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The Broken Half
The Broken Half, is the harrowing story of a young American Muslim woman, Zahra, whose marriage has been anything but peaceful.
Faced with the difficult and dangerous choice to either stay in her abusive marriage or leave, Zahra soon realizes each step she takes towards freedom is riddled with risky and uncertain repercussions.
Feeling trapped, alone, and without the support she so desperately needs, Zahra is almost out of options. While the threat of danger continues to escalate around her, will Zahra ultimately choose to fix her broken marriage or will escaping become a life or death decision?
Faced with the difficult and dangerous choice to either stay in her abusive marriage or leave, Zahra soon realizes each step she takes towards freedom is riddled with risky and uncertain repercussions.
Feeling trapped, alone, and without the support she so desperately needs, Zahra is almost out of options. While the threat of danger continues to escalate around her, will Zahra ultimately choose to fix her broken marriage or will escaping become a life or death decision?
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2015
5 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Sahar Abdulaziz
21 books90 followers2025 Winner: Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award, Thriller category
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 26, 2017
Shining a Strong Light on Domestic Abuse
In “The Broken Half,” Sahar Abdulaziz paints a riveting picture of a young American Muslim woman, Zahra, who is the victim of an abusive husband. While this particular story takes place in a Muslim community on New York’s Long Island, it could just as easily be set in a community of any religious persuasion in any part of the country. Zahra’s story is the story of any young, idealistic woman who finds herself married to a man who becomes her tormentor.
Sadly, all the elements in such a story are the same: the abusive husband who time and again convinces his ever-hopeful wife that he’ll “never do it again.” And a woman who, from embarrassment and fear, can’t confide in her family or friends the kind of hell she’s living in. Abdulaziz paints a vivid picture of each of these characters, and shows the reader how difficult it becomes to break free of this awful situation – especially when most people turn a blind eye to what they suspect is going on with this couple, preferring “not to be involved.”
Even Zahra’s spiritual adviser refuses to really listen when she confides in him. Finally, one close friend accepts the truth of Zahra’s cry for help. The devastating consequences make the reader question why it takes such a tragic result – not what you would expect, though – to finally shine a light on the truth of Zahra and Jamal’s marriage.
This is an important book, not easy to read but one to be remembered. If we see a woman in this kind of situation we need to take steps to help. And sadly, it’s not just women. The children caught in such a marriage also suffer. And I’m sure it’s possible for the roles at times to be reversed. We all tend to prefer not to look at the ugly underbelly of life. I’m grateful such a gifted writer has the courage to show it to us, and make us think.
In “The Broken Half,” Sahar Abdulaziz paints a riveting picture of a young American Muslim woman, Zahra, who is the victim of an abusive husband. While this particular story takes place in a Muslim community on New York’s Long Island, it could just as easily be set in a community of any religious persuasion in any part of the country. Zahra’s story is the story of any young, idealistic woman who finds herself married to a man who becomes her tormentor.
Sadly, all the elements in such a story are the same: the abusive husband who time and again convinces his ever-hopeful wife that he’ll “never do it again.” And a woman who, from embarrassment and fear, can’t confide in her family or friends the kind of hell she’s living in. Abdulaziz paints a vivid picture of each of these characters, and shows the reader how difficult it becomes to break free of this awful situation – especially when most people turn a blind eye to what they suspect is going on with this couple, preferring “not to be involved.”
Even Zahra’s spiritual adviser refuses to really listen when she confides in him. Finally, one close friend accepts the truth of Zahra’s cry for help. The devastating consequences make the reader question why it takes such a tragic result – not what you would expect, though – to finally shine a light on the truth of Zahra and Jamal’s marriage.
This is an important book, not easy to read but one to be remembered. If we see a woman in this kind of situation we need to take steps to help. And sadly, it’s not just women. The children caught in such a marriage also suffer. And I’m sure it’s possible for the roles at times to be reversed. We all tend to prefer not to look at the ugly underbelly of life. I’m grateful such a gifted writer has the courage to show it to us, and make us think.
