What do you think?
Turbulence
This introspective tale charts the bumpy journey of a young Muslim woman navigating faith and feminism.
Aspiring documentary-maker Dunya Dawood had exciting plans for her career, until she fell in love. Pregnant and on a flight to New York a decade later, she is upgraded to business class and separated from her husband and son. Away, for once, from her life of domesticity in the Middle East, she reflects on the choices and relationships that led her down a trajectory she never meant to take. When a shocking discovery sends her into labour mid-air, Dunya is forced to make the most difficult decision of all.
How do you manage the precarious balance between culture, faith, ambition, family obligations and feminism? And what happens when you hit a little turbulence?
Aspiring documentary-maker Dunya Dawood had exciting plans for her career, until she fell in love. Pregnant and on a flight to New York a decade later, she is upgraded to business class and separated from her husband and son. Away, for once, from her life of domesticity in the Middle East, she reflects on the choices and relationships that led her down a trajectory she never meant to take. When a shocking discovery sends her into labour mid-air, Dunya is forced to make the most difficult decision of all.
How do you manage the precarious balance between culture, faith, ambition, family obligations and feminism? And what happens when you hit a little turbulence?
402 pages, Paperback
Published January 22, 2026
About the author
Hafsa Lodi
2 books48 followersHafsa Lodi is an American-Muslim journalist who has been covering fashion and culture in the Middle East for more than a decade. She has a BA in journalism from Ryerson University (Toronto) and an MA in Islamic law from SOAS, University of London. She writes frequently about the intersection of faith, fashion and feminism, and her work has appeared in The Independent, Refinery29, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, Vogue Arabia, Stylist, Glamour, The National, Luxury, Mojeh, Grazia Middle East, GQ Middle East, gal-dem and more.
Hafsa’s debut non-fiction book Modesty: A Fashion Paradox, commissioned and published by Neem Tree Press, launched at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. It explores the causes, controversies and key players of the global modest fashion movement from cultural, religious, political and feminist lenses. Harper’s Bazaar US called it “a well-researched and tender portrait of the politics and people behind a movement.”
Hafsa’s debut non-fiction book Modesty: A Fashion Paradox, commissioned and published by Neem Tree Press, launched at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. It explores the causes, controversies and key players of the global modest fashion movement from cultural, religious, political and feminist lenses. Harper’s Bazaar US called it “a well-researched and tender portrait of the politics and people behind a movement.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Who is Dunya? Is she a reflection of her ideals, as she would like to believe, or is she an embodiment of the choices she made along the way?
Dunya is jaded and cynical, and as her narrative reveals how she's lost herself to a sea of cultural and societal expectations, you can see why. But left alone with her thoughts on a long-haul flight, she remembers her ambitions as a progressive voice for change, and considers her own role in becoming a passive critic of a society she's reluctantly embraced.
This book is an excellent reminder not to hide who you are on the inside from the world. Hafsa Lodi's first foray into fiction is a deft exploration of how religion can be subverted by patriarchal structures, making it nigh-on impossible to reconcile with feminist ideals.
Dunya is jaded and cynical, and as her narrative reveals how she's lost herself to a sea of cultural and societal expectations, you can see why. But left alone with her thoughts on a long-haul flight, she remembers her ambitions as a progressive voice for change, and considers her own role in becoming a passive critic of a society she's reluctantly embraced.
This book is an excellent reminder not to hide who you are on the inside from the world. Hafsa Lodi's first foray into fiction is a deft exploration of how religion can be subverted by patriarchal structures, making it nigh-on impossible to reconcile with feminist ideals.
August 30, 2026
A stunning book with incredible characterisation. I was so invested that I ended up having a 5 hour reading session to finish it because I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I find that my favourite books capture humanness in a way that requires so much honesty from the author. The author has to be comfortable displaying the inner monologue of a character, which is often intrinsically linked to their own sense of self, including all the contradictions and uncomfortable thoughts that come with it. When an author is able to tap into this, what happens is magical for characterisation. As a reader, you feel like you deeply know the narrator of the story. This is exactly what this book achieves.
There are so many important conversations within these pages. I loved the exploration of faith and the challenging of stereotypes surrounding Muslim women. Whilst it should be glaringly obvious, from a Western viewpoint religion and patriarchy are so often conflated. Through the main character, this book confronts and shatters that stereotype, showing a woman whose faith is deeply important to her while also questioning the patriarchal expectations imposed upon her.
At the same time, the book explores the relationship between faith and materialism, showcasing how extreme wealth and the class system in the Middle East can undermine the teachings of religion. I found this such an important part of the book because it encourages us to stop conflating faith itself with the political, economic and societal constructs that surround it. The book is able to challenge the ways religion is practised and used without treating faith itself as the problem.
There is also so much here about our sense of self and how easy it is to lose ourselves within societal expectations, particularly when you are torn between cultures and feel as though you can never quite meet the expectations of any of them. It is also incredibly relatable on love and relationships, and how we can lose our sense of self within them. Often it happens so slowly that we don’t even realise how much of ourselves has slipped away.
I loved the empowerment of the narrator towards the end and, importantly, how that empowerment is steeped in faith and in her returning to her own individual relationship with her religion. Her empowerment doesn’t require her to reject her faith, but to separate it from expectations and social structures.
This is a strongly feminist novel that I will be recommending to all my female friends. Whether it is exploring societal pressures placed upon women, patriarchal expectations within religion, expectations of women as caregivers and partners, or expectations surrounding motherhood, this book has something beautiful and relatable to say about what it means to be a woman while still trying to retain a sense of yourself.
I find that my favourite books capture humanness in a way that requires so much honesty from the author. The author has to be comfortable displaying the inner monologue of a character, which is often intrinsically linked to their own sense of self, including all the contradictions and uncomfortable thoughts that come with it. When an author is able to tap into this, what happens is magical for characterisation. As a reader, you feel like you deeply know the narrator of the story. This is exactly what this book achieves.
There are so many important conversations within these pages. I loved the exploration of faith and the challenging of stereotypes surrounding Muslim women. Whilst it should be glaringly obvious, from a Western viewpoint religion and patriarchy are so often conflated. Through the main character, this book confronts and shatters that stereotype, showing a woman whose faith is deeply important to her while also questioning the patriarchal expectations imposed upon her.
At the same time, the book explores the relationship between faith and materialism, showcasing how extreme wealth and the class system in the Middle East can undermine the teachings of religion. I found this such an important part of the book because it encourages us to stop conflating faith itself with the political, economic and societal constructs that surround it. The book is able to challenge the ways religion is practised and used without treating faith itself as the problem.
There is also so much here about our sense of self and how easy it is to lose ourselves within societal expectations, particularly when you are torn between cultures and feel as though you can never quite meet the expectations of any of them. It is also incredibly relatable on love and relationships, and how we can lose our sense of self within them. Often it happens so slowly that we don’t even realise how much of ourselves has slipped away.
I loved the empowerment of the narrator towards the end and, importantly, how that empowerment is steeped in faith and in her returning to her own individual relationship with her religion. Her empowerment doesn’t require her to reject her faith, but to separate it from expectations and social structures.
This is a strongly feminist novel that I will be recommending to all my female friends. Whether it is exploring societal pressures placed upon women, patriarchal expectations within religion, expectations of women as caregivers and partners, or expectations surrounding motherhood, this book has something beautiful and relatable to say about what it means to be a woman while still trying to retain a sense of yourself.
August 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. What I really liked is how the author successfully managed the flashbacks throughout the plot, without losing the readers attention. Another point I loved is the character development of the main character seeing how she changed throughout the book was and following her own journey throughout the book made me realize how much we all change throughout life. I felt a close connection to the main character following her life before university and throughout her marriage and motherhood and moving abroad it was beautiful. Thank you for a nice piece of literature 📖
March 23, 2026
Turbulence is a story of a young, Muslim woman named Dunya who dreams of becoming a documentary-maker. She is however torn between society's expectations of a woman and her religion. Later, she grapples with her role as a mother and wife.
The story is set in the present with a pregnant Dunya on a flight to New York. During the journey she reminisces her life choices, and as she goes into labour she has to make the most difficult decision she's ever made.
Dunya is torn between religion, her feminist beliefs and her personal identity. Can they work together or will they clash?
As a Muslim mother and wife I don't think I've related more to a book as I have with Turbulence. Dunya is strong and charismatic- part of her reminds me of myself as a youngster. The various mentions of motherhood also had me nodding along in agreement.
Hafsa's style of writing is almost poetic. She connects to her audience with humour and honesty, and the book was a delight to read!
The story is set in the present with a pregnant Dunya on a flight to New York. During the journey she reminisces her life choices, and as she goes into labour she has to make the most difficult decision she's ever made.
Dunya is torn between religion, her feminist beliefs and her personal identity. Can they work together or will they clash?
As a Muslim mother and wife I don't think I've related more to a book as I have with Turbulence. Dunya is strong and charismatic- part of her reminds me of myself as a youngster. The various mentions of motherhood also had me nodding along in agreement.
Hafsa's style of writing is almost poetic. She connects to her audience with humour and honesty, and the book was a delight to read!
August 29, 2026
4* rounded up to 5* because we need more diverse stories like these.
I really enjoyed reading Dunya’s journey in Turbulence. Getting a peek into daily life in the Middle East and how this more luxurious lifestyle affected her goals, dreams and faith was interesting and eye-opening. It was also interesting to watch her slowly & easily fall into the gendered role she never thought she’d live - a helpful warning for younger women.
The writing style was a little different to what I’m used to and it took me a moment to adjust to what felt (to me) as leaning a little diary-like. But once I adjusted I was invested in Dunya’s journey. Would have loved more of a peek into her husband’s life but I understand that this story was about Dunya & her own journey. As a Muslim myself I appreciated reading about a character that felt close to home, whilst living a very different life to mine.
I really enjoyed reading Dunya’s journey in Turbulence. Getting a peek into daily life in the Middle East and how this more luxurious lifestyle affected her goals, dreams and faith was interesting and eye-opening. It was also interesting to watch her slowly & easily fall into the gendered role she never thought she’d live - a helpful warning for younger women.
The writing style was a little different to what I’m used to and it took me a moment to adjust to what felt (to me) as leaning a little diary-like. But once I adjusted I was invested in Dunya’s journey. Would have loved more of a peek into her husband’s life but I understand that this story was about Dunya & her own journey. As a Muslim myself I appreciated reading about a character that felt close to home, whilst living a very different life to mine.
February 17, 2026
Turbulence by Hafsa Lodi is a breeze to read, yet it carries meaningful and reflective challenges that linger long after the final page. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of womanhood, faith, identity, and family, offering perspectives that feel both intimate and deeply relatable.
What makes Turbulence especially compelling is how it navigates personal struggles alongside cultural and spiritual expectations without feeling heavy-handed. Instead, the story flows with emotional honesty and nuance, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs, relationships, and sense of self.
It’s hard to believe this is Hafsa Lodi’s debut novel. Her voice feels assured and authentic, and the storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
What makes Turbulence especially compelling is how it navigates personal struggles alongside cultural and spiritual expectations without feeling heavy-handed. Instead, the story flows with emotional honesty and nuance, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs, relationships, and sense of self.
It’s hard to believe this is Hafsa Lodi’s debut novel. Her voice feels assured and authentic, and the storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
May 10, 2026
A heartening debut by Hafsa Lodhi. Had previously only read articles by her, never a work of fiction.
A stunning portrayal of faith and feminism and what it means to truly choose a life that you are proud of. Her subtle prose led me to analyse many parts of faith that I previously just park because they have been taught to us in a certain patriarchal gaze never questioning much less challenging ‘the ways of the world.’
And that afterschool study group by Kiara, I would’ve loved to be a part of!
Readers looking to observe intersectional exploration of motherhood, womanhood and faith, this is a deeply intelligent read. I encourage you to pick it up.
A stunning portrayal of faith and feminism and what it means to truly choose a life that you are proud of. Her subtle prose led me to analyse many parts of faith that I previously just park because they have been taught to us in a certain patriarchal gaze never questioning much less challenging ‘the ways of the world.’
And that afterschool study group by Kiara, I would’ve loved to be a part of!
Readers looking to observe intersectional exploration of motherhood, womanhood and faith, this is a deeply intelligent read. I encourage you to pick it up.
June 26, 2026
As a Muslim woman on my own lifelong journey of deepening my connection with Islam, Turbulence felt warm, relatable, and deeply introspective. It invited me to reflect on my own relationship with faith, feminism, and what it means to be a woman navigating both in a complex world. Dunya's journey to the heart of Islam, and her struggles to reconcile the roles of daughter, friend, and, ultimately, mother, had me eagerly turning the pages, invested in every twist and turn. What I found significant is that the story serves a reminder that faith is rarely a straight path, but one that is messy, searching, and profoundly human. Turbulence felt like coming home.
February 22, 2026
I just finished Turbulence, and it truly lives up to its name.The book is an emotional, thought-provoking journey. Dunya is a refreshing and deeply relatable character, imperfect yet real, as she navigates identity, faith, motherhood, marriage, and life as an expat. Her growth reminds us that not everyone has clear answers, and that judging others’ choices is often easier from the outside. The story encourages empathy and patience with life’s difficult decisions.
August 12, 2026
I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it. The author’s storytelling style was mesmerising to say the least. In the handful of days it took me to read it, I felt like I truly experienced Dunya maturing emotionally and mentally from a teenager well into her 30’s with reflections of who she was slowly creeping into the different pockets of her journey.
Although, as a patriotic citizen, Dunya’s perception of my incredible city irritated me at times, I still could not bring myself to knock a single point off this book. The author manages to elevate everything to another level.
I was so thrilled to read that she is working on another book. I absolutely cannot wait!
Although, as a patriotic citizen, Dunya’s perception of my incredible city irritated me at times, I still could not bring myself to knock a single point off this book. The author manages to elevate everything to another level.
I was so thrilled to read that she is working on another book. I absolutely cannot wait!
February 17, 2026
The best book I’ve read in a long time. It’s beautifully layered yet flows effortlessly, and Dunya stays with you long after you’ve finished. I really love Hafsa’s writing style. Hafsa’s writing is confident and nuanced, particularly in her use of symbolism, never forced or obvious yet it lands deeply with the reader
April 20, 2026
I received this book as part of my monthly book subscription with Parho.
The story of Dunya is one that we can all relate to in some way shape of form and one I have highly recommend my daughter to read.
Navigating between culture, faith, losing yourself. Promised of one thing only for it to be only words.
Dunya isn’t just a character in a book she is us.
The story of Dunya is one that we can all relate to in some way shape of form and one I have highly recommend my daughter to read.
Navigating between culture, faith, losing yourself. Promised of one thing only for it to be only words.
Dunya isn’t just a character in a book she is us.
August 30, 2026
Aspiring documentarty maker Dunya leaves a life of promise and fulfillment in New York to move to a life of domesticity in the middle East with her new husband. this novel balances a lot - the expectations and downsides of motherhood, the class system in the Middle East, the questioning of modern day practices of faith and why they are still inherently patriarchal. The prose is simple and at times cliche, but i learned a lot from this novel. As a white woman living in Dubai it was interesting for me to read deeper into the perspectives of modern muslim women and the balance between faith and feminism.
I thought it was daring for a Dubai based author to delve deeply into the contrast of the culture here, between the religious aspects and the fake flashy underbelly of the city, and it was refreshing to read the criticism surrounding all of these unspoken rules and censorship in the city (which remains unnamed but is clearly Dubai).
Although i feel like i learned a lot from a novel like this, it didn't hit 4/5 stars for me. I felt as if the protagonist overexplained a lot of points, the ending felt extremely rushed and unrealistic for me, and i did find a lot of the writing a bit bland.
I thought it was daring for a Dubai based author to delve deeply into the contrast of the culture here, between the religious aspects and the fake flashy underbelly of the city, and it was refreshing to read the criticism surrounding all of these unspoken rules and censorship in the city (which remains unnamed but is clearly Dubai).
Although i feel like i learned a lot from a novel like this, it didn't hit 4/5 stars for me. I felt as if the protagonist overexplained a lot of points, the ending felt extremely rushed and unrealistic for me, and i did find a lot of the writing a bit bland.
February 1, 2026
Such a phenomenal book that beautifully captures the inner struggles we all face when comparing ourselves to others in a material-driven world, while also exploring the many layers of faith and spirituality and where we each fall on that spectrum. Deeply relatable and so thought-provoking!
February 17, 2026
One of the most amazing books I've read in a long time! It's a type of book you will want to read again and again and in that you'll learn something new about yourself and the characters it's very layered and a beautiful journey to go on! Highly recommend.
April 4, 2026
Loved this book. Sheds a light on many of the internal conflicts women go through in the Middle East while reconciling our different identities as wives, mothers, and career-women. What I really enjoyed was the plot twist that I absolutely didn’t see coming!
May 6, 2026
A beautiful read that explores what it means to be a muslim woman in the modern world. It got me thinking about a lot of things regarding faith and practising Islam. Dunya is a character you’ll relate to especially if you’re someone who has ties to the Middle East!
May 29, 2026
Such a thoughtful and compelling read. Turbulence explores faith, marriage, motherhood, ambition and identity with a lot of nuance, and it’s refreshing to see a Muslim female perspective like this at the centre of the story.
Really glad stories like this are being written.
Really glad stories like this are being written.
May 25, 2026
Wow.
May 29, 2026
I loved reading this book! It has so many relatable moments as a Muslim girl growing up in the west.
January 22, 2026
Loved this book. Dunya is so relatable, it often felt like her thoughts were my own. Beautifully written, it completely pulls you into her world. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews