for teenagers. We are lucky enough to see them grow as we edge into adulthood too.
I look forward to what comes next!
September 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This book does young love or more like first loves well. The awkwardness and cuteness of it was all rolled into one & depicted. I must say I also really loved the muslim representation, the South African setting and the amazing cover/full wrap, 10/10 to the cover designer. So I did like the story but...
Hear me out okay so I wanted to love this book,trust me I genuinely did since it is written by a South African Muslim author.
Now I did enjoy it as mentioned above but I will say a certain aspect of it disappointed me personally... there was some misrepresentation towards a marginalized group of people especially during a certain time period & this sends an unfair message across. I don't wanna be mean or harmful so I will leave it at that. As a reader it is my "duty" to be honest with my reviews so I can't hide or not mention something that didn't sit well with me. I ask for your understanding and acceptance of my opinion. I could explain further but as mentioned I don't wanna offend. You could think I'm reaching but I cross checked with a friend and she had strong feelings about it too... (no hate intended to anyone btw)
That aside, it was a cute story, I will say I didn't think the 3rd act break-up was necessary but very glad they got a halaal HEA.
• Thanks Penguin YA for the readalong book box •
This book does young love or more like first loves well. The awkwardness and cuteness of it was all rolled into one & depicted. I must say I also really loved the muslim representation, the South African setting and the amazing cover/full wrap, 10/10 to the cover designer. So I did like the story but...
Hear me out okay so I wanted to love this book,trust me I genuinely did since it is written by a South African Muslim author.
Now I did enjoy it as mentioned above but I will say a certain aspect of it disappointed me personally... there was some misrepresentation towards a marginalized group of people especially during a certain time period & this sends an unfair message across. I don't wanna be mean or harmful so I will leave it at that. As a reader it is my "duty" to be honest with my reviews so I can't hide or not mention something that didn't sit well with me. I ask for your understanding and acceptance of my opinion. I could explain further but as mentioned I don't wanna offend. You could think I'm reaching but I cross checked with a friend and she had strong feelings about it too... (no hate intended to anyone btw)
That aside, it was a cute story, I will say I didn't think the 3rd act break-up was necessary but very glad they got a halaal HEA.
• Thanks Penguin YA for the readalong book box •
September 5, 2025
“I think I’ve been in love
What did it feel like?
Like I couldn’t breathe without them”
Doesn’t this line, just have you swooning?
We read Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker for the August Penguin YA Book Club pick and it was such a blast, taking us all straight back to high school. Set in Cape Town in the 90’s, we meet Maryam and her friends, the best of whom is Tauhier, who hints early on at wanting more than just friendship, something that had never crossed Maryam’s mind. She’s stunned when Fuad, one of the most popular boys in school asks her out on a date. The ensuing drama entertains as it warms your heart with the sweet moments between the characters.
The slang sets you firmly in South Africa and I love how heavier topics such as apartheid and discrimination based on which areas you came from, are tackled. The highlights of this for me, were without a doubt, the relationships that Maryam has with her brother Ilyaas who supports her unconditionally and her friend Gadija who is brutally honest when Maryam needs it.
Rushdiyah captured the essence of youth, uncertain and angsty. Maryam is surprisingly mature for her age and Tauhier is a sweetheart albeit still a frustrating boy. We had such a fun time on the Discord discussing the similarities and differences between different backgrounds while dating in school, and learning Cape Malay idioms. A quick and easy read, this story envelopes you like a warm hug, as a friend shares their story. I was delighted to find that this was loosely based on Rushdiyah’s real life love story with her childhood friend who later became her husband. My only disappointment was that I felt that we were given hints into Ilyaas’ past and then nothing really. It felt discordant with Maryam’s more mature side but I could understand being as young as she was, her pain could eclipse all else.
Pick this up for an immersive, authentic South African read that will have you smiling.
What did it feel like?
Like I couldn’t breathe without them”
Doesn’t this line, just have you swooning?
We read Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker for the August Penguin YA Book Club pick and it was such a blast, taking us all straight back to high school. Set in Cape Town in the 90’s, we meet Maryam and her friends, the best of whom is Tauhier, who hints early on at wanting more than just friendship, something that had never crossed Maryam’s mind. She’s stunned when Fuad, one of the most popular boys in school asks her out on a date. The ensuing drama entertains as it warms your heart with the sweet moments between the characters.
The slang sets you firmly in South Africa and I love how heavier topics such as apartheid and discrimination based on which areas you came from, are tackled. The highlights of this for me, were without a doubt, the relationships that Maryam has with her brother Ilyaas who supports her unconditionally and her friend Gadija who is brutally honest when Maryam needs it.