July 27, 2015
I will start by admitting that this book is outside my normal genre but a friend suggested I read it because of how solid the writing was and that they felt it was a story that needed to meet as wide an audience as possible.
Ms. Abdulaziz writes with such strength and feeling that I read this book in just about one sitting. Her narrative is descriptive and, yes, sometimes painful to read. But, given the subject matter presenting it in any other way would have diminished the importance of what she is telling - a story of domestic abuse and one woman's struggle to escape it. Set within the confines of a small Muslim community where from the outside everything is seen as normal and the way life should be, the novel slams you into the hidden world of domestic abuse...not only by telling Zahra's story but giving sharp insight into the ways that this is usually not something that begins in one house, one marriage but if investigated usually a trail of abuse in some way, shape or form is found within a family. I found the information presented about this community and their religious beliefs to be just as fascinating as the narrative was powerful. Yet, as indicated in her foreword we should not take this as a representation of the Muslim community as a whole, as we should not with any religious or ethnic group.
Without presenting any spoilers I will say that there is a shocking event that I did not expect. I thought X was going to happen and BOOM a twist is thrown at you.
It should also be noted that per information in the book the author does not come by her information by sitting in front of a computer Googling domestic violence statistics and causes. Ms. Abdulaziz has worked as a domestic abuse and sexual assault counselor. She writes by gleaning information she has witnessed first hand.
I would encourage men to read this book. It is not a "women's novel". It is an important window into something many people, women, men, victims and abusers would rather stay swept under the carpet or whispered about behind closed doors.
Ms. Abdulaziz writes with such strength and feeling that I read this book in just about one sitting. Her narrative is descriptive and, yes, sometimes painful to read. But, given the subject matter presenting it in any other way would have diminished the importance of what she is telling - a story of domestic abuse and one woman's struggle to escape it. Set within the confines of a small Muslim community where from the outside everything is seen as normal and the way life should be, the novel slams you into the hidden world of domestic abuse...not only by telling Zahra's story but giving sharp insight into the ways that this is usually not something that begins in one house, one marriage but if investigated usually a trail of abuse in some way, shape or form is found within a family. I found the information presented about this community and their religious beliefs to be just as fascinating as the narrative was powerful. Yet, as indicated in her foreword we should not take this as a representation of the Muslim community as a whole, as we should not with any religious or ethnic group.
Without presenting any spoilers I will say that there is a shocking event that I did not expect. I thought X was going to happen and BOOM a twist is thrown at you.
It should also be noted that per information in the book the author does not come by her information by sitting in front of a computer Googling domestic violence statistics and causes. Ms. Abdulaziz has worked as a domestic abuse and sexual assault counselor. She writes by gleaning information she has witnessed first hand.
I would encourage men to read this book. It is not a "women's novel". It is an important window into something many people, women, men, victims and abusers would rather stay swept under the carpet or whispered about behind closed doors.
February 15, 2016
Damned if you do say some, damned if you don't! Abdulaziz didn't patronize anybody in this story. I like these kind of stories which show the weaknesses of human nature and where the root of the problem starts. Great fiction debunking the realities of domestic violence whether it be non-Muslim or Muslim subjects.
February 11, 2016
Still reeling from the onslaught of pages, I am not sure I can adequately express how profoundly this book has changed me, leveled me to the ground, dropped a building on top of me, throttled me through the jarring effects of an 8.0 earthquake (which I have personally experienced), or otherwise left me an inarticulate glob of human numbed by the harrowing story of Zahar Evans and what she suffered at the menacing hands of her husband Jamal. In one aspect, this is the story of a woman trapped in a difficult situation with no apparent means of escape. Yet, despite this obstacle, Abdulaziz spared no amount of obstacles firmly lobbed at Zahar at a dizzying and often breakneck speed, deftly written in an account that seemed to fly by as if the reader were watching CNN live, or some other streaming news account happening right now.
