Bilal's Bread

by Nick Wilgus

Bilal Abu has a lot to say, but he's scared to say it. And who could blame him? In the wake of 9/11, this 16-year-old Iraqi refugee has to contend with his immigrant family's never-ending drama and his fanatical older brother's sexual abuse. When Bilal falls in love with the son of the community's religious leader, things get better - and a whole lot worse. In this careful study of what it means to be a stranger - in a new nation, in your own religious community, and even in your own family - Nick Wilgus gives us a courageous character who manages to find his voice just when other people most want him to be silent. Nominated in 2005 for a Lambda Award for Best Gay Men's Debut Fiction.

248 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2016

About the author

I sold my first short story to The Horror Show Magazine at the age of seventeen and I've been writing ever since. An award-winning movie was based on my first novel, MINDFULNESS AND MURDER, and I was also nominated for a Lambda Award.

A former newspaper editor and author of more than a dozen novels and two screenplays, I currently live in Tupelo, Mississippi right down the street from the house where Elvis grew up..

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is definitely uncomfortable. Triggering for some I think. But, although maybe I found it hard to get through at times due to some graphic physical and sexual violence, it is well done, engaging, and written in a beautiful style. I completed in one day.

[Sue Roeduger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant !

This story is a perfectly wonderful presentation of the angst of a young man coming to terms with the truth of his sexuality. He happens to be Muslim, but the emotions would be the same for any youth in a very conservative religious community. Bilal's story will break your heart. You may find yourself wanting to reach out, to protect him.
I worked as a social worker, this book needs to get into the hands of gay or lesbian youth. Oh, yes there is sex... never mind that...this book is bound to be a wonderful find for young folks who are feeling alone. Or for adults who are looking to understand.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Nick Wilgus for a few years now. He has proven that he is a genius in writing such a variety of characters and books of several genres. I was simply amazed at the depth of Bilal's Bread and was so enlightened about the Muslim faith and the ones who have misunderstood it. It caused me to see that any religion can be used for evil instead of good. I felt pity yet angry at the abuse any individual can inflict on another. But thankfully good seems to prevail despite the depravity of man.