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Tight Rope
In a socially and politically divided country after the presidential election, activist and American Muslim Nour Ibrahim prepares to deliver a speech at an anti-hate rally condemning the surge of attacks against people of color, immigrants, Muslims, and anyone else deemed different or disposable.
As her inbox overflows with racist, xenophobic threats, she struggles to remain focused, refusing to give in to the fear.
Concerns for her safety during the speech mount as one ruthless stalker escalates his terror campaign. Bitter and blinded by hate, he’s not satisfied with merely keeping Nour from speaking out: he threatens to silence her for good.
Stressed by the impending rally, a stabbing pain in her gut, and an Internet psycho who has her in his crosshairs, Nour begins to wonder—which one will kill her first?
As her inbox overflows with racist, xenophobic threats, she struggles to remain focused, refusing to give in to the fear.
Concerns for her safety during the speech mount as one ruthless stalker escalates his terror campaign. Bitter and blinded by hate, he’s not satisfied with merely keeping Nour from speaking out: he threatens to silence her for good.
Stressed by the impending rally, a stabbing pain in her gut, and an Internet psycho who has her in his crosshairs, Nour begins to wonder—which one will kill her first?
- GenresFiction
350 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2017
4 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Sahar Abdulaziz
21 books91 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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May 24, 2017I have been gifted this book and have added it to my TBR pile!
June 4, 2017
Tight Rope follows the story of Nour Ibrahim, a young African American activist as she struggles to balance the stresses of life, work, politics, and her health. To make matters worse, a stalker bent on causing her physical, psychological and emotional pain plagues her. With the daily increase of racist threats, bigoted taunts, workplace marginalization, and terrorizing gifts from her stalker, Nour continues to focus on her social justice work which includes an upcoming rally she helped organize and plans to speak at.
Tight Rope touches on many issues facing the American community, Islamophobia, racism, depression, crime, violence, discrimination, mental and physical illnesses, relationships and so much more. One topic in particular that we don’t see very much in Muslim authored literature but still very important is the overt and covert racism, bigotry, and discrimination within the Muslim community toward African Americans and convert Muslims.
What I liked: I enjoyed how the author pulled important topics to the surface and addressed them; making excuses for no one, including our young activist who fails to report her cyber attacker and her deteriorating health under the guise of being too busy or not wanting to worry anyone. She makes no excuses for the obvious discrimination and prejudice within the immigrant Muslim community toward non-immigrant Muslims and converts.
What I didn’t like: The author foreshadowed too many scenes. Many of the scenes did not need them; in fact, it would have been a much better experience for me without the foreshadowing. And while this is a personal thing, I did not like the excessive adult language throughout the story but the author did keep it %100 true to life.
Tight Rope touches on many issues facing the American community, Islamophobia, racism, depression, crime, violence, discrimination, mental and physical illnesses, relationships and so much more. One topic in particular that we don’t see very much in Muslim authored literature but still very important is the overt and covert racism, bigotry, and discrimination within the Muslim community toward African Americans and convert Muslims.
What I liked: I enjoyed how the author pulled important topics to the surface and addressed them; making excuses for no one, including our young activist who fails to report her cyber attacker and her deteriorating health under the guise of being too busy or not wanting to worry anyone. She makes no excuses for the obvious discrimination and prejudice within the immigrant Muslim community toward non-immigrant Muslims and converts.
What I didn’t like: The author foreshadowed too many scenes. Many of the scenes did not need them; in fact, it would have been a much better experience for me without the foreshadowing. And while this is a personal thing, I did not like the excessive adult language throughout the story but the author did keep it %100 true to life.
December 3, 2018
Don’t you just love the cover of this book?
The inside is just as good! If you’ve read THUG by Angie Thomas, then this is a brilliant read just like it, but in a different genre.
In a country that is socially and politically divided, after the presidential election. Nour Ibrahim, an American Muslim activist, is preparing to deliver a speech at an anti-hate rally. She’s speaking up against the surge of attacks against people of colour, immigrants, Muslims and anyone who’s seen as different.
We can never make excuses for bigotry and hate, because the minute we do that, the enemy wins, and the stakes are too high now to ever now to ever let hate be permitted to win again.