The setting is modern, and easily incorporated into the background as the story unfolds. Within this story a secondary, yet equally important layer of story paralleled the main plot. A moderate Muslim community, the masjid, the Imam, the brothers and sisters living out their faith, demonstrating their customs, and in a way that the reader can approach even if he or she has zero knowledge of the Muslim culture or religion. I found this aspect of the story fascinating and illuminating as at times characters experience the intolerance and bigotry our culture so easily assumes in the face of anything it doesn't understand. This made me want to read the book all the more.
The characters are well developed and fully realized. Of particular interest, I most loved the marriage of Tamim and Hawadah. Hawadah is a secret best friend of Zahar, and I always delighted in those parts of the story where they were included. Still, I must say that Abdulaziz gave every character a challenge to face, and spared no amount of troubles to sprinkle by the bucket full at nearly every character, beloved or not. I am not one who weeps easily or often. Very rarely, in fact. However, I found myself openly and unashamedly weeping at several times in this book.
Finally, this book addresses the issue of domestic violence in the context of a married couple, and many of the related aspects including the assumption of male supremacy over women, those who are religious, and those who live a life in reverence. Bias, bigotry, prejudice, cultural insensitivity, vengeance, retribution, retaliation, revenge, generational curses, and so on.
This is a powerful story, that may not allow you to do anything else until you sit down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. But it is one that will stay with you long after you've finished, and will call out to you to be pondered and shared. Highly recommended. A must read.
The setting is modern, and easily incorporated into the background as the story unfolds. Within this story a secondary, yet equally important layer of story paralleled the main plot. A moderate Muslim community, the masjid, the Imam, the brothers and sisters living out their faith, demonstrating their customs, and in a way that the reader can approach even if he or she has zero knowledge of the Muslim culture or religion. I found this aspect of the story fascinating and illuminating as at times characters experience the intolerance and bigotry our culture so easily assumes in the face of anything it doesn't understand. This made me want to read the book all the more.
The characters are well developed and fully realized. Of particular interest, I most loved the marriage of Tamim and Hawadah. Hawadah is a secret best friend of Zahar, and I always delighted in those parts of the story where they were included. Still, I must say that Abdulaziz gave every character a challenge to face, and spared no amount of troubles to sprinkle by the bucket full at nearly every character, beloved or not. I am not one who weeps easily or often. Very rarely, in fact. However, I found myself openly and unashamedly weeping at several times in this book.
Finally, this book addresses the issue of domestic violence in the context of a married couple, and many of the related aspects including the assumption of male supremacy over women, those who are religious, and those who live a life in reverence. Bias, bigotry, prejudice, cultural insensitivity, vengeance, retribution, retaliation, revenge, generational curses, and so on.
This is a powerful story, that may not allow you to do anything else until you sit down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. But it is one that will stay with you long after you've finished, and will call out to you to be pondered and shared. Highly recommended. A must read.
June 3, 2015
The Broken Half was a powerful book to read. As someone who grew up around situations of domestic violence in its various forms and the issue dealing with quite a few women around me, it is a topic I wish would be more widely covered in even younger age ranges in order to raise awareness in our younger population. It especially got my attention in the format in which it was written. Giving background information on the abuser, his mother, how he was raised... Also information on the seemingly well educated and experienced young woman who had no idea what she was getting into and fell deeply "in love" with a man before really getting to know his character, I feel it should open up the eyes of many women from different races, religions and cultures to not make the same mistakes. Although the way the main character quickly made choices to begin a relationship with someone who was abusive, in my perspective the focal point for anyone being abused should be that even if someone is hurting you for any period of time, it is never too late to leave. Also that there are numerous types of abuse- sexual, physical, verbal (psychological), financial (economic) and emotional (which many women don't think is a form of abuse but as it should be known- the scars within last much longer than the physical scars inflicted on any person). I'm so glad Sahar Abdulaziz covered all of these types in her book. She truly drew me into her well written novel and after reading this book I wouldn't hesitate in buying her other books to add to my library.
December 16, 2015
Sahar Abdulaziz has written a book that is really two books in one. First, it's a look into the life of an American Muslim woman who loves the freedom of being an American and the structure her religion offers. Less a book about Islam and more a book about abuse, Abdulaziz tells the story of Zahra, the young and somewhat naive woman who sees a handsome young man at the mosque. Her parents dislike him and warn her that he is not what he seems, but she's in love with an image of being a married woman. She marries against her parents wishes.
The first half of this book I think it two in one is written in the literary fiction style with long sections narration interspersed with dialogue. The narration carries the story. As such, the story unrolls at a leisurely pace, rich with detail and description.
In the second half of the book, Abdulaziz finds her voice through dialogue more than narration. Here the novel takes wings and soars in all its sordid details of spousal abuse and posturing among the men at the mosque. Her husband Jamal brutalizes her, isolates her from the outside world and pretends he's doing so because he is a devout Muslim.
This is a writer worth watching, for she lays bear raw emotions without becoming too graphic, without overwriting the issues. The ending is a bit too neat, but it fits with the buildup the writer has presented.
The first half of this book I think it two in one is written in the literary fiction style with long sections narration interspersed with dialogue. The narration carries the story. As such, the story unrolls at a leisurely pace, rich with detail and description.
In the second half of the book, Abdulaziz finds her voice through dialogue more than narration. Here the novel takes wings and soars in all its sordid details of spousal abuse and posturing among the men at the mosque. Her husband Jamal brutalizes her, isolates her from the outside world and pretends he's doing so because he is a devout Muslim.
This is a writer worth watching, for she lays bear raw emotions without becoming too graphic, without overwriting the issues. The ending is a bit too neat, but it fits with the buildup the writer has presented.
September 19, 2017
The Broken Half, by Sahar Abdulaziz, tells the story of Zahra Evans, a young American Muslim woman who married Jamal Evans in the hopes of leading a normal wedded life. Little did she know it would take a wrong turn.
Zahra was the victim of domestic abuse. Apart from a close friend, she had no one to confide in. Even the local Imam had dismissed her. The step she takes to break free from the shackles of violence and the consequences she faces is what The Broken Half is about.
The author’s descriptive narration and graphic content leaves the reader crying for Zahra’s sake and seething at Jamal’s behaviour.
The Broken Half gives an insight into the lives of those who have or are a broken half, rather than a better half.
Zahra was the victim of domestic abuse. Apart from a close friend, she had no one to confide in. Even the local Imam had dismissed her. The step she takes to break free from the shackles of violence and the consequences she faces is what The Broken Half is about.
The author’s descriptive narration and graphic content leaves the reader crying for Zahra’s sake and seething at Jamal’s behaviour.
The Broken Half gives an insight into the lives of those who have or are a broken half, rather than a better half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
The Broken Half follows Zahra as she deals with her abusive husband. This book is well-written and brings to light many of the issues surrounding domestic abuse.
While this was not easy to read because of some of the content of the novel, it was a real eye-opener.
I highly recommend this book. Caution: bring your tissues.
While this was not easy to read because of some of the content of the novel, it was a real eye-opener.
I highly recommend this book. Caution: bring your tissues.
February 24, 2016
A riveting story told from various perspectives showing how abuse begets abuse. A must-read!
June 14, 2015
The Broken Half was a difficult book to get through. It put you in the place of Zahra and you could feel her emotions and her pain. You wanted to reach inside the book and take away everything that had been going on to cause her the pain she felt through the different levels of abuse she experienced while married. Mrs. Abdulaziz did an amazing job painting a picture for her readers how domestic violence is real and shouldn't be ignored by anyone. She made sure that her readers new this was a human problem, not a race problem or religious problem, but a problem many women face on a day to day basis. I believe Mrs. Abdulaziz did an amazing job and I am honored that I was able to read such a powerful
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews