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InVisible
A woman is detained by authorities after a terrorist attack, sending her on a twisting path from London to Afghanistan in this emotionally powerful saga.
When Laila and her lover, Faisal, are detained after the 2005 terrorist attack in London, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter Laila's life forever.
After being held in solitary confinement for months, Laila is released back into the world without charge, a woman changed beyond recognition. When she decides to leave the country and travel to Pakistan to look for her elusive father, Laila is reunited with Faisal in Peshawar--but the romance is short-lived when she finds herself kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan, leaving her sad, angry, and uncertain if she will ever find her place in the world and the freedom she craves . . .
From the author of Ella's War and The Train, InVisible is a poignant look at how we treat each other and the judgments we make that explores the question of whether freedom always comes at a price.
When Laila and her lover, Faisal, are detained after the 2005 terrorist attack in London, it sets in motion a chain of events that will alter Laila's life forever.
After being held in solitary confinement for months, Laila is released back into the world without charge, a woman changed beyond recognition. When she decides to leave the country and travel to Pakistan to look for her elusive father, Laila is reunited with Faisal in Peshawar--but the romance is short-lived when she finds herself kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan, leaving her sad, angry, and uncertain if she will ever find her place in the world and the freedom she craves . . .
From the author of Ella's War and The Train, InVisible is a poignant look at how we treat each other and the judgments we make that explores the question of whether freedom always comes at a price.
313 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2021
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 7, 2021
Thank you Sarah Bourne for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. This is not a book I would usually choose to read but I am so glad I was given the opportunity to. A hard hitting, emotional, poignant, page turner. Laila and her boyfriend Faisal are wrongfully arrested and detained following a terrorist attack. When Laila is released she travels to Pakistan to look for Faisal. After being reunited she is kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan for ransom. She is taken to a village in the mountains where they are bombed by the Americans. Will she survive this ordeal? This book is very highly recommended.
November 24, 2021
I'm going to start this review with a note: This is a book about terrorism related to Pakistan and Afghanistan but written by a Caucasian person. The main protagonist is a woman who is half white with a Pakistani father she does not know. She's not raised with that identity and the crux of the plot is that she knows she does not fit in as "white" and is desperately trying to identify with her father's culture. This leads her to friends and a boyfriend who are from her father's culture and, here's where my note comes in, gets her involved in the situation the plot is about. Arrested by the UK government and questioned about being involved with terrorism and then much later in Pakistan, kidnapped and embroiled in the war. All against her will. There is a lot of very aggressive stereotyping here. It is used as a plot device and it makes for a very interesting read. There are sections where non-radicalized people are portrayed but not enough to balance the underlying narrative. The story is a cautionary tale about a girl trying to find and understand her roots and those roots bring her to the very worst of the worst. I think this is problematic at times, however, I get that this is a thriller intended to bring you a unique story in a new way. If you're the type to shy away from these situations where authors are putting themselves in other's shoes and making sweeping assumptions about a culture, then skip this one. But if you can read a story for a story and want to see how a simple girl can bumble her way into multiple hornets' nests full of ignorance and curiosity then you will likely enjoy this one.
The writing is immersive and at all times I felt Laila's fear and confusion and need to belong and be understood. You see the absolute horror of people's attitudes and behaviors and the beauty and kindness of others. You see the black and whiteness of this age old conflict and yet how not everyone living in the conflict engages fully with it. You will not see Laila's betrayer coming but it is quite the twist. There is a lot of violence, physical and sexual to both Laila and other women and children throughout the story so be prepared for that. It was definitely a book that got me thinking and one I couldn't put down because I had to know what happened to Laila.
Thanks to Love Books Tours for a copy. All opinions are my own.
The writing is immersive and at all times I felt Laila's fear and confusion and need to belong and be understood. You see the absolute horror of people's attitudes and behaviors and the beauty and kindness of others. You see the black and whiteness of this age old conflict and yet how not everyone living in the conflict engages fully with it. You will not see Laila's betrayer coming but it is quite the twist. There is a lot of violence, physical and sexual to both Laila and other women and children throughout the story so be prepared for that. It was definitely a book that got me thinking and one I couldn't put down because I had to know what happened to Laila.
Thanks to Love Books Tours for a copy. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2021
✨ DARK, RAW, ACTION PACKED THRILLER ✨
Sarah Bourne has delivered such a powerful story with #invisible, a thriller that reads like nonfiction it’s so well done in setting the atmosphere and weaving in true historical themes.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚨 TW: assault mentioned in review, full list of TWs for this book listed at end of review 🚨
Review: Bourne’s story transports you to many parts of Europe - England, Pakistan, Afghanistan - and you feel as though you’re there with how descriptive her scene setting is and how tense emotions felt are in each place.
This book follows Laila - a kind, loving woman who is a young school teacher with a desire to understand her half Pakistani heritage and a father she doesn’t know.
Early in the book she is wronged beyond belief just because of the way she looks and unjustly detained for terrorist crimes she had no part in. During her detainment she’s not told why she is there, assaulted by the guards every day and held in solitary until she goes mad. These parts of the book were emotionally challenging to read because Bourne made you feel the everything so viscerally.
This is the catalyst for the rest of Laila’s story on her journey to find the truth. What she discovers and experiences along the way is beyond what any person could - or should - be put through and she is committed to sharing her story to prevent others from experiencing the same.
Her strength throughout the book is immeasurable especially when she finds out the people around her are not who they seem.
This is like no thriller I’ve ever read and yet it kept me on the edge of my seat with terror and fury.
Thanks to Love Books Tours and Bloodhound Books for gifting me this book - I’m so glad to be a part of this tour to share my thoughts about it!
🚨 TW: there are many in this book - kidnapping, confinement, sexual assault.
Sarah Bourne has delivered such a powerful story with #invisible, a thriller that reads like nonfiction it’s so well done in setting the atmosphere and weaving in true historical themes.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚨 TW: assault mentioned in review, full list of TWs for this book listed at end of review 🚨
Review: Bourne’s story transports you to many parts of Europe - England, Pakistan, Afghanistan - and you feel as though you’re there with how descriptive her scene setting is and how tense emotions felt are in each place.
This book follows Laila - a kind, loving woman who is a young school teacher with a desire to understand her half Pakistani heritage and a father she doesn’t know.
Early in the book she is wronged beyond belief just because of the way she looks and unjustly detained for terrorist crimes she had no part in. During her detainment she’s not told why she is there, assaulted by the guards every day and held in solitary until she goes mad. These parts of the book were emotionally challenging to read because Bourne made you feel the everything so viscerally.
This is the catalyst for the rest of Laila’s story on her journey to find the truth. What she discovers and experiences along the way is beyond what any person could - or should - be put through and she is committed to sharing her story to prevent others from experiencing the same.
Her strength throughout the book is immeasurable especially when she finds out the people around her are not who they seem.
This is like no thriller I’ve ever read and yet it kept me on the edge of my seat with terror and fury.
Thanks to Love Books Tours and Bloodhound Books for gifting me this book - I’m so glad to be a part of this tour to share my thoughts about it!
🚨 TW: there are many in this book - kidnapping, confinement, sexual assault.
November 24, 2021
Wow, I was left speechless the torture the torment of ending up in a confined solitary prison cell with no reason as to why. Not only this, but the feeling of what people go through when they are seen as different hurt my heart. I found it difficult to read the words in front of my eyes but they are the truth. The truth of how brutal bullies can be.
This book made me think about how glad I am how times have changed but how sad I am that some older generations still have the old ways of thinking and judging. I was so overwhelmed by how patient one person could be given the circumstances, it was so brave, inspiring and i felt the frustration so much I wanted to shout at the guards and demand a response from the awkward brutal silences.
The writing style takes you visually to that moment in time, you feel the emotions, you imagine your there. I became so invested into this book as it’s one I’ve wanted to read for a long time. I loved knowing about Laila and finally knowing about Faisal. And this is only just the beginning the book unravels much deeper much further as the events of the allegations unfold.
I adored the whole build up, taking each step at a time. It didn’t drag at all and I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. This really makes you think about terrorism, racism, how people treat criminals and so much more. I thought this was a really insightful eye opening read. Absolutely brilliant read.
This book made me think about how glad I am how times have changed but how sad I am that some older generations still have the old ways of thinking and judging. I was so overwhelmed by how patient one person could be given the circumstances, it was so brave, inspiring and i felt the frustration so much I wanted to shout at the guards and demand a response from the awkward brutal silences.
The writing style takes you visually to that moment in time, you feel the emotions, you imagine your there. I became so invested into this book as it’s one I’ve wanted to read for a long time. I loved knowing about Laila and finally knowing about Faisal. And this is only just the beginning the book unravels much deeper much further as the events of the allegations unfold.
I adored the whole build up, taking each step at a time. It didn’t drag at all and I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. This really makes you think about terrorism, racism, how people treat criminals and so much more. I thought this was a really insightful eye opening read. Absolutely brilliant read.
November 20, 2021
Wow this was fantastically written. Really hard to read at times knowing that this really is happening. There was so much going on constantly. It really kept me gripped and desperate to read on.
I'd have loved a fuller epilogue with more on life post-Pakistan. I think that would have just given me a more rounded completion to Laila's story. An outcome for Asim and Faisal would have been good to but I guess that was to reflect how these people exist and can disappear in real life too.
I loved how Laila managed to find the strength and the beauty in her ordeals to see her through. She had a real spirit that could not be broken completely. A great read.
I'd have loved a fuller epilogue with more on life post-Pakistan. I think that would have just given me a more rounded completion to Laila's story. An outcome for Asim and Faisal would have been good to but I guess that was to reflect how these people exist and can disappear in real life too.
I loved how Laila managed to find the strength and the beauty in her ordeals to see her through. She had a real spirit that could not be broken completely. A great read.
November 24, 2021
I picked this book as I thought it would be completely different to my normal genre of books. It was refreshing to read a new perspective that I haven’t encountered before. I won’t say I enjoyed being part of Lailas’s journey but it certainly made me think and I love that in a book! I found myself feeling very indignant about how she was being treated and not even told why she was there. I felt very sorry for her being dealt a life where she ended up being treated badly because of who she was. I think this is a story everyone should read to gain an alternative perspective.
November 6, 2023
InVisible by Sarah Bourne is a challenging read in all the right ways: it is emotionally driven and made me think. With trigger warnings for sexual abuse and terrorism, it needs to be read with the lights on because Sarah’s knack for drawing vivid scenes immerses the reader in her protagonist Laila’s world on a journey from solitary confinement to Afghanistan.
This isn’t a comfortable book, it’s an opportunity to view the world from another perspective and to reflect on the judgments we make about other people. I highly recommend it.
This isn’t a comfortable book, it’s an opportunity to view the world from another perspective and to reflect on the judgments we make about other people. I highly recommend it.
April 14, 2022
A Very thought provoking book. Beautifully written. Thoroughly recommend.
December 25, 2023
Emotional rollercoaster, exploring the power of the government and the impact of solitary confinement.
January 26, 2022
This was one book I couldn't put down, I was so captivated by Laila's story. Sarah captured the raw emotions of solitary confinement so well. It certainly opened my eyes to the innocent people caught up in the world of terrorism through no fault of their own. I found the writing so engaging and the pace of the book fantastic. This is definitely one that will stay with me for a long time.
November 15, 2021
I feel I can’t do this book justice, but I shall try.
I was eager to read this book, having previously read another book from Bourne which I just adored. This did not disappoint. Bourne writes so beautifully and powerfully - the way she conveys the myriad of human emotions is an incredible talent.
The first part of the book when Laila is held in solitary confinement is truly harrowing. The way she is treated is appalling and the injustice is just too much. The writing in this part is particularly clever and powerful, and you’re right there with Laila as she tries to survive but slowly loses herself.
When Laila is released, as we follow her adventures that follow, we meet an amazing cast of characters and Bourne really transports you to these different places.
I would 100% recommend this book. I wasn’t sure it was really my kind of thing from the blurb, but being a Sarah Bourne book I knew it would be good. The plot is really quite unique, unlike anything I’ve read before. And yes, it’s a hard read at times with the suffering that Laila endures - there’s heartbreak, horror, devastation - but there’s also unwavering loyalty and friendship and it’s truly heartwarming in the love that the characters show for each other.
Merged review:
I feel I can’t do this book justice, but I shall try.
I was eager to read this book, having previously read another book from Bourne which I just adored. This did not disappoint. Bourne writes so beautifully and powerfully - the way she conveys the myriad of human emotions is an incredible talent.
The first part of the book when Laila is held in solitary confinement is truly harrowing. The way she is treated is appalling and the injustice is just too much. The writing in this part is particularly clever and powerful, and you’re right there with Laila as she tries to survive but slowly loses herself.
When Laila is released, as we follow her adventures that follow, we meet an amazing cast of characters and Bourne really transports you to these different places.
I would 100% recommend this book. I wasn’t sure it was really my kind of thing from the blurb, but being a Sarah Bourne book I knew it would be good. The plot is really quite unique, unlike anything I’ve read before. And yes, it’s a hard read at times with the suffering that Laila endures - there’s heartbreak, horror, devastation - but there’s also unwavering loyalty and friendship and it’s truly heartwarming in the love that the characters show for each other.
I was eager to read this book, having previously read another book from Bourne which I just adored. This did not disappoint. Bourne writes so beautifully and powerfully - the way she conveys the myriad of human emotions is an incredible talent.
The first part of the book when Laila is held in solitary confinement is truly harrowing. The way she is treated is appalling and the injustice is just too much. The writing in this part is particularly clever and powerful, and you’re right there with Laila as she tries to survive but slowly loses herself.
When Laila is released, as we follow her adventures that follow, we meet an amazing cast of characters and Bourne really transports you to these different places.
I would 100% recommend this book. I wasn’t sure it was really my kind of thing from the blurb, but being a Sarah Bourne book I knew it would be good. The plot is really quite unique, unlike anything I’ve read before. And yes, it’s a hard read at times with the suffering that Laila endures - there’s heartbreak, horror, devastation - but there’s also unwavering loyalty and friendship and it’s truly heartwarming in the love that the characters show for each other.
Merged review:
I feel I can’t do this book justice, but I shall try.
I was eager to read this book, having previously read another book from Bourne which I just adored. This did not disappoint. Bourne writes so beautifully and powerfully - the way she conveys the myriad of human emotions is an incredible talent.
The first part of the book when Laila is held in solitary confinement is truly harrowing. The way she is treated is appalling and the injustice is just too much. The writing in this part is particularly clever and powerful, and you’re right there with Laila as she tries to survive but slowly loses herself.
When Laila is released, as we follow her adventures that follow, we meet an amazing cast of characters and Bourne really transports you to these different places.
I would 100% recommend this book. I wasn’t sure it was really my kind of thing from the blurb, but being a Sarah Bourne book I knew it would be good. The plot is really quite unique, unlike anything I’ve read before. And yes, it’s a hard read at times with the suffering that Laila endures - there’s heartbreak, horror, devastation - but there’s also unwavering loyalty and friendship and it’s truly heartwarming in the love that the characters show for each other.
September 23, 2021
3.75⭐️ which I have rounded up.
Laila is the narrator of her story telling of her arrest as a suspected terrorist after the London terrorist attack in 2005 along with her lover Faisal. It sets in place a chain of events which will affect her life forever.
This is fiction, but it feels like it’s a real life account which shows that it’s well written. It’s not a subject that I have any knowledge of, but I feel that it has been well researched.
Kaila is mixed race born in North England and raised by a single mom, and her maternal grandparents. She lives and works in London as a teacher. Her unknown father is in Northern Pakistan. She is well educated, and at 27 should have some emotional maturity. This is not a radicalised teenager.
It’s a difficult subject to try and get compassion and sympathy for someone arrested for a terrorist offence, as a terror attack is something that we all fear being caught up in.
I didn’t engage with Laila for much of the book as I felt at best she was overly naive and to some extent an instrument in her ordeal from her behaviour.
I felt that she was on a self destruct mission.
I felt that the mental anguish was handled well with the mental effects of extended solitary confinement.
Laila’s naivety and stupid decisions never failed to amaze me.
It was towards the end of the book that I started feeling a bit more for Laila’s plight. However I never totally engaged with her at any point.
It felt like there was some Stockholm syndrome going on, as Laila is only seeing the death and destruction that affects the villagers, not who they are killing in return.
There is an aspect at the end that I struggled with being realistic.
It’s a book that made me think, both about what was happening in the book, and my reactions to Laila and her plight.
It has a good pace and kept my interest throughout.
Laila is the narrator of her story telling of her arrest as a suspected terrorist after the London terrorist attack in 2005 along with her lover Faisal. It sets in place a chain of events which will affect her life forever.
This is fiction, but it feels like it’s a real life account which shows that it’s well written. It’s not a subject that I have any knowledge of, but I feel that it has been well researched.
Kaila is mixed race born in North England and raised by a single mom, and her maternal grandparents. She lives and works in London as a teacher. Her unknown father is in Northern Pakistan. She is well educated, and at 27 should have some emotional maturity. This is not a radicalised teenager.
It’s a difficult subject to try and get compassion and sympathy for someone arrested for a terrorist offence, as a terror attack is something that we all fear being caught up in.
I didn’t engage with Laila for much of the book as I felt at best she was overly naive and to some extent an instrument in her ordeal from her behaviour.
I felt that she was on a self destruct mission.
I felt that the mental anguish was handled well with the mental effects of extended solitary confinement.
Laila’s naivety and stupid decisions never failed to amaze me.
It was towards the end of the book that I started feeling a bit more for Laila’s plight. However I never totally engaged with her at any point.
It felt like there was some Stockholm syndrome going on, as Laila is only seeing the death and destruction that affects the villagers, not who they are killing in return.
There is an aspect at the end that I struggled with being realistic.
It’s a book that made me think, both about what was happening in the book, and my reactions to Laila and her plight.
It has a good pace and kept my interest throughout.
August 24, 2021
Well that wasn’t what I expected but it was a fabulous read, albeit harrowing. This is a very emotional read and my heart went out to Laila, particularly during her incarceration in prison. Her treatment is inhumane to say the least and the thought that humans can treat each other this way is upsetting.
Briefly, the book centres around Laila, a young woman whose life is about to change unexpectedly. Laila has live all her life in Thirsk with her mother, her father having returned to his home in Pakistan before she was born. When she moves to a London she meets Faisal and falls in live. However, her happinesses short lived when, after the 2005 London terror attacks, she is grabbed and detained in solitary confinement. Eventually released without charge the dreadful physical and emotional trauma she suffered has had a terrible effect on her mental health.
Obtaining false papers she decides to go to Pakistan to find her father and Faisal, who was deported whilst she was in prison. Although she finds them both her happiness is once again cut short when she is kidnapped for ransom by Afghans. Can she escape their clutches? Will she find happiness with Faisal? Can she returned her family in the UK?
Very well written, with believable characters you will either love or hate, sometimes mistakenly. I struggled a bit to believe that after her incarceration in the Uk that she would put herself in such dreadful danger again but the lure of family and love was strong. It’s hard to categorise this novel; family drama with thriller and romance thrown in. It’s a great read and very thought provoking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, the book centres around Laila, a young woman whose life is about to change unexpectedly. Laila has live all her life in Thirsk with her mother, her father having returned to his home in Pakistan before she was born. When she moves to a London she meets Faisal and falls in live. However, her happinesses short lived when, after the 2005 London terror attacks, she is grabbed and detained in solitary confinement. Eventually released without charge the dreadful physical and emotional trauma she suffered has had a terrible effect on her mental health.
Obtaining false papers she decides to go to Pakistan to find her father and Faisal, who was deported whilst she was in prison. Although she finds them both her happiness is once again cut short when she is kidnapped for ransom by Afghans. Can she escape their clutches? Will she find happiness with Faisal? Can she returned her family in the UK?
Very well written, with believable characters you will either love or hate, sometimes mistakenly. I struggled a bit to believe that after her incarceration in the Uk that she would put herself in such dreadful danger again but the lure of family and love was strong. It’s hard to categorise this novel; family drama with thriller and romance thrown in. It’s a great read and very thought provoking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 6, 2021
Part 1 of Invisible is so harrowing as it tells of the arrest and detention of Laila and her experiences in a detention centre. She has no idea why she is being held and suffers degrading treatment at the hands of the guards when she is held in solitary confinement. It makes for very dark reading and shows the terrible psychological effects of Laila's incarceration.
When she is finally released back to her caring family months later Laila is not the same person as she was before her arrest. When she learns that many others have been detained just like her she needs to find answers. She travels to Pakistan to try and find her boyfriend who was arrested at the same time as her. As the story unfolds, Laila finds herself in danger. Brilliant descriptive writing of life in Pakistan. The characters in the book are so well written and it's easy to see where Laila gets her strength of character from when you meet her Mum and Grandma! The ending is surprising and Laila has even more to face up to before she can try to carry on with a normal life.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for an ARC of Invisible. Congratulations to Sarah Bourne for a really thought provoking book.
When she is finally released back to her caring family months later Laila is not the same person as she was before her arrest. When she learns that many others have been detained just like her she needs to find answers. She travels to Pakistan to try and find her boyfriend who was arrested at the same time as her. As the story unfolds, Laila finds herself in danger. Brilliant descriptive writing of life in Pakistan. The characters in the book are so well written and it's easy to see where Laila gets her strength of character from when you meet her Mum and Grandma! The ending is surprising and Laila has even more to face up to before she can try to carry on with a normal life.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for an ARC of Invisible. Congratulations to Sarah Bourne for a really thought provoking book.
September 3, 2021
Wow, I'm not sure I know where to begin to review this book. It feels like whatever I say would not do it justice.
It is particularly poignant taking into account what has happened in Afghanistan in the last 2 weeks or so.
It follows the story of Laila, in her words. It is split into three sections. The first where she is imprisoned, the second fighting the Brotish government, the third when she tries to find her father.
Each section is horrific, a hard read, and despite knowing its fiction, also knowing that it's entirely possible, probable even.
The final section when Laila was in Pakistan was the most heartbreaking and at times heartwarming.
Laila's crime - to be born of a British mother, and a Pakistani father.
It has opened my eyes to many things, and has perhaps given me a different perspective on events there.
I think the overriding feeling that comes from this, is not only strength, from Laila, her family and friends, but love, the tolerance and bonds that can be formed in the most bizarre and difficult of situations.
This book will remain with me for a long time. I think it is one that should be read by everyone.
It is particularly poignant taking into account what has happened in Afghanistan in the last 2 weeks or so.
It follows the story of Laila, in her words. It is split into three sections. The first where she is imprisoned, the second fighting the Brotish government, the third when she tries to find her father.
Each section is horrific, a hard read, and despite knowing its fiction, also knowing that it's entirely possible, probable even.
The final section when Laila was in Pakistan was the most heartbreaking and at times heartwarming.
Laila's crime - to be born of a British mother, and a Pakistani father.
It has opened my eyes to many things, and has perhaps given me a different perspective on events there.
I think the overriding feeling that comes from this, is not only strength, from Laila, her family and friends, but love, the tolerance and bonds that can be formed in the most bizarre and difficult of situations.
This book will remain with me for a long time. I think it is one that should be read by everyone.
September 5, 2021
Sarah Bourne’s new book Invisible is not one I would normally read. It’s not funny or light. It’s a powerful and poignant story about terrorists, the Taliban and the injustices people face because of their skin colour.
Invisible takes the reader from London to Pakistan and Afghanistan. It’s sometimes a difficult read as the protagonist, Laila, suffers sexual and physical violence. Uncomfortable and shocking, but I’m so glad I read it.
Laila is wrongly accused of being mixed up with a terrorist group in the UK and is detained for months – mostly in solitary confinement. When she is released, Laila travels to Pakistan to find her love, Faisal, and again gets caught up in the horrific politics there.
Invisible offers a peak into a world that I’m not familiar with and know little about. Given the current situation in Afghanistan, Invisible is a timely reminder that sometimes bad things happen to good people because of the privilege or poverty into which they are born.
Invisible takes the reader from London to Pakistan and Afghanistan. It’s sometimes a difficult read as the protagonist, Laila, suffers sexual and physical violence. Uncomfortable and shocking, but I’m so glad I read it.
Laila is wrongly accused of being mixed up with a terrorist group in the UK and is detained for months – mostly in solitary confinement. When she is released, Laila travels to Pakistan to find her love, Faisal, and again gets caught up in the horrific politics there.
Invisible offers a peak into a world that I’m not familiar with and know little about. Given the current situation in Afghanistan, Invisible is a timely reminder that sometimes bad things happen to good people because of the privilege or poverty into which they are born.
August 28, 2021
Wrongly incarcerated for something she took no part in, Laila suffers at the hands of those who are detaining her. The degrading and inhumane way in which they treat her is hard to read and my heart was willing it all to stop for her.
Finally released with no charges against her she travels to Pakistan to find her father and her love Faisal. But bad luck seems to follow her and she is soon kidnapped by Afghans and held for ransom.
How will she be set free this time?
A book that is hard to read in places will have you going through a range of emotions. Laila’s determination and strength will have you fighting her corner for her but part of you may be thinking how could she put her life at risk making the choices she does.
Finally released with no charges against her she travels to Pakistan to find her father and her love Faisal. But bad luck seems to follow her and she is soon kidnapped by Afghans and held for ransom.
How will she be set free this time?
A book that is hard to read in places will have you going through a range of emotions. Laila’s determination and strength will have you fighting her corner for her but part of you may be thinking how could she put her life at risk making the choices she does.
November 24, 2021
InVisible is an exciting, emotional, thrilling, fictional page-turner surrounding a terrorist attack and one woman’s journey from London to Afghanistan.
I found this book so interesting! Laila and her lover were arrested as the suspected terrorists behind the 2005 London terrorist attack. This changes their lives forever.
This story follows Laila and her experiences while incarcerated and her want for freedom. This book was very emotional and at times a bit difficult to read because of how emotional it was. This book was very well-written and Bourne handles these hard to deal with subjects very well.
This moving, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking story was thoroughly engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I found this book so interesting! Laila and her lover were arrested as the suspected terrorists behind the 2005 London terrorist attack. This changes their lives forever.
This story follows Laila and her experiences while incarcerated and her want for freedom. This book was very emotional and at times a bit difficult to read because of how emotional it was. This book was very well-written and Bourne handles these hard to deal with subjects very well.
This moving, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking story was thoroughly engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 2, 2021
Started reading this on a Sunday afternoon, thought I'd give myself a week for a gentle read. It hooked me in , I became engrossed and continued reading until past midnight so I could complete it.
The story of an innocent incarceration of Laila- although the trauma and extent of this incarceration makes you question whether there was any truth or real rationale.
Whilst I wont reveal any spoilers the story takes us on a journey, rather topically to Pakistan and the further afield, in search of family and love. A betrayal, a kidnap takes the reader on an emotional journey.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommend.
The story of an innocent incarceration of Laila- although the trauma and extent of this incarceration makes you question whether there was any truth or real rationale.
Whilst I wont reveal any spoilers the story takes us on a journey, rather topically to Pakistan and the further afield, in search of family and love. A betrayal, a kidnap takes the reader on an emotional journey.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommend.
September 18, 2021
This moving story, told in three parts covers the details of Laila’s wrongful and sudden imprisonment for suspected terrorism, her life after release and how she tries to fight for justice then her journey to Pakistan to find her lover and her hope of finding her father.
Emotional and disturbing in places, this tale hides nothing; from the abuse Laila suffers in prison to dealing with the politics and of how women are supposed to behave in the Middle East. A tough read which leaves many questions of how we all live, our rights to freedom but with the deep undertone of how much family will do for those they love.
Emotional and disturbing in places, this tale hides nothing; from the abuse Laila suffers in prison to dealing with the politics and of how women are supposed to behave in the Middle East. A tough read which leaves many questions of how we all live, our rights to freedom but with the deep undertone of how much family will do for those they love.
September 15, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that not only left me sitting on the edge of my seat but also kept the story engaging. The characters are relateable and kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by them from the first word. This is a story about a woman who detained after a terrorist attack who is than taken on a plot twisting adventure. I really enjoyed the suspense and how the author used details to give the story life. I also enjoyed the growth of the characters and the plot throughout the story. I highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2021
This book comes out September 15, 2021. This is a story about a woman name Laila Farida Seaver, name given to her from Northern Pakistan and her father mother. This story starts with 2005 in July after a terrorist attack in London. Laila was in love with Faisal who loved her name.. In the story you see how March 2006 the second part of the novel is for Laila Farida, and what all happens to her and how she deal with the situations. Now the third part inside the book July 2006 to Pakistan the third part of this novel. Then ending is great, I love how the details of a woman, name Laila emotion, love , and determination is brave and strong. This book was fantastic.
September 6, 2021
I found this book a great read given the current events as part of the story takes part in Afganistan. I was also very perturbed by the start of the book where Laila is detained without trial for suspected involvement in terrorist attacks. The way she is treated is quite shocking. On her release, she heads to Pakistan to try to find out more about her father who is unaware of her existence. It is also where her boyfriend Faisal has been deported to - will she find him again?
A very well written, disturbing, interesting and brilliant book.
A very well written, disturbing, interesting and brilliant book.
September 10, 2021
Sarah Bourne's characters will stay with you for weeks after you manage to put InVisible down. I feel as if I know them. What a superb book. Beautifully written, a compelling story and in every way a book that I savoured. I didn't read it in one sitting because I had to put it down to work, eat and sleep - but if I hadn't had to work I might well have given up the eating and sleeping to immerse myself in the story! This is a wonderful book in every way.
September 12, 2021
Sarah Bourne did it again, she wrote a compelling and thought provoking book, especially with the situation still going on in Afghanistan.
This is a book with a theme I'm not usually drawn to but I'm glad i read it because it is an amazing read. The characters will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading the book.
Grab a copy as soon as you can, you won't regret reading and engaging with this book.
This is a book with a theme I'm not usually drawn to but I'm glad i read it because it is an amazing read. The characters will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading the book.
Grab a copy as soon as you can, you won't regret reading and engaging with this book.
January 6, 2025
This was a really emotional and engrossing read. I wasnt sure what to make of the plot when I first read it but I am so glad that I have read it.
I do understand why she did what she did, the ending was perfect (no spoilers)
So well researched.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is all my own.
I do understand why she did what she did, the ending was perfect (no spoilers)
So well researched.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is all my own.
September 16, 2021
I don't know how I can review effectively enough to praise the author for writing such an ínteresting, thought provoking and anger inciting emotional story in order to do the book or author any justice, it feels it would never be enough.
I enjoyed it, but enjoyed isn't the right feeling to express such turmoil I felt when reading the book.
Thank you Sarah for creating such a work of art.
I enjoyed it, but enjoyed isn't the right feeling to express such turmoil I felt when reading the book.
Thank you Sarah for creating such a work of art.
February 26, 2022
InVisible was an engrossing read. Laila is incarcerated without charge in the UK and on release discovers things about herself and her family and friends that change her view of the world. She travels to Pakistan to try to find answers. The descriptions of Pakistan were very evocative and the current situation in Afghanistan makes this novel particularly poignant.
August 30, 2021
Loved it!!!!
September 7, 2021
Another remarkable read by Sarah albeit very moving especially with what is happening around the world at the minute.
A story that will stay with me for a long time.
A story that will stay with me for a long time.
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