Rushdiyah captured the essence of youth, uncertain and angsty. Maryam is surprisingly mature for her age and Tauhier is a sweetheart albeit still a frustrating boy. We had such a fun time on the Discord discussing the similarities and differences between different backgrounds while dating in school, and learning Cape Malay idioms. A quick and easy read, this story envelopes you like a warm hug, as a friend shares their story. I was delighted to find that this was loosely based on Rushdiyah’s real life love story with her childhood friend who later became her husband. My only disappointment was that I felt that we were given hints into Ilyaas’ past and then nothing really. It felt discordant with Maryam’s more mature side but I could understand being as young as she was, her pain could eclipse all else.
Pick this up for an immersive, authentic South African read that will have you smiling.
September 18, 2025
This book was absolutely adorable — funny, wholesome, and full of heart. It felt less like reading a novel and more like sitting on the couch while a neighbor shared a juicy story over tea. I found myself completely drawn into Maryam’s world; her ups and downs felt so real, and honestly, this book was such a comforting read 🥹.
September 15, 2025
If you follow me on bookstagram (@fandomsandfiction_☕), you'll know how ECSTATIC I am about this book existing in the world.
As a Cape Malay Coloured Muslim Girl, I have never had the opportunity to read a book that speaks to the religious, cultural, gender AND geographic aspects of my identity... until now. Rushdiyah took all the love and hope and dreams of a young Muslim girl in 1990s Cape Town and put it into this book. And my inner teen soared.
Despite being set between the tail-end of Apartheid and the inception of South Africa's (highly debatable) democracy, Some Unspoken Thing is not a book about race or political struggle. It is about the equally valid - and largely ignored - struggles of a very ordinary Muslim teen experiencing very ordinary Muslim teen things. Maryam may be living during a contentious sociopolitical period, but she, like many others of her time, was still LIVING. And that's what Apartheid and early democracy stories fail to tell.
Now, don't get me wrong. Our country has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed and oppression. And the stories of these devastating times need to be told.
But those are not the ONLY stories to be told.
Because even when the world is at its worst, life goes on.
And the lives of ordinary people are no less important than those of the heroes and activists who fought for freedom.
Sometimes all a girl needs is a swoon-worthy romance led by a main character that looks, talks, feels and thinks exactly like her. Sometimes all a girl needs is to feel giggly and giddy and anxious and angry and emo and smiley about a work of relatable fiction. Sometimes all a girl needs is authentic, homegrown representation. And that's what this book is for me and, without a doubt, so many others.
So shoutout to Rushdiyah Narker for sharing her story! Because her story represents the collective voice of so many silent others 💗
As a Cape Malay Coloured Muslim Girl, I have never had the opportunity to read a book that speaks to the religious, cultural, gender AND geographic aspects of my identity... until now. Rushdiyah took all the love and hope and dreams of a young Muslim girl in 1990s Cape Town and put it into this book. And my inner teen soared.
Despite being set between the tail-end of Apartheid and the inception of South Africa's (highly debatable) democracy, Some Unspoken Thing is not a book about race or political struggle. It is about the equally valid - and largely ignored - struggles of a very ordinary Muslim teen experiencing very ordinary Muslim teen things. Maryam may be living during a contentious sociopolitical period, but she, like many others of her time, was still LIVING. And that's what Apartheid and early democracy stories fail to tell.
Now, don't get me wrong. Our country has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed and oppression. And the stories of these devastating times need to be told.
But those are not the ONLY stories to be told.
Because even when the world is at its worst, life goes on.
And the lives of ordinary people are no less important than those of the heroes and activists who fought for freedom.
Sometimes all a girl needs is a swoon-worthy romance led by a main character that looks, talks, feels and thinks exactly like her. Sometimes all a girl needs is to feel giggly and giddy and anxious and angry and emo and smiley about a work of relatable fiction. Sometimes all a girl needs is authentic, homegrown representation. And that's what this book is for me and, without a doubt, so many others.
So shoutout to Rushdiyah Narker for sharing her story! Because her story represents the collective voice of so many silent others 💗
August 19, 2025
I was lucky enough to be part of the beta reading team of this book, and let me just say, that from the get go I knew it would be something AMAZING!
From the iconic settings that I could could picture, feel, and immerse myself in while reading, to the lovable main (and side) characters that had my heart. Being a Muslim girl who grew up in Cape Town, it was wonderful to read about Maryam's experience with dating, love, and friendship and something I could easily relate to.
Even if you're not Muslim, or from Cape Town, I think you will find it enjoyable and easy to love.
It had me laughing and even shouting at characters, which is a true testament to the authors writing.
And above all, seeing the representation, both on page and by the author themselves, standing ovation! We deserve more relatable Muslim love stories
From the iconic settings that I could could picture, feel, and immerse myself in while reading, to the lovable main (and side) characters that had my heart. Being a Muslim girl who grew up in Cape Town, it was wonderful to read about Maryam's experience with dating, love, and friendship and something I could easily relate to.
Even if you're not Muslim, or from Cape Town, I think you will find it enjoyable and easy to love.
It had me laughing and even shouting at characters, which is a true testament to the authors writing.
And above all, seeing the representation, both on page and by the author themselves, standing ovation! We deserve more relatable Muslim love stories
November 28, 2025
Some Unspoken Thing is such a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Steeped in 90s pop culture which is basically where all my core memories live and a time when I knew the lyrics to all the songs, this was a sweet coming of age love story.
Maryam is a shy awkward introvert and found myself relating so much to her. So when the popular boy Fuad takes an interest in her it has her all flustered, but luckily she has her best friend Tauhier giving her tips. This is more than just a teenage love story. It's told through the lens of a country breathing its first ragged post apartheid breaths, it deals with inter-racial relationships within our communities, the effects of poverty and upward mobility, friendship and of course love. It is all threaded seamlessly throughout the book. I loved the representation of the coloured Muslim community and the colloquialisms and I felt seen on the pages.
Maryam is a shy awkward introvert and found myself relating so much to her. So when the popular boy Fuad takes an interest in her it has her all flustered, but luckily she has her best friend Tauhier giving her tips. This is more than just a teenage love story. It's told through the lens of a country breathing its first ragged post apartheid breaths, it deals with inter-racial relationships within our communities, the effects of poverty and upward mobility, friendship and of course love. It is all threaded seamlessly throughout the book. I loved the representation of the coloured Muslim community and the colloquialisms and I felt seen on the pages.
December 31, 2025
I've journeyd with Maryam, a young girl as she's becoming.
It's a story of friendship, family and faith and all the changes a typical teenager would navigate; and the one change that stood out is her love journey.
I loved that this book is mentioning places that I've visited onces or twice even though I'm not from Cape Town.
I loved how Rushdiyah brought so much authenticity to the story with all the slang, culture of Cape Town, especially with regards to Maryam's faith as an Islamic girl.
This might be in the genre of YA fiction but I think it was written for all of us who were teenagers in the 90s 🤭. Thank you Rushdiyah for taking me on a nostalgic trip.
This book is cozy, it's light and it takes you on an educational journey of life of a girl growing up in Islam (growing up with our neighbors being Islamic, who's actually like family, I understood some😊).
It's a story of friendship, family and faith and all the changes a typical teenager would navigate; and the one change that stood out is her love journey.
I loved that this book is mentioning places that I've visited onces or twice even though I'm not from Cape Town.
I loved how Rushdiyah brought so much authenticity to the story with all the slang, culture of Cape Town, especially with regards to Maryam's faith as an Islamic girl.
This might be in the genre of YA fiction but I think it was written for all of us who were teenagers in the 90s 🤭. Thank you Rushdiyah for taking me on a nostalgic trip.
This book is cozy, it's light and it takes you on an educational journey of life of a girl growing up in Islam (growing up with our neighbors being Islamic, who's actually like family, I understood some😊).
January 15, 2026
Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker is freaking adorable!
A book where you squeal and gasp and sigh.
Maryam is so easy to love. Her friend group so easy to fall into rhythm with. It's so easy to understand why there would be swooning over Fuad and Tauhier.
This is just such a sweet, easy book to fall in love with!
I also just love the references and integration of the 90s, Cape Town and Muslim culture. It feels so vibrant and honest.
So many of these characters deserve their own spin offs which I think might be on the horizon and I cannot wait.
If you're looking for something wholesome and heartfelt, please read this! It's as sweet as you hope a first love should be.
A book where you squeal and gasp and sigh.
Maryam is so easy to love. Her friend group so easy to fall into rhythm with. It's so easy to understand why there would be swooning over Fuad and Tauhier.
This is just such a sweet, easy book to fall in love with!
I also just love the references and integration of the 90s, Cape Town and Muslim culture. It feels so vibrant and honest.
So many of these characters deserve their own spin offs which I think might be on the horizon and I cannot wait.
If you're looking for something wholesome and heartfelt, please read this! It's as sweet as you hope a first love should be.
February 2, 2026
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy a book about a 16 year old, but it is so well-written, I loved every single page. The emotions each character felt was palpable, the Cape Town slang was so fun to read, the chapters weren't too long and the pace of the book was perfect!
As a Muslim woman from Cape Town, I could identify with so much in this book and it feels wonderful to be represented in such a thoughtful and sensitive way.
This book had me giggling like a teenager (I am definitely no longer a teenager!), laughing out loud, and crying at some parts.
This is a definite 5 star read from me.
As a Muslim woman from Cape Town, I could identify with so much in this book and it feels wonderful to be represented in such a thoughtful and sensitive way.
This book had me giggling like a teenager (I am definitely no longer a teenager!), laughing out loud, and crying at some parts.
This is a definite 5 star read from me.
August 16, 2025
I'm always on the lookout for books that feature uniquely South African characters and Muslim characters that are written authentically, and this book ticked both those boxes. It was adorable, I binged the whole thing in 5 hours. Would definitely recommend it as a lighthearted weekend read. It sort of felt like watching a romcom.
The beginning could have been slightly more developed. But that's just a preference. I'd be more than excited to read all the authors' future works.
[ Thank you Penguin South Africa for this copy 🩷]
The beginning could have been slightly more developed. But that's just a preference. I'd be more than excited to read all the authors' future works.
[ Thank you Penguin South Africa for this copy 🩷]
May 20, 2026
This is my favourite book ever. I love the colloquialisms and familiar settings. This book contains so much emotion, effortless comfort, warmth and familiarity. The author describes the scenes and situations with such detail that you feel like you're in the book, as soon as you know it, you will fall in love with the characters and their seamless bonds. The character development and care for eachother is strong and distinct. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a soft romance, young adult story, especially to anyone from south africa.
November 7, 2025
Loved reading this even if only for the representation. I giggled in almost every chaper and I'm more of a dark romance mafia romance reader. Usually read romance books or other genres for a pallet cleanser. This one I looked forward to the giggles. Well done!
February 2, 2026
I don’t usually gravitate to YA, but read Rushdiyah’s work completely changed my mind. She writes such beautiful, funny and emotionally intelligent characters. I had the biggest smile on my face while reading this book. Looking forward to her future projects!
August 10, 2025
Canʼt wait to read a South African romance. 💞
September 29, 2025
Liked it but also gave me PTSD🥴❤️ I judged a book by it's cover and it was adorable 😂
December 5, 2025
I loved this book from the 1st page to the end. Brought back so many memories of younger years.made me feel giddy and like a youngster again
December 31, 2025
more of a 3.5 star
but super cute teen love story. it was so cool seeing capetonian culture!! I really enjoyed that. what an easy read
but super cute teen love story. it was so cool seeing capetonian culture!! I really enjoyed that. what an easy read
February 17, 2026
This was such a delight to read. A sweet friends to lovers romance filled with culture and magic.
March 14, 2026
This book is amazing I absolutely love it the way it’s not just English and based on a Muslim girl who speaks Afrikaans.
January 15, 2026
Sometimes you delve into a book without noticing you've fallen into a different timeline and you just enjoy the comfort of it all, this book had me sitting in the 90s reading about the ups and downs of teenage life, a book i've said before that I couldn't put down and written so lovely by Rushdiyah Narker this was a great readalong book with the penguin ya group, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 9, 2025
I had such a blast with this @penguinbooksyasa readalong for Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker.
This book is such a lovely coming-of-age story that represents the Muslim community in Cape Town, South Africa. I always love reading local stories because of how much I can relate to the setting and culture!
It had a really sweet storyline. Our FMC, Maryam, is such a relatable character in terms of how introverted she is and I really enjoyed that! The storyline has somewhat of a soft love triangle within a group of friends and I really liked Fuad and their relationship from the start, I felt like it was so sweet and I really didn't agree with Maryam's views on Fuad situation with his parents.
Tauhier on the other hand, I'm not sure I really liked him much at all. At some point I thought he was growing on me but the third act break up really solidified my dislike for him. I enjoyed him better as the best friend rather than the boyfriend. So I'm obviously 100% Team Fuad on this one (no one asked, I know 😂).
All in all, this was a fastpaced, easily relatable, enjoyable and funny young adult read with a beautiful message!
This book is such a lovely coming-of-age story that represents the Muslim community in Cape Town, South Africa. I always love reading local stories because of how much I can relate to the setting and culture!
It had a really sweet storyline. Our FMC, Maryam, is such a relatable character in terms of how introverted she is and I really enjoyed that! The storyline has somewhat of a soft love triangle within a group of friends and I really liked Fuad and their relationship from the start, I felt like it was so sweet and I really didn't agree with Maryam's views on Fuad situation with his parents.
Tauhier on the other hand, I'm not sure I really liked him much at all. At some point I thought he was growing on me but the third act break up really solidified my dislike for him. I enjoyed him better as the best friend rather than the boyfriend. So I'm obviously 100% Team Fuad on this one (no one asked, I know 😂).
All in all, this was a fastpaced, easily relatable, enjoyable and funny young adult read with a beautiful message!
March 5, 2026
Amateur writing at its best. Writing, in this day-and-age, should be authentic. Do not include Kaaps and Cape Slang for the sake of doing so. A lot of the language is at a disconnect and seems forced. Dialogue is atrocious too. Writer could benefit from free online classes.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews