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The Youth of God
Longlisted for Canada Reads, 2020
Finalist for the Pius Adesanmi Memorial Award for Excellence in African Writing, 2019
The Youth of God tells the story of Nuur, a sensitive and academically gifted seventeen-year-old boy growing up in Toronto’s Somali neighbourhood, as he negotiates perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. Trying to influence him are a radical Muslim imam and a book-loving, dedicated teacher who shares his background. In its telling, this novel reveals the alienated lives of Somali youth in an environment riddled with crime and unemployment, while still in the grip of bitter memories of a home left behind. This intensely moving novel is also a powerful allegory of the struggle for the soul of Islam in modern times.
Finalist for the Pius Adesanmi Memorial Award for Excellence in African Writing, 2019
The Youth of God tells the story of Nuur, a sensitive and academically gifted seventeen-year-old boy growing up in Toronto’s Somali neighbourhood, as he negotiates perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. Trying to influence him are a radical Muslim imam and a book-loving, dedicated teacher who shares his background. In its telling, this novel reveals the alienated lives of Somali youth in an environment riddled with crime and unemployment, while still in the grip of bitter memories of a home left behind. This intensely moving novel is also a powerful allegory of the struggle for the soul of Islam in modern times.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2019
8 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Hassan Ghedi Santur
4 books8 followersHassan Ghedi Santur emigrated from Somalia to Canada at age thirteen. He has a BA in English Literature and an MFA from York University, and an MA from Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. He has worked as a radio journalist for CBC radio and his print journalism work has appeared in the New York Times, Yahoo News, and The Walrus, among others. In 2010, he published his debut novel Something Remains, followed by Maps of Exile, an exploration of the plight of African migrants in Europe. He is currently working on his third novel, Other Worlds, Other Lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2020
THE YOUTH OF GOD by Hassan Ghedi Santur was on the long list for CANADA READS 2020. I borrowed this novel through Interlibrary Loan and am very grateful to the libraries and librarians that made this possible.
Thank you to Canada Reads 2020 for including THE YOUTH OF GOD in the long list. Otherwise I would have missed out on reading this well written, heartbreaking novel about Nuur, his family, his teacher and his Muslim imam.
The main characters and most secondary characters are multi-dimensional and complex. Haawo initially appears weak, but later on shows her strength, determination and hope.
I was caught up in the story and wanted to keep reading, and could not stop until the book ended. The epilogue was satisfying for me and seemed realistic.
"The Youth of God tell us a story of Nuur, a sensitive and academically gifted 17-year-old boy growing up in Toronto's Somali neighborhood, as he negotiates perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. Trying to influence him are a radical Muslim imam and a book loving, dedicated teacher who shares his background. In its telling, this novel reveals the alienated lives of Somali youth in an environment riddled with crime and unemployment, while still in the grip of bitter memories of a home left behind. This intensely moving novel is also a powerful allegory of the struggle for the soul of Islam in modern times."
- Quote from back cover
I enjoyed reading THE YOUTH OF GOD and look forward to reading more novels written by the talented Hassan Ghedi Santur.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
Thank you to Canada Reads 2020 for including THE YOUTH OF GOD in the long list. Otherwise I would have missed out on reading this well written, heartbreaking novel about Nuur, his family, his teacher and his Muslim imam.
The main characters and most secondary characters are multi-dimensional and complex. Haawo initially appears weak, but later on shows her strength, determination and hope.
I was caught up in the story and wanted to keep reading, and could not stop until the book ended. The epilogue was satisfying for me and seemed realistic.
"The Youth of God tell us a story of Nuur, a sensitive and academically gifted 17-year-old boy growing up in Toronto's Somali neighborhood, as he negotiates perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. Trying to influence him are a radical Muslim imam and a book loving, dedicated teacher who shares his background. In its telling, this novel reveals the alienated lives of Somali youth in an environment riddled with crime and unemployment, while still in the grip of bitter memories of a home left behind. This intensely moving novel is also a powerful allegory of the struggle for the soul of Islam in modern times."
- Quote from back cover
I enjoyed reading THE YOUTH OF GOD and look forward to reading more novels written by the talented Hassan Ghedi Santur.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
June 5, 2019
I’ve spent roughly a week trying to write this review. I’ve sat down at least half a dozen times and somehow I still can’t quite put into words how this book affected me, but I’ll try.
The writing style was a little more abrupt than what I’m used to, but I think it serves the book well and didn’t stop me from being drawn to the characters right away. The story very much had a good vs. bad vibe, but it wasn’t quite so cut and dry. There is racism, religion, bullying, complicated familial relationships, and in the middle of it all a kid trying to figure out his way in the world.
Nuur is a sensitive and academically gifted seventeen-year-old boy growing up in Toronto’s Somali neighborhood negotiating perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. And that’s honestly the only specifics of the book I think you should know. This is one where going in without much info definitely benefits you.
I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn about a life different than their own, looking for an emotional, complex read. In short, I think this is one for everyone.
Thank you to Mawenzi House for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The writing style was a little more abrupt than what I’m used to, but I think it serves the book well and didn’t stop me from being drawn to the characters right away. The story very much had a good vs. bad vibe, but it wasn’t quite so cut and dry. There is racism, religion, bullying, complicated familial relationships, and in the middle of it all a kid trying to figure out his way in the world.
Nuur is a sensitive and academically gifted seventeen-year-old boy growing up in Toronto’s Somali neighborhood negotiating perilously between the calling of his faith and his intellectual ambitions. And that’s honestly the only specifics of the book I think you should know. This is one where going in without much info definitely benefits you.
I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn about a life different than their own, looking for an emotional, complex read. In short, I think this is one for everyone.
Thank you to Mawenzi House for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2019
About a young Somali-Canadian teen growing up in a Toronto suburb, dancing between furthering his education and falling into radicalism, this book examines the immigrant experience of young Black displaced men in a city that isolates and abuses them. So that’s where Nuur is, trying to be faithful, trying to be honest, trying to ignore bullying, and trying to escape the ghettoization that has shaped his life. I appreciated the look at his family - the ways that his mother was slowly ground down, the ways that Islamic divorce allowed his dad to check out and jump into a new family casually, and the diverging paths of himself and his brother, both dealing with the same issues in vastly different ways. I appreciated a look into the life of his teacher Mr. Ilmi, and how much he struggled to come to peace with his own life trajectory, a good life trajectory, and how he fostered larger dreams for his student. I also found the radicalization narrative to be believable. I think that young men, who live in an environment where their choices are limited by racism, where abuse is heaped upon them and tolerated by those in authority, and where the oscillating emotions of youth are confined to small apartments in underserved communities leaves kids looking for meaning and mentors, and that this vulnerability can be exploited by revered adult men. That the writing in the book was unsentimental and almost brusque, similar to Somali writer Nurrudin Farah if you ask me, meant that it took me awhile to warm up to this male-centered narrative. But I hit my stride, and this book did too, and in the end I valued the straightforward writing. If you liked David Chariandy‘s brother, I think you’ll like this book as well. Thank you @mawenzihouse for the ARC, opinions are my own.
October 31, 2021
Remember that post where I referenced internalized Islamophobia? Yeah, this falls squarely under that category.
Nuur is a 16yo religious, academically gifted Somali boy in Toronto who feels awkward everywhere: with his brother, Ayuub, who is busy partying; with his classmates, who torment him with Islamophobic slurs. Only two people pay him much attention: Mr Ilmi, his science teacher at school, & Imam Yusuf, the Imam at a local masjid.
This book is literally nothing but poor writing, a flimsy plot that exists solely to perpetuate the idea that kids who become interested in religion do so only because they're dysfunctional, and that the only "good" Muslims are the secular, irreligious types who don't pray & have a vague sense of Sufi spirituality.
Imam Yusuf is a shallow, one-dimensional portrayal of "radical jihadi who recruits vulnerable kids"; he is given no character depth, no background, & no development. We learn nothing meaningful about him. Instead, we are treated to interminable detail about Mr Ilmi & his discomfort with religion and how he still misses his ex-girlfriend & how he finds his Somali wife backwards because of cultural habits & how angsty he is that he didn't go to medical school and...
You get the point. Religious leader = bad, secular teacher = soooo inspiring. Sprinkle in some vague details about Somalia for "authentic flavour," and references to poverty, unemployment, and crime in Toronto for "social commentary."
Between the mediocre writing and the pathetic story, I'm disgusted that the author was given grants by the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council to write and publish this pile of steaming, Islamophobic garbage.
Books like this are exactly the kind of trash being pushed as "Muslim representation" and "diversity" while simply perpetuating Islamophobic tropes that fit the dominant narrative.
0/5 🌟
Nuur is a 16yo religious, academically gifted Somali boy in Toronto who feels awkward everywhere: with his brother, Ayuub, who is busy partying; with his classmates, who torment him with Islamophobic slurs. Only two people pay him much attention: Mr Ilmi, his science teacher at school, & Imam Yusuf, the Imam at a local masjid.
This book is literally nothing but poor writing, a flimsy plot that exists solely to perpetuate the idea that kids who become interested in religion do so only because they're dysfunctional, and that the only "good" Muslims are the secular, irreligious types who don't pray & have a vague sense of Sufi spirituality.
Imam Yusuf is a shallow, one-dimensional portrayal of "radical jihadi who recruits vulnerable kids"; he is given no character depth, no background, & no development. We learn nothing meaningful about him. Instead, we are treated to interminable detail about Mr Ilmi & his discomfort with religion and how he still misses his ex-girlfriend & how he finds his Somali wife backwards because of cultural habits & how angsty he is that he didn't go to medical school and...
You get the point. Religious leader = bad, secular teacher = soooo inspiring. Sprinkle in some vague details about Somalia for "authentic flavour," and references to poverty, unemployment, and crime in Toronto for "social commentary."
Between the mediocre writing and the pathetic story, I'm disgusted that the author was given grants by the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council to write and publish this pile of steaming, Islamophobic garbage.
Books like this are exactly the kind of trash being pushed as "Muslim representation" and "diversity" while simply perpetuating Islamophobic tropes that fit the dominant narrative.
0/5 🌟
June 5, 2019
This story takes place in Toronto, and tells the story of a young Somali teenager, Nuur, who is in his last year of high school. Nuur is studious and has a curious mind that is nurtured by his Biology teacher, Mr. Ilmi, who is also Somalian.
However, an unstable home life, the trauma of a civil war still affecting his community, and bullying/racism at school, see Nuur being pulled in two different directions; between being a devout Muslim (is being indoctrinated by a radical imam) and his dream of being in medicine.
One single act changes Nuur's trajectory and his future is uncertain.
This book was small, but unpacked a lot within its pages. I also felt that the end of Nuur's storyline was a bit rushed, and wanted a bit more to be explored about the decision he made.
However, I highly recommend this book, it did not shy away from discussing difficult topics, but did so in a way that made the story cohesive.
Thanks again to Mawenzi House for the copy of this book.
However, an unstable home life, the trauma of a civil war still affecting his community, and bullying/racism at school, see Nuur being pulled in two different directions; between being a devout Muslim (is being indoctrinated by a radical imam) and his dream of being in medicine.
One single act changes Nuur's trajectory and his future is uncertain.
This book was small, but unpacked a lot within its pages. I also felt that the end of Nuur's storyline was a bit rushed, and wanted a bit more to be explored about the decision he made.
However, I highly recommend this book, it did not shy away from discussing difficult topics, but did so in a way that made the story cohesive.
Thanks again to Mawenzi House for the copy of this book.
July 12, 2019
I know very little about the Somali community in Toronto other then the negative gang related violence. In all of the years I have lived in this city, I have never been to Rexdale. This is both ignorant and naive of me. This novel has taught me a lot about this community and their faith. This novel also made me feel so many emotions. Fear, anger, compassion, hope, overwhelming sadness. This story is told through two perspectives. Nuun, a seventeen year old student and his biology teacher Mr. Ilmi. Within the first two chapters I developed an intense sense of protection for Nuun. He is such a beautiful character. So sweet, kind, intelligent, but also a bit of a loner and an outcast. Nuun is a devout muslim. He wears a full beard, qamiis and kufi. At seventeen, this sets him apart from his peers and his own family. There is a struggle in Nuun between the calling of his faith and with his desire to succeed academically and go on to medical school. This book broke my heart and did not end how I wanted it to. It is also so terrifying how subtly radical religious leaders brainwash their young congregation. It's so subtle and it is so angering to read! I really hope Canadian schools start teaching this novel. It's so important. I have learned so much about the beauty in the muslim faith. This book was beautifully written and so thought provoking
May 22, 2019
The Youth of God is a story centered on 17 year old bright student, Nuur, a Somali immigrant living in Toronto, Canada with his family. Influencing his choices is Mr. Ilmi, his Somali, Biology teacher at school, who notices his great potential and develops a strong desire as a result to help him succeed. Mr. Ilmi is not the only one who discovers just how special Nuur is as Imam Yusuf, at the mosque Nuur frequents being quite the religious teenager, is equally intent on utilizing his young student’s intellect for other selfish pursuits.
I really appreciated how the author expertly tackles a range of themes and does not shy away from the difficult ones either. In Mr. Ilmi is a progressive Muslim, who often comes across as dissatisfied with his own life. He dislikes the environment he lives in, mourns his unfulfilled dreams of becoming a surgeon instead ending up as a Biology teacher and is at times, tempted to regret his agreement to an arranged marriage. We also get a sense in Mr. Ilmi’s character of how the civil war in Somalia only served to uproot families, scattering them all over the world in the process. He would end up in Canada as a child and it would be over 20 years later, that he would get a chance to visit his native country. By then, the war had clearly done its share of destruction.
"On our way to the hotel where I was to stay for the next 5 days, we drove along Maka al-Mukarama, the most prominent boulevard in Mogadishu. And there it hit me just how bad things were in the city of my childhood. Two decades of bombardment had turned it into an unfamiliar city…"
Mr. Ilmi would later read of the experience of his visit to an audience in Canada, who would probably neither know nor understand, the magnitude of something they had never experienced themselves. Perhaps trying to come to terms with the sorry state of affairs in his nation of birth, Mr. Ilmi chooses to focus on the often, uncelebrated strength of women in certain, difficult circumstances,
"I was puzzled by the complete absence of the fathers of the children. Somalia had always been a country held together by women…"
And probably, in the potential of Somalia’s future generations, no wonder his particular liking and interest in his student, Nuur. But for every effort that Mr. Ilmi makes in trying to mentor Nuur, so does the Imam at the mosque counter it by feeding Nuur with damaging ideologies. The state of affairs in Nuur’s family and his inability to fit in with his peers at school, does little in persuading him to make the right decision. Nuur is a teenager who is clearly struggling to deal with his immigrant status, being bullied, his desire to be religious and at the same time focused on academics, his parents’ on and off separation and his brother’s eventual departure for ‘greener’ pastures. All these issues seem to eventually overwhelm him and he plunges deeper and deeper into the murky world that is the Imam’s.
The Youth of God acknowledges the threat of radicalization and the fact that Somali youth, especially, are not completely immune to it no matter how far from Somalia they are. I found the book relatable, as the largely Somali neighborhood of Eastleigh in Nairobi is mentioned a couple of times. It was also somewhat disturbing, the way Kenya and Uganda are pinpointed as unfortunate terrorist attack targets. However, I wished the author had equally mentioned the bustle of Eastleigh, as a business hub and not only a destination that Al-shabaab recruits as well as Somalis on transit to other countries, preferred.
The ending of the book literally brought me to tears, with the realization of the pain that families whose sons (and daughters) get recruited into terrorist activities go through, in trying to bring them back home which is often, a fruitless task. The Youth of God is truly, a book worth reading.
I really appreciated how the author expertly tackles a range of themes and does not shy away from the difficult ones either. In Mr. Ilmi is a progressive Muslim, who often comes across as dissatisfied with his own life. He dislikes the environment he lives in, mourns his unfulfilled dreams of becoming a surgeon instead ending up as a Biology teacher and is at times, tempted to regret his agreement to an arranged marriage. We also get a sense in Mr. Ilmi’s character of how the civil war in Somalia only served to uproot families, scattering them all over the world in the process. He would end up in Canada as a child and it would be over 20 years later, that he would get a chance to visit his native country. By then, the war had clearly done its share of destruction.
"On our way to the hotel where I was to stay for the next 5 days, we drove along Maka al-Mukarama, the most prominent boulevard in Mogadishu. And there it hit me just how bad things were in the city of my childhood. Two decades of bombardment had turned it into an unfamiliar city…"
Mr. Ilmi would later read of the experience of his visit to an audience in Canada, who would probably neither know nor understand, the magnitude of something they had never experienced themselves. Perhaps trying to come to terms with the sorry state of affairs in his nation of birth, Mr. Ilmi chooses to focus on the often, uncelebrated strength of women in certain, difficult circumstances,
"I was puzzled by the complete absence of the fathers of the children. Somalia had always been a country held together by women…"
And probably, in the potential of Somalia’s future generations, no wonder his particular liking and interest in his student, Nuur. But for every effort that Mr. Ilmi makes in trying to mentor Nuur, so does the Imam at the mosque counter it by feeding Nuur with damaging ideologies. The state of affairs in Nuur’s family and his inability to fit in with his peers at school, does little in persuading him to make the right decision. Nuur is a teenager who is clearly struggling to deal with his immigrant status, being bullied, his desire to be religious and at the same time focused on academics, his parents’ on and off separation and his brother’s eventual departure for ‘greener’ pastures. All these issues seem to eventually overwhelm him and he plunges deeper and deeper into the murky world that is the Imam’s.
The Youth of God acknowledges the threat of radicalization and the fact that Somali youth, especially, are not completely immune to it no matter how far from Somalia they are. I found the book relatable, as the largely Somali neighborhood of Eastleigh in Nairobi is mentioned a couple of times. It was also somewhat disturbing, the way Kenya and Uganda are pinpointed as unfortunate terrorist attack targets. However, I wished the author had equally mentioned the bustle of Eastleigh, as a business hub and not only a destination that Al-shabaab recruits as well as Somalis on transit to other countries, preferred.
The ending of the book literally brought me to tears, with the realization of the pain that families whose sons (and daughters) get recruited into terrorist activities go through, in trying to bring them back home which is often, a fruitless task. The Youth of God is truly, a book worth reading.
November 26, 2019
I had to marinate on this novel for a while because it really makes you feel for the characters and understand the ease in which we can be led astray. The story follows Nuur, a Somali teen living in Toronto, as he navigates his faith and his dreams as a high schooler. He is bullied relentlessly because he wears his religious clothing to school and prays throughout the day. He never stands up to the bullies but only prays about it and finds solace at his mosque and with his favorite teacher, Mr. Ilmi. Mr. Ilmi represents Nuur's intellectual and motivated side. He thirsts for knowledge, wants to help people and desires to learn more about the medical field. Mr. Ilmi feeds him knowledge through various books and tries to help him push the edges of dreams.
Nuur is also deeply enthralled in his Muslim faith which no one seems to understand around him. His mother invites his absent father back into the home which causes rifts with her sons. Nuur's brother does not follow Muslim faith and has started to leave the nest to live his own life, leaving Nuur to wonder what his own path looks like. The only person who seems to understand Nuur's faith is his Imam at the mosque. Although he is a leader amongst the community of men and boys that attend the mosque, the Imam also has his own ideals about how Muslims should show their faith and thus, Nuur becomes ensnared in his devotion to his faith, his open arms to teach him and his identity as a Muslim youth is satisfied through the other boys he encounters through the Imam.
The story ends with a cliffhanger. We wonder what will happen and to whom. I personally dislike stories that leave me wondering about the main character but I do know why authors choose to use it...because I couldn't stop thinking about Nuur for weeks. If you like books that entwine religion, coming of age and immigrant experiences, you'll find this one a fulfilling read.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
Nuur is also deeply enthralled in his Muslim faith which no one seems to understand around him. His mother invites his absent father back into the home which causes rifts with her sons. Nuur's brother does not follow Muslim faith and has started to leave the nest to live his own life, leaving Nuur to wonder what his own path looks like. The only person who seems to understand Nuur's faith is his Imam at the mosque. Although he is a leader amongst the community of men and boys that attend the mosque, the Imam also has his own ideals about how Muslims should show their faith and thus, Nuur becomes ensnared in his devotion to his faith, his open arms to teach him and his identity as a Muslim youth is satisfied through the other boys he encounters through the Imam.
The story ends with a cliffhanger. We wonder what will happen and to whom. I personally dislike stories that leave me wondering about the main character but I do know why authors choose to use it...because I couldn't stop thinking about Nuur for weeks. If you like books that entwine religion, coming of age and immigrant experiences, you'll find this one a fulfilling read.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
October 20, 2019
If you are in need of a tough account of seemingly incomprehensible life choices, I truly recommend you have a go at The Youth Of God. This is a humbling and well-told read. We all seek a sense of community and role models in order to shape our own identity – for some they are ruthless bullies, for others they can be inspiring teachers, and for the 17 year old and bright, Somali-Canadian student Nuur, a religious leader tries to fill out that vacuum.
July 27, 2019
I started reading this heartbreaking story with high expectations, and they were all fulfilled. The insight into Nuur’s thoughts gives you an understanding of how a troubled teenager tries to find answers to his questions about life; one way to find answers is his intellect ambition, the other his faith. I felt frustrations, concern, anger, but also hope. This story is not afraid to tackle a sensitive topic from an unexpected point of view; one of understanding instead of blind condemnation. It also shows how society and people around you play a huge role in what someone can push over a very thin line. This is one of the most beautiful stories I have read this year. Hassan Ghedi Santur writes in a way that somehow brings calmness and peace while shattering your heart with this sad story. There is no other way than to give this book five stars.
February 14, 2020
Hassan Santur confidently presented in his novel an important topic towards the most essential issues in the world, which is the issue of immigrants. In its core, "The Youth of God" is a story about love, and how the lack of embodied love can underfeed a young person’s ability to make choices in their best interests. It is a painful reminder of the immense vulnerability of promising third-culture kids who navigate a double exile, while nominally a work of fiction.
"The Youth of God" recognizes the threat of radicalization and the fact that Somali youth, particularly, are not totally resistant to it regardless of how a long way from Somalia they are. The ending of the novel really brought me to breaks, with the acknowledgment of the agony that families whose children and little girls get enlisted into terrorist activities exercise, in attempting to bring them back home which is usually a fruitless task. In addition, this book was little, yet I additionally felt that the finish of Nuur's storyline was somewhat surged and needed more to be investigated about the choice he made.
Hence, I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to learn about a different life than their own, looking for an emotional, complex read that is related to various aspects of life, like Immigration and religion.
"The Youth of God" recognizes the threat of radicalization and the fact that Somali youth, particularly, are not totally resistant to it regardless of how a long way from Somalia they are. The ending of the novel really brought me to breaks, with the acknowledgment of the agony that families whose children and little girls get enlisted into terrorist activities exercise, in attempting to bring them back home which is usually a fruitless task. In addition, this book was little, yet I additionally felt that the finish of Nuur's storyline was somewhat surged and needed more to be investigated about the choice he made.
Hence, I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to learn about a different life than their own, looking for an emotional, complex read that is related to various aspects of life, like Immigration and religion.
July 17, 2020
This book will sit with me for a while. I can’t muster up what else I want to say at 1am... it was really heavy, but important.
**edit**
I remember watching a movie about Radical Islam in Airman Leadership School... I just understood instantly. I understood how terrorism is what it is. This book reminded me of that in such a different way since it was more subtle, more profound.... extremely sad and just had this dark feeling because you felt the evilness as well. Yet, it’s important for us to acknowledge how it can happen and how we can try and invest in communities to help provide more resources for our youths.
A very well written, beautiful, yet... solemnly toned story.
**edit**
I remember watching a movie about Radical Islam in Airman Leadership School... I just understood instantly. I understood how terrorism is what it is. This book reminded me of that in such a different way since it was more subtle, more profound.... extremely sad and just had this dark feeling because you felt the evilness as well. Yet, it’s important for us to acknowledge how it can happen and how we can try and invest in communities to help provide more resources for our youths.
A very well written, beautiful, yet... solemnly toned story.
Read
January 30, 2025Yikes. Terrible book. Two-dimensional characters, thin plot, horrible writing, and such clear disdain for Islam and Somali culture. 0/10 would not recommend.
February 16, 2020
This one sat with me for a while. It did not end as I was expecting. Two perspectives from the Somali community in Toronto’s Rexdale - one teacher reflecting on his role in society, and one youth struggling to find connection and meaning. Amazingly written.
February 10, 2020
I rounded down, was more like a 3.75.
July 23, 2019
No one dreams of being forced out of their home, and sometimes the hardest thing for any refugee to do is deal with what happens after they survive either the war or a traumatic event. Reading this book unravels the vulnerability of children and families who are forced to flee their homes. It's a really heartbreaking tale and with it also comes the hope that one or two individuals would step in to make a difference.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
May 11, 2020
To be among the chosen, you'll have to be more than just nice. p116
Nuur as a young teen is more than just nice, he's an ideal of a boy: mindful, curious, steadfast, kind. To Mr. Imli, Nuur is his most promising student, but an enigma nevertheless, considering that they are both refugees from Somalia settled in Toronto. Somewhat aware of the relentless bullying that the boy is subject to, he is unable to prevent the catastrophic outcome.
"He never brought his friends home,"( Nuurs mother observed)
"I think books are his friends," Mr Imli said. p152
But Mr Imli is not the only one interested in helping Nuur on his career path and when things go terribly awry, it is the crafty and influential Iman of the mosque that offers sanctuary to the runaway. What happens next is more than disappointing. I am not sure whether HGS is intending to justify or warn readers of the dire consequences stemming from Nuurs limited choices. I did feel as if the considerate and lively Nuur I had come to know was subsumed by a stick figure and I grieved for all the precious lives sacrificed to war.
He had longed to be thought of as one of "us" until he became old enough to realize that there was no "us" and being "in" was relative. p68
That he seems willing, even eager to go along with his new roommates and the Iman's plans, seemed so out of character that I was jolted into the feeling that it was I, the reader, who was being manipulated. By the time he gets on the plane he had entirely lost me.
I did end up disliking this book, but because I started out loving it I raised my 2 to a 3.
Nuur as a young teen is more than just nice, he's an ideal of a boy: mindful, curious, steadfast, kind. To Mr. Imli, Nuur is his most promising student, but an enigma nevertheless, considering that they are both refugees from Somalia settled in Toronto. Somewhat aware of the relentless bullying that the boy is subject to, he is unable to prevent the catastrophic outcome.
"He never brought his friends home,"( Nuurs mother observed)
"I think books are his friends," Mr Imli said. p152
But Mr Imli is not the only one interested in helping Nuur on his career path and when things go terribly awry, it is the crafty and influential Iman of the mosque that offers sanctuary to the runaway. What happens next is more than disappointing. I am not sure whether HGS is intending to justify or warn readers of the dire consequences stemming from Nuurs limited choices. I did feel as if the considerate and lively Nuur I had come to know was subsumed by a stick figure and I grieved for all the precious lives sacrificed to war.
He had longed to be thought of as one of "us" until he became old enough to realize that there was no "us" and being "in" was relative. p68
That he seems willing, even eager to go along with his new roommates and the Iman's plans, seemed so out of character that I was jolted into the feeling that it was I, the reader, who was being manipulated. By the time he gets on the plane he had entirely lost me.
I did end up disliking this book, but because I started out loving it I raised my 2 to a 3.
January 15, 2020
Nuur is a Canadian born Somali teenager. He is bright and driven and wants to succeed in his schooling to become a doctor of Oncology someday. He is also a devout and pious Muslim and goes to Mosque regularly in a town near Toronto.
Nuur is a favourite of his biology teacher, Mr. Ilmi who worries about Nuur as he is often bullied at school for wearing traditional garb. Mr. Ilmi, a man who has his own regrets about decisions he made in his life and its’ direction, wants to help Nuur avoid these pitfalls by guiding and encouraging him to reach for the stars.
Imam Yousef has been a special teacher for Nuur at the mosque and has given him a place of inclusion. There is a type of peace that comes from their Sunday sessions that Nuur has difficulty describing.
Both of these teachers, both Muslim, see faults in the other as to how they nurture Nuur. Beginning with an incident at Nuur’s school with a bully, Nuur discovers where his mind and consciousness fall.
This is a slim book of just over 200 pages but one that I read slowly as it captures so much. Themes of regret, poverty, family, immigration, racism and hatred are each given weight in this book.
This book is on the 2020 Canada Reads Longlist and was published in 2019 by Mawenzi House.
Nuur is a favourite of his biology teacher, Mr. Ilmi who worries about Nuur as he is often bullied at school for wearing traditional garb. Mr. Ilmi, a man who has his own regrets about decisions he made in his life and its’ direction, wants to help Nuur avoid these pitfalls by guiding and encouraging him to reach for the stars.
Imam Yousef has been a special teacher for Nuur at the mosque and has given him a place of inclusion. There is a type of peace that comes from their Sunday sessions that Nuur has difficulty describing.
Both of these teachers, both Muslim, see faults in the other as to how they nurture Nuur. Beginning with an incident at Nuur’s school with a bully, Nuur discovers where his mind and consciousness fall.
This is a slim book of just over 200 pages but one that I read slowly as it captures so much. Themes of regret, poverty, family, immigration, racism and hatred are each given weight in this book.
This book is on the 2020 Canada Reads Longlist and was published in 2019 by Mawenzi House.
January 27, 2020
Some short books are more difficult to read then door stoppers. This is one of those books.
One of the characters evoked strong feelings of anger. That a young man could be taken advantage of by someone who is meant to protect him is wrong. None of the characters are perfect, they are very human.
Thank you Hassan Ghedi Santur for introducing them to your readers. The ending was perfect.
One of the characters evoked strong feelings of anger. That a young man could be taken advantage of by someone who is meant to protect him is wrong. None of the characters are perfect, they are very human.
Thank you Hassan Ghedi Santur for introducing them to your readers. The ending was perfect.
April 27, 2020
Exquisite
This novel pulled me in immediately and it evolved and progressed in a compelling way. You get to know enough about the main characters that you are cheering for them and feel you know them. Highly recommend this books that tells the story if two families simultaneously simple and complex.
This novel pulled me in immediately and it evolved and progressed in a compelling way. You get to know enough about the main characters that you are cheering for them and feel you know them. Highly recommend this books that tells the story if two families simultaneously simple and complex.
September 11, 2019
This was a tough read, but a point of view I haven't really thought of.
I enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy this kind of book.
I enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy this kind of book.
Want to read
January 9, 20202020 Canada Reads Longlist
January 25, 2020
Canada Reads longlist, 3.8 stars.
February 6, 2020
I tried multiple times to get into this book, but I just didn't find that the writing, story, dialogue, or characters grabbed me in any way.
December 31, 2022
This book made me both disgusted and so sad for the fate of the main character :((
April 15, 2023
Great book. Terrifying. Sad. Not the ending I was hoping for.
March 27, 2024
heartbreaking
April 2, 2024
4.5, well told and impactful
May 24, 2025
An interesting story of a religious Muslim boy in Canada, who becomes radicalized. Is the story of his struggle for meaning and the influence of his family and a teacher at school.
November 12, 2019
1/2 It has been almost 3 weeks since I finished reading this book. I hadn't posted the review specifically because I didn't know how to summarize this book. It is disturbing and enlightening at the same time, it led me through some ups and downs of emotions that I really did not know how to interpret, until now.
The book is about a teenager, Nuur, Somali - Canadian living in Toronto, Canada. It´s a beautifully written book that takes you through the highs and lows that this teenager must go through, including his own transitions, trying to know his surroundings as himself, leading an internal duel about his ambition and his faith, between his own desires and what is right . The experiences he has and the people he lives with have a profound impact on his person for both good and bad.
This book is a reflection of what many people go through trying to fit, adapt and be part of something.
I highly recommended for those who want to have another perspective and know other realities apart from yours.
2/2 Han pasado casi 3 semanas desde que terminé de leer este libro. No había posteado la reseña específicamente porque no sabia como resumir este libro. Es perturbador y esclarecedor al mismo tiempo, me llevo por unos altibajos de emociones que realmente no supe interpretar, hasta ahora.
El libro trata sobre un adolescente, Nuur, Somali - Canadiense viviendo en Toronto. Obra hermosamente escrita te lleva por los altibajos que debe pasar este adolescente, incluyendo sus propias transiciones, tratando de conocer su entorno como a sí mismo, llevando un duelo interno sobre su ambición y su fe, entre sus propios deseos y lo que es correcto. Las experiencias que tiene y las personas con que convive marcan un profundo impacto en su persona tanto para bien como para mal.
Este libro es un reflejo de lo que muchas personas pasan por tratar de encajar, adaptarse y ser parte de algo.
Muy recomendado este libro para los que quieren tener otra perspectiva y conocer otras realidades aparte de la suya.
The book is about a teenager, Nuur, Somali - Canadian living in Toronto, Canada. It´s a beautifully written book that takes you through the highs and lows that this teenager must go through, including his own transitions, trying to know his surroundings as himself, leading an internal duel about his ambition and his faith, between his own desires and what is right . The experiences he has and the people he lives with have a profound impact on his person for both good and bad.
This book is a reflection of what many people go through trying to fit, adapt and be part of something.
I highly recommended for those who want to have another perspective and know other realities apart from yours.
2/2 Han pasado casi 3 semanas desde que terminé de leer este libro. No había posteado la reseña específicamente porque no sabia como resumir este libro. Es perturbador y esclarecedor al mismo tiempo, me llevo por unos altibajos de emociones que realmente no supe interpretar, hasta ahora.
El libro trata sobre un adolescente, Nuur, Somali - Canadiense viviendo en Toronto. Obra hermosamente escrita te lleva por los altibajos que debe pasar este adolescente, incluyendo sus propias transiciones, tratando de conocer su entorno como a sí mismo, llevando un duelo interno sobre su ambición y su fe, entre sus propios deseos y lo que es correcto. Las experiencias que tiene y las personas con que convive marcan un profundo impacto en su persona tanto para bien como para mal.
Este libro es un reflejo de lo que muchas personas pasan por tratar de encajar, adaptarse y ser parte de algo.
Muy recomendado este libro para los que quieren tener otra perspectiva y conocer otras realidades aparte de la suya.
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