— Nour Ibrahim
Nour not only faces mental anxiety because of the racist, xenophobic hate mail filling up her inbox. Her physical health deteriorates too, as she neglects the warning signs her body is telling her. She makes excuses after excuses, not get it checked out. Although Nour is the main character, the story is told in many points of views and at first, I thought it might be way too many characters to connect with, but it honestly wasn’t.
I was able to spend just enough time with each character, to get to know them. They all had some sort of problems in their lives and I got to see how they were dealing with them from the inside and out. It was interesting to see how hate and love, both can grow at one time, in different places.
It got me thinking, you know. It made me empathise with and feel sad, for the lack of support and care for one couple. I wanted to jump in and help another couple. It made me want to shake one character- the mother in me! I wanted to get to know another one a bit more… if you know what I mean! Only joking, LOL. And some characters, well I just want to run away from.
Although I wanted Nour the protagonist to succeed, I couldn’t help but want to read more about Doris. YES, Doris! Doris, Doris, Doris, woooaaaaah, now that was some crazy woman. I used to love watching CSI, about 7 years ago. I’m happy to say that’s the only thing I have in common with her.
Something with a little pizzazz for God’s sake! Doesn’t anyone have any imagination anymore? At least when I plot to bump somebody off, I do it with genius and style!
— Doris Tetler
I loved the way the writer brilliantly crafted this story, how she weaved all the characters lives together was incredible.
The plot was unpredictable throughout. Every time I made a prediction, I was wrong, lol! It kept me turning pages for sure. I stayed up late a couple of nights reading until the book hit me in the face. Yes, that happened!
Some bits have offensive language, even racist slurs but it all adds to the story and the hateful characters wouldn’t be hateful if they didn’t use it. That’s what made the story feel real, for me.
I’ll finish off with something that surprised me in the book, it was George’s gender. All along I thought George was one gender, but halfway through I found out George was the other gender. See what I did there? You’ll have to read the book now. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
The inside is just as good! If you’ve read THUG by Angie Thomas, then this is a brilliant read just like it, but in a different genre.
In a country that is socially and politically divided, after the presidential election. Nour Ibrahim, an American Muslim activist, is preparing to deliver a speech at an anti-hate rally. She’s speaking up against the surge of attacks against people of colour, immigrants, Muslims and anyone who’s seen as different.
We can never make excuses for bigotry and hate, because the minute we do that, the enemy wins, and the stakes are too high now to ever now to ever let hate be permitted to win again.
— Nour Ibrahim
Nour not only faces mental anxiety because of the racist, xenophobic hate mail filling up her inbox. Her physical health deteriorates too, as she neglects the warning signs her body is telling her. She makes excuses after excuses, not get it checked out. Although Nour is the main character, the story is told in many points of views and at first, I thought it might be way too many characters to connect with, but it honestly wasn’t.
I was able to spend just enough time with each character, to get to know them. They all had some sort of problems in their lives and I got to see how they were dealing with them from the inside and out. It was interesting to see how hate and love, both can grow at one time, in different places.
It got me thinking, you know. It made me empathise with and feel sad, for the lack of support and care for one couple. I wanted to jump in and help another couple. It made me want to shake one character- the mother in me! I wanted to get to know another one a bit more… if you know what I mean! Only joking, LOL. And some characters, well I just want to run away from.
Although I wanted Nour the protagonist to succeed, I couldn’t help but want to read more about Doris. YES, Doris! Doris, Doris, Doris, woooaaaaah, now that was some crazy woman. I used to love watching CSI, about 7 years ago. I’m happy to say that’s the only thing I have in common with her.
Something with a little pizzazz for God’s sake! Doesn’t anyone have any imagination anymore? At least when I plot to bump somebody off, I do it with genius and style!
— Doris Tetler
I loved the way the writer brilliantly crafted this story, how she weaved all the characters lives together was incredible.
The plot was unpredictable throughout. Every time I made a prediction, I was wrong, lol! It kept me turning pages for sure. I stayed up late a couple of nights reading until the book hit me in the face. Yes, that happened!
Some bits have offensive language, even racist slurs but it all adds to the story and the hateful characters wouldn’t be hateful if they didn’t use it. That’s what made the story feel real, for me.
I’ll finish off with something that surprised me in the book, it was George’s gender. All along I thought George was one gender, but halfway through I found out George was the other gender. See what I did there? You’ll have to read the book now. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
June 8, 2017
Sahar Abdulaziz’s remarkable new novel, “Tight Rope,” might best be described as a “political thriller.” The author introduces us to a diverse and intriguing group of characters, and from the beginning we learn that activist Nour Ibrahim is being cyberstalked by someone who is at the very least trying to frighten her. Abdulaziz creates characters that come to life on the page. Some are definitely not likeable, but all are believable.
As the story moves forward it becomes evident that at some point these people’s paths are going to converge. In the course of the novel we come to learn of the characters’ backgrounds and why they are who they are, and do what they do. The author sets the story in the present, and we get a sense of the difficulty a young, Black Muslim woman faces simply in existing in a climate of hate. But we also see glimpses of humor and a sweet love story that develops … in short, the story reflects life, as the best books always do.
And perhaps most remarkable of all is how we come to know the antagonist, the person who is stalking Nour, and feel the pain he feels and understand the reasons for it. Life is seldom black and white, and this story shows us many shades. It also has a fast-paced, impressively written climax that leaves the reader flipping pages.
I commend the author on writing an important book about a timely and difficult subject. It was a book that needed to be written.
As the story moves forward it becomes evident that at some point these people’s paths are going to converge. In the course of the novel we come to learn of the characters’ backgrounds and why they are who they are, and do what they do. The author sets the story in the present, and we get a sense of the difficulty a young, Black Muslim woman faces simply in existing in a climate of hate. But we also see glimpses of humor and a sweet love story that develops … in short, the story reflects life, as the best books always do.
And perhaps most remarkable of all is how we come to know the antagonist, the person who is stalking Nour, and feel the pain he feels and understand the reasons for it. Life is seldom black and white, and this story shows us many shades. It also has a fast-paced, impressively written climax that leaves the reader flipping pages.
I commend the author on writing an important book about a timely and difficult subject. It was a book that needed to be written.
May 1, 2018
Djarabi Kitabs Publishing had sent me a hard copy of Tight Rope by Sahar AbdulAziz for review, and masha Allah, it is one powerful book, relatable to Muslims living in the West who undergo bigotry and racist attacks.
Tight Rope follows the lives of six characters, all culminating to one pivotal event – a political rally.
Nour Ibrahim, a political activist, has been receiving hate mails and death threats in her inbox and at her doorstep.
Russell Tetler, an aging man, loses his job, and finds ways to spend his energy elsewhere.
Maryam Quinonez, a recent revert to Islam, struggles to live with her Christian parents and find Muslim friends.
Eugene Underwood, as scary as the name sounds, is a hitman with a disturbing set of skills.
Zaid Ali, the son of a grocery owner, has clashes with his strong-headed Arab father.
Doris Tetler, the grudging wife of Russell, seeks her freedom.
The characters may seem disconnected, but as the plot unfolds, their connection with each other becomes clearer.
If you have read Sahar AbdulAziz’s books, you would know it would have graphic content and language in it. And her plots are fast-paced. A true page-turner!
Tight Rope follows the lives of six characters, all culminating to one pivotal event – a political rally.
Nour Ibrahim, a political activist, has been receiving hate mails and death threats in her inbox and at her doorstep.
Russell Tetler, an aging man, loses his job, and finds ways to spend his energy elsewhere.
Maryam Quinonez, a recent revert to Islam, struggles to live with her Christian parents and find Muslim friends.
Eugene Underwood, as scary as the name sounds, is a hitman with a disturbing set of skills.
Zaid Ali, the son of a grocery owner, has clashes with his strong-headed Arab father.
Doris Tetler, the grudging wife of Russell, seeks her freedom.
The characters may seem disconnected, but as the plot unfolds, their connection with each other becomes clearer.
If you have read Sahar AbdulAziz’s books, you would know it would have graphic content and language in it. And her plots are fast-paced. A true page-turner!
June 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book for review. I must say that I enjoyed every bit of this book. The author has beautiful described the lives of six different characters in this book. I’d say this book is a must read for everyone regardless of what race or religion they follow because the book talks about how racism can make the lives of innocent people difficult. I am so glad I got a chance to read this amazing book.
November 29, 2017
Sahar Abdulaziz has written a book where the characters reflect all that is right and all that is wrong with the current state of the world. Hatred, misogyny, and bigotry have been given permission to flourish like never before. And beneath those prejudices, lies fear - Fear of people different than ourselves, fear of religions we do not understand, fear of cultures unlike our own, fear of change, fear of truth.
Tightrope is a timely book that tells the story of believable characters living different lives, and their reaction to their personal circumstances. The activist who ignores her illness to speak out against hatred, the Puerto Rican girl who has the courage to embrace a religion and a people despite the objections of parents, friends and relatives - The unhappy housewife and her husband who have both suffered a tremendous loss but instead of coming together in love and forgiveness, choose to punish themselves and each other - The shopkeeper and his parents trying to make a living while fearing the hatred facing Muslims in this country – The assassin who plays an important role in the story. Tightrope slowly builds suspense and culminates in an exciting ending that leaves you satisfied. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Tightrope is a timely book that tells the story of believable characters living different lives, and their reaction to their personal circumstances. The activist who ignores her illness to speak out against hatred, the Puerto Rican girl who has the courage to embrace a religion and a people despite the objections of parents, friends and relatives - The unhappy housewife and her husband who have both suffered a tremendous loss but instead of coming together in love and forgiveness, choose to punish themselves and each other - The shopkeeper and his parents trying to make a living while fearing the hatred facing Muslims in this country – The assassin who plays an important role in the story. Tightrope slowly builds suspense and culminates in an exciting ending that leaves you satisfied. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
June 4, 2017
Looking for a book to bring to the beach while you relax listening to the waves and dig your toes in the sand? Tight Rope is not that book. Powerful. Disturbing. Enlightening. These describe this taut, make you hold your breath novel. As you read you get that same feeling you do watching a suspenseful thriller waiting for THAT moment to happen. With a diverse cast of characters each brought fully to life on the pages, Sahar Abdulaziz has written something that will make you angry, make you think, make you question not only the world around you but yourself as well. Perfectly timed to reflect the current politically charged times we live in this book shines a light on the racial and religious discontent encompassing not only the America we live in but the world at large.
This is not to say that the book is depressing as there are light moments and stories of love and kindness within the pages as well. But, it is a book that also shows the friction not only between different races and religions but within those households as well.
Perhaps by reading this potent novel we can all see bits of ourselves reflected and strive to come to a better understanding of those we often see and react to because of the stereotypes we often associate with people of a color or religion unlike our own or in some cases that we share commonalities with yet choose to act on first impulse.
This is not to say that the book is depressing as there are light moments and stories of love and kindness within the pages as well. But, it is a book that also shows the friction not only between different races and religions but within those households as well.
Perhaps by reading this potent novel we can all see bits of ourselves reflected and strive to come to a better understanding of those we often see and react to because of the stereotypes we often associate with people of a color or religion unlike our own or in some cases that we share commonalities with yet choose to act on first impulse.
June 11, 2017
this is the first fiction book that I get to review and I was really excited! Worth the time I spent on the book because it has 349 pages, minus the Glossary page:)
This book starts with a quote I personally think is relevant to the Islamophobia epidermic that is happening around the world nowadays: "Racism is terrorism". It portrays 6 stories with the characters trying to deal with their problems. The characters are different individuals but throughout the stories they intertwined with each other. Majority of them are facing Islamophobia with Nour, I think, receiving the most cruel treatment from her peers. Luckily she is one strong woman!
My two favourite characters are Nour and Maryam. They are both Muslims women, holding on to their Islamic faith but sure do have distinguish backgrounds. Nour is a speaker preparing for a big event and she constantly receives vicious remarks basically for being a Black Muslim. Maryam, on the other hand is a Catholic reverted to Islam. Nour's parents being Muslims themselves has always protect and support Nour's actions but Maryam is a Muslim revert who has difficult parents that cannot accept the fact their daughter had chose another religion to live with.
If you think you are facing difficulties being a Muslim, try reading this book. You will be surprised that they are people who are getting harsher treatment for just being Muslims. Living in Malaysia, I might not get the severe treatment professing my religion, but I tried stepping into the shoes of my brothers and sisters who are living across the world. It sure is a challenge for them. I hope that Allah will continue to give them strength in being who they are.
This fiction is carefully written with special attention to the details. It is indeed a creative writing because the authors had incorporated creative skills in her writing. A heartiest congratulations to the author!
This book starts with a quote I personally think is relevant to the Islamophobia epidermic that is happening around the world nowadays: "Racism is terrorism". It portrays 6 stories with the characters trying to deal with their problems. The characters are different individuals but throughout the stories they intertwined with each other. Majority of them are facing Islamophobia with Nour, I think, receiving the most cruel treatment from her peers. Luckily she is one strong woman!
My two favourite characters are Nour and Maryam. They are both Muslims women, holding on to their Islamic faith but sure do have distinguish backgrounds. Nour is a speaker preparing for a big event and she constantly receives vicious remarks basically for being a Black Muslim. Maryam, on the other hand is a Catholic reverted to Islam. Nour's parents being Muslims themselves has always protect and support Nour's actions but Maryam is a Muslim revert who has difficult parents that cannot accept the fact their daughter had chose another religion to live with.
If you think you are facing difficulties being a Muslim, try reading this book. You will be surprised that they are people who are getting harsher treatment for just being Muslims. Living in Malaysia, I might not get the severe treatment professing my religion, but I tried stepping into the shoes of my brothers and sisters who are living across the world. It sure is a challenge for them. I hope that Allah will continue to give them strength in being who they are.
This fiction is carefully written with special attention to the details. It is indeed a creative writing because the authors had incorporated creative skills in her writing. A heartiest congratulations to the author!
June 10, 2017
I have been reading a lot of classical fiction lately, so this book was a great change of pace for me! It is so highly relevant to the current political situation in America, and being an American Muslim myself, I can definitely relate.
One thing I particularly loved was not only the casual writing style that really makes you feel like you are there inside the story, but the fact that all of the characters were so real and relatable. Each different character either had some qualities that I could relate to myself, or reminded me strongly of someone I had encountered in my life. They were all multifaceted and complex-there was no one "good guy" and one "bad guy." Of course there were the main pro-and antagonists, but even they were not all good or all bad.
The other thing I really appreciated about this book was it made me think outside of my box. I have always assumed that as an American Muslim and someone who is generally quite politically liberal, that I was an ally to other oppressed minority groups. This book, however, made me call into question my own amount of white privilege, and whether I am really serving as an ally on a specific group's terms, or if I am just being helpful in my own idea of the word.
Anyhow, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a super-relevant and interesting political thriller!
One thing I particularly loved was not only the casual writing style that really makes you feel like you are there inside the story, but the fact that all of the characters were so real and relatable. Each different character either had some qualities that I could relate to myself, or reminded me strongly of someone I had encountered in my life. They were all multifaceted and complex-there was no one "good guy" and one "bad guy." Of course there were the main pro-and antagonists, but even they were not all good or all bad.
The other thing I really appreciated about this book was it made me think outside of my box. I have always assumed that as an American Muslim and someone who is generally quite politically liberal, that I was an ally to other oppressed minority groups. This book, however, made me call into question my own amount of white privilege, and whether I am really serving as an ally on a specific group's terms, or if I am just being helpful in my own idea of the word.
Anyhow, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a super-relevant and interesting political thriller!
June 1, 2017
Must read!
June 1, 2017
Must Read!
June 4, 2018
The author starts with some excellent character study...brings in suspense, twists and turns - even things I was not expecting. As the title suggested there is taut suspense, and dialogue that is fresh and true. The romance was authentic and heart-warming. And that ending! Great job!
June 28, 2020
Review of Tight Rope
*****************************************
Tight Rope by Sahar Abdulaziz.
Reviewed by Saira Ali (14/12/2019).
Under the back drop of UK General Elections December 2019, I read Tight Rope. A political thriller novel based on socially divided USA when it comes to islamophobia, xenophobia, immigration and racism. The book is primarily based on 7 main characters from different walks of life all of whom interlink towards the end of the story.
You are introduced to anti-hate activist Nour the main protagonist in the beginning chapters and Russell a white patriot bigot, unemployed after years of service and allegiance to his company(country). Losing his sense of purpose Russell targets Nour with a steady stream of hate mail and gifts. Workaholic Nour is not only emotionally affected by this but under the pressure of her job and the stressful workplace environment we see her physically deteriorate health wise.
We are also introduced to Zaid, his father and Maryam a Porto Rican Muslim convert. The dynamic between father and son is interesting, the author shows the different perspectives when it comes to the racism both individuals face while working at the family business a small deli. There is a scene in the book where Zaid is considering joining the American military and the argument that ensues between father and son is so well written and executed on the subject
You as the reader are just as emotionally intertwined with the question of ‘what is the right thing to do’?
Maryam’s conversion to Islam is not taken lightly by her family either. She faces border line bullying from her parents and extended family members. Her mum is especially theatrical over her daughter’s conversion in addition to holding strong views when it came to Maryam choosing nursing over teaching as a professional career (For example, teaching was status wise better than nursing where all you do is clean up people’s vomit).
The author clearly demonstrated cross generational barriers between young adults wanting to live life their way and parental control through Zaid and Maryam. Even though I have a Pakistani background I can see these types of conversations happening across many Pakistani/Indian households.
There was a sweet little courtship period between Zaid and Maryam which did not overtake the main message of the story but complimented it in my opinion. Russell’s wife Doris is a crazy mad-women who clearly needed assistance with her mental health issues. The author takes us back to the beginning of their meeting, dating and martial life which is eye opening. Furthermore, we are shown how their relationship declined to its lonely death with the death of their only child George. The couple dealt with their loss in the unhealthiest manner. Russell by actively consuming media and radio content that fuelled his hate for black and other races.
Doris by consuming large amounts of crime drama episodes which lead to plotting, planning and scheming her husband’s death. Lastly, we have Eugene the hit man with his own back story but plays a pivotal role at the end of the story. Overall, I felt the story was well written and executed. Some of the scenes and conversations felt quite realistic and drew the reader in as if you were in the room with the characters.
I loved how the author gave each character their own backstory to help the reader understand why that particular character behaved the way they did. Nothing is black and white there are a lot of grey areas in the human understanding.
In addition to this the author also gave each character their own voice, opinions and world view which helped bring the story to life. I had to read this book in several sittings because the content was quite heavy for me to absorb due to the fact that I am a Muslim woman living under similar racism and hate rhetoric in the UK. This book did give me the chills not due its thriller nature but due to the fact that it was so on point and close to current social, political issues.
I applaud the author for tackling this subject with great insight and presenting a simple story but having many layers that had to be peeled away by the reader to understand the whole picture.
*********************************
*****************************************
Tight Rope by Sahar Abdulaziz.
Reviewed by Saira Ali (14/12/2019).
Under the back drop of UK General Elections December 2019, I read Tight Rope. A political thriller novel based on socially divided USA when it comes to islamophobia, xenophobia, immigration and racism. The book is primarily based on 7 main characters from different walks of life all of whom interlink towards the end of the story.
You are introduced to anti-hate activist Nour the main protagonist in the beginning chapters and Russell a white patriot bigot, unemployed after years of service and allegiance to his company(country). Losing his sense of purpose Russell targets Nour with a steady stream of hate mail and gifts. Workaholic Nour is not only emotionally affected by this but under the pressure of her job and the stressful workplace environment we see her physically deteriorate health wise.
We are also introduced to Zaid, his father and Maryam a Porto Rican Muslim convert. The dynamic between father and son is interesting, the author shows the different perspectives when it comes to the racism both individuals face while working at the family business a small deli. There is a scene in the book where Zaid is considering joining the American military and the argument that ensues between father and son is so well written and executed on the subject
You as the reader are just as emotionally intertwined with the question of ‘what is the right thing to do’?
Maryam’s conversion to Islam is not taken lightly by her family either. She faces border line bullying from her parents and extended family members. Her mum is especially theatrical over her daughter’s conversion in addition to holding strong views when it came to Maryam choosing nursing over teaching as a professional career (For example, teaching was status wise better than nursing where all you do is clean up people’s vomit).
The author clearly demonstrated cross generational barriers between young adults wanting to live life their way and parental control through Zaid and Maryam. Even though I have a Pakistani background I can see these types of conversations happening across many Pakistani/Indian households.
There was a sweet little courtship period between Zaid and Maryam which did not overtake the main message of the story but complimented it in my opinion. Russell’s wife Doris is a crazy mad-women who clearly needed assistance with her mental health issues. The author takes us back to the beginning of their meeting, dating and martial life which is eye opening. Furthermore, we are shown how their relationship declined to its lonely death with the death of their only child George. The couple dealt with their loss in the unhealthiest manner. Russell by actively consuming media and radio content that fuelled his hate for black and other races.
Doris by consuming large amounts of crime drama episodes which lead to plotting, planning and scheming her husband’s death. Lastly, we have Eugene the hit man with his own back story but plays a pivotal role at the end of the story. Overall, I felt the story was well written and executed. Some of the scenes and conversations felt quite realistic and drew the reader in as if you were in the room with the characters.
I loved how the author gave each character their own backstory to help the reader understand why that particular character behaved the way they did. Nothing is black and white there are a lot of grey areas in the human understanding.
In addition to this the author also gave each character their own voice, opinions and world view which helped bring the story to life. I had to read this book in several sittings because the content was quite heavy for me to absorb due to the fact that I am a Muslim woman living under similar racism and hate rhetoric in the UK. This book did give me the chills not due its thriller nature but due to the fact that it was so on point and close to current social, political issues.
I applaud the author for tackling this subject with great insight and presenting a simple story but having many layers that had to be peeled away by the reader to understand the whole picture.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2018
I have read a thriller after a long time and it came out to be the right one , to be more precise it is a political thriller. The chapters in book are well divided based on main Characters in book. The plot is well developed , detailed enough and keeps you hooked till the end. The story gives you an inside view into lives of American Muslims post Trump Era , effects of Iraq and Afghanistan war and the rampant racial profiling and growing Islamophobia. It also highlights the flaws within the muslim society and the division which from the outside world seems so homogenous.
The main Protagonist of story is Nour Ibrahim who is a young African American Muslim woman. Nour is honest, dedicated to her work, have a vision in life and is a good speaker . Recently she has been given a task to organise a rally to mobilize public on growing racism, hatred and islamophobia. Nour finds herself juggling between work , her declining health and being stalked and threatened by a crazy bigot! How and what happens next unwinds in the book. I am not going to kill your suspense here.
The main Protagonist of story is Nour Ibrahim who is a young African American Muslim woman. Nour is honest, dedicated to her work, have a vision in life and is a good speaker . Recently she has been given a task to organise a rally to mobilize public on growing racism, hatred and islamophobia. Nour finds herself juggling between work , her declining health and being stalked and threatened by a crazy bigot! How and what happens next unwinds in the book. I am not going to kill your suspense here.
September 3, 2017
Tight Rope intertwines the stories of an African-American Muslim female activist preparing to give a speech at a political rally, a young Latina woman who has recently converted to Islam, an Arab-American mini market owner and his son, an embittered white man who has recently lost his job and his only child (and his equally embittered wife), and a professional criminal.
As the political rally approaches, the young activist is tormented by a stalker who threatens her life. Meanwhile, another character plans the "perfect" murder and a love story (or two) blossoms.
While this thriller has enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat, the real strength is in the characters, who show a snapshot of the diversity of America (and the Muslim faith for that matter).
Tight Rope is an entertaining read that will also leave you with much to contemplate in terms of racism, prejudice, and bigotry.
Disclaimer: I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
As the political rally approaches, the young activist is tormented by a stalker who threatens her life. Meanwhile, another character plans the "perfect" murder and a love story (or two) blossoms.
While this thriller has enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat, the real strength is in the characters, who show a snapshot of the diversity of America (and the Muslim faith for that matter).
Tight Rope is an entertaining read that will also leave you with much to contemplate in terms of racism, prejudice, and bigotry.
Disclaimer: I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
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