Better Left Unsaid

by Tufayel Ahmed

Three siblings. Three promises. Three lifetimes of saying all the wrong things…

Since their mother’s death, siblings Imran, Sumaya and Majid have drifted in three very different directions, trying to live up to the last promises they each made to her. But when a viral news piece throws an unwanted spotlight on the family, they’re drawn back into each other’s lives for the first time in years.

With the media attention exposing the cracks in Imran’s already fragile marriage, he begs Sumaya to return from New York to help—but living under the same roof again after all this time brings up all the secrets they’d both thought long-buried. And now nothing can stop the truth from coming out…

With the promises they once made in tatters, is this a chance for the siblings to finally live the lives they’ve always wanted and rebuild the bond they once had? Or has too much already been said?

Genres: LGBT, Fiction, Contemporary, Queer, Bangladesh, Cultural, Adult Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three siblings separated by emotional and physical distance come together when tragedy strikes.

Overcoming the emotional distance caused by childhood secrets and promises made to their dying mother ensured these siblings kept each other at arms length.

The dynamics between Imran and Sumaya stand out as the most complex and obstacle-ridden. Both siblings are trying to find their own way while being crushed by familial and societal pressures.

Majid provides levity and warmth in a story filled with tough relationships.

Quick read and very enjoyable.

ARC provided via NetGalley

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now, you know me. I love a book centred around culture, and especially those books with Desi culture at its roots, so reading the blurb for Tufayel Ahmed's Better Left Unsaid made me hit that 'request' button.
Three siblings, British Bangladeshi Muslims, and the fallout in their lives after losing both parents and suffering further upset after one of their own is targetted by a hate crime against women wearing a hijab.
Imran, Sumaya and Majid are brothers and sisters; however, all three have very different outlooks on life.
Imran, being the eldest, feels a sense of responsibility for his family since his parents died.
Sumaya broke the shackles of familial expectations and moved to a different country.
Majid is the youngest, seemingly unaffected by life and his family's woes because he is so much younger.
The thing is, nothing is ever that simple.
Imran is in danger of losing his wife and job and already losing hold of the family left in his care.
Sumaya has been handed secrets and a huge promise to fulfil by her mother on her deathbed.
Majid - well, in many ways, he's the only one living life as he should.
There is a lot to unpack in this novel. Cultural expectations, that 'what will others say' mentality that is embedded in the fabric of Asian society, gender-related expectations, the inability to just talk and be honest with one another...
I have to say I did not like Imran. But I am glad he had a change of heart by the end of the book.
Sumaya has her own difficulties, and yet, she does overcome them in a roundabout way.
I just feel that Majid needed more of a starring role. We don't really get to know much about him until much later in the book, and considering I felt he was the catalyst for the shift in thinking, I wish we had learned more about him.
There is plenty of lamenting about being the one who had to look after parents and younger siblings by the older two, but there are so many other issues that could have held more importance.
Hidden sexualities, hate crimes, racism in workplaces.
It was a good read, though I feel there could have been a little more depth.
Many thanks to NetGAlley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC.

[Farah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After their father's death, three siblings are brought together again and forced to work out their differences. Each sibling has their own individual issues which they work to rectify, sometimes with the assistance of the siblings they thought they weren't all that close to.

This was quite a quick read, which I enjoyed. It wasn't a wow book but it flowed well and I was invested enough to keep reading just one more chapter each time I picked it up.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Chelsea Dorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

awwwww this was really nice honestly and had me tearing up a lot. it did feel like we were addressing a number of social issues at once which sometimes feels really forced but i didn’t get that vibe too much here. the overall message and ending was touching and insightful to read. cant decide between 3.5 or 4 stars

[Connor O'Sullivan-Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25
It was a nice story but felt quite juvenile. The writing didn't stand out but flowed very nicely. Whilst the ending was nice, felt like it was a bit too wrapped up neatly but yeah

[Paul M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book by this talented writer.
A very moving story about family that transcends culture and locale.
I can't wait for his next novel!

[Alice Hewitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s fine. But it’s a lot. I feel like the author was trying to tackle too many things at once. It’s very didactic. Too much plot, not enough story. There needed to be more heart.

[Pam Kovalic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Left Unsaid is the story of three siblings, Imran, Sumaya and Majid. Each had made promises to their dying mother years ago and have lived their lives separately, growing apart and holding on to secrets and resentments. They are drawn back together when Imran’s wife is attacked and Imran is at a loss in how to help her get through the ordeal. Imran asks Sumaya to come back to London from New York and help. It doesn’t take long before Sumaya and Imran are back to shouting and arguing and unleashing all the past resentments. I have to admit, it took a bit of pushing through the beginning of this book, but then I really enjoyed it. It was a wonderful look into family dynamics, particularly in a Muslim family where expectations and traditions play heavily. It was very emotional at times, seeing how these characters came to terms with past secrets, finding out who they really wanted to be and finding their own true voices. The author did an excellent job of writing the characters, you could really feel the emotions they were going through. I recommend this book and give it 4 stars out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Riley K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three siblings. Three promises. Three lifetimes of saying all the wrong things…

Since their mother’s death, siblings Imran, Sumaya and Majid have drifted in three very different directions, trying to live up to the last promises they each made to her. But when a viral news piece throws an unwanted spotlight on the family, they’re drawn back into each other’s lives for the first time in years.

With the media attention exposing the cracks in Imran’s already fragile marriage, he begs Sumaya to return from New York to help—but living under the same roof again after all this time brings up all the secrets they’d both thought long-buried. And now nothing can stop the truth from coming out…

With the promises they once made in tatters, is this a chance for the siblings to finally live the lives they’ve always wanted and rebuild the bond they once had? Or has too much already been said?

I thought this story was sheer perfection. It hit home on so many levels.

[Gen Hazwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much! I started and finished this gem within 24 hours! It was a family drama that also focused a lot on finding your own way in life and truly being happy.

The best books for me are the ones that you can relate to and this for sure checked the box for me. If you’ve ever felt small and different this is the book for you. Also if you love family secrets like I do!

[Nashwa S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t really allowed myself to enjoy much fiction these days, but I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the tense sibling relationship and the parental aspect of it, especially when it comes to protection of first born sons. Towards the end, the story felt somewhat rushed but the book felt relatable to me

[Pompom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nikki Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Formal Review to come. For the time being - beautiful story of conflict and family.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy and entertaining read with enough interesting storylines and good pace to keep me reading to the end. It deals with many issues including racism, sexism and homophobia but often in a simplified and sometimes cliched way, which I found rather annoying at times.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Title: Better Left Unsaid- a standalone

*Release date: 9/5/23 read: 8/6/23

*Author: Tufayel Ahmed, 1st time read author

*Book cover: bold colors and POC- yes please!

*Page Count: 250

POV: multiple Imran, Sumaya, and Sultana

*Setting: London and NY

*Genre: Adult Fic/Contemporary, Queer

*Tropes:
✅LGBTQIA+
✅ Family Saga
✅ Intercultural- British/ Bangladeshi/Muslim


Look out for:
⚠️ grief/loss of parents, racism in the workplace, abortion(past), miscarriage(past), hate crime, toxic masculinity, hidden sexuality, MH

*Synopsis: Three siblings (Imran, Sumaya, and Majid) reunite after 7 years when a hate crime is committed against one of their own. They are still mourning the passing of both their parents and trying to live up to the promises they made to their mother Sultana before she died.

Characters:
Imran-(34) the oldest, works at a car dealership (Celeritas) with a racist boss. Married for 10 years to Fahima, but at a loss how to help her after she is attacked. In laws hate him because they think he can't provide financially for Fahima as she grew up wealthy. He took care of his ailing father up until his death. His brother Majid lived w/ him after parents died.

Sumaya-(31) Bisexual. Moved to NY 7 years ago to reinvent herself. Was a tv producer, now documentary film maker. Agrees to help estranged brother with sister-in-law feeling very ashamed and violated.

Majid-(21) the youngest. A university student, enjoying his life hanging w/friends, very lowkey.

Sultana-Their mother. Had an arranged marriage w/ their father. Married @ 18, moved to another country w/ no family or friends and a stranger for a husband. Had a stroke 7 years ago.

Abdul-Their father got very depressed and sick following wife's death. Died of heart attack 3 years ago.

Fahima-Imran's wife, a devout Muslim, believed women should be silent and follow your husband until she is attacked by a white man who grabbed her hijab off in public at a bus stop.


Jonathan-Sumaya's bf in NY. They lived together for 5 years. He just proposed and Sumaya's not sure what to do.

Neha-Sumaya's 1st love, a closeted queer woman, now married w/ 2 kids of her own.

Giles-Imran's boss. Monitors him closely, gives him more work, very critical.

Hakeem- in business w/ Imran through the dealership and considers him a brother.

*Review: I learned a lot, had to look up a lot but I have always been curious about the Muslim faith. I had a hard time believing it was anything other than a misogynist society. I've watched girls in high school in garb and wondered what it meant. This book opened a world of faith, duty, and family that I've never known. I realized the commitment to live a certain way that others may not understand. To believe in family, to have traditions was a foreign concept for me, as I do not subscribe to any faith/religion. Highly informative and relatable sibling rivalry.

Rating: 5/5⭐

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC🖤! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions are my own.

[Chandra Sundeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Bow, East London, Tufayel Ahmed’s Better Left Unsaid is the story of a Bangladeshi immigrant family. High on emotions, this family drama addresses faith, belief, racism, trauma, love, family dynamics, and sibling bond.



Ahmed narrates the story through multiple viewpoints and each of them gives us a close and inside look into their lives. Sultana’s struggles as an immigrant and the adjustments she made reflect the times and her family circumstances. Her children, on the other hand, as first-generation immigrants, face a different kind of struggle. Imran, being highly traditional, struggles the most with balancing his Bangladeshi and British identities. Sumaya and Majid, free-spirited youngsters are well-adjusted to their surroundings, but their sexual identities and attitude toward life prevent them from bonding with Imran.


The strong point of this novel is the detailed characterization. The characters are flawed and believable. Unlike the older generation, youngsters smoke, drink, visit pubs, even explore physical relations, and have varied sexual preferences. I liked the manner in which Ahmed portrays them–so sure of themselves, and yet vulnerable and seeking approval. It was refreshing to see them break societal norms and not succumb to pressure.

The complex family dynamics and the strained relationship between the siblings are well-depicted.
Ahmed provides decent resolutions to the problems faced by the siblings.

I would have enjoyed the book more if not for Sumaya’s and Imran’s constant whining about being a caretaker and taking care of their dying parents. While caregiving is definitely a challenging task, the constant ‘martyr’ spirit was too much to take.

Though this is the first time I am reading Ahmed’s works, it’s not my first story of Bangladesh immigrants. I read Silmy Abdullah’s Home of the Floating Lily a long while ago, and it remains unforgettable to date. 

The author’s portrayal of Bangladeshi culture and traditions is up-close and personal. He made the setting come alive in front of my eyes!

Better Left Unsaid is an interesting saga of family dynamics. Readers who like multicultural expressions and family dynamics will enjoy this a lot.

Wordsopedia Rating 3.4/5

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Left Unsaid is the latest release from Tufayel Ahmed, and as a big fan of his debut release "This Way Out" I was excited to get my hands on an early copy. I am pleased to say that it did not disappoint, I devoured the book in one sitting because I cared so much about the characters and wanted nothing but the best for them.
The book is the story of three siblings and the secrets they keep from each other, the things that are better left unsaid. Since their parents died the siblings have gone their own ways and grown increasingly distant from one another, but in a time of crisis they are drawn back together, and if they can finally be honest with each other they have a chance to rebuild their relationships.
Eldest brother Imran calls on his sister Sumaya for help when his wife is subjected to a racist attack that goes viral online and is widely reported in the media. She has become withdrawn and barely leaves her bedroom and he is desperately worried about her mental and physical health. Despite the frosty relationship between himself and Sumaya he knows that the two women are close and asking Sumaya to return home from America is the only thing he can think of. Sumaya in turn is shocked to learn of the attack and drops everything to return home, the fact that it gives her an convenient excuse to avoid answering her boyfriend's proposal is just another good reason to go. She is struggling with her feelings because she is still in love with her ex girlfriend, but none of her family know she is bisexual. Youngest brother Majid is probably the best adjusted of the gang, living his best student life, and in a way he gives Sumaya the strength to confront the truth about herself and her relationships,
This is a really powerful and emotional read, The characters are so well crafted and their family dynamics are completely believable and it was a great insight into another culture and the racism and micro aggressions that they face on a daily basis. It is a lot to pack into a relatively short book, and I would not have minded had it been a little longer to allow a more in depth exploration of the issues, but if the worst criticism of a book is that I wanted more, I think that says it all.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher ,all opinions are my own

[Phillip Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me the best lines in this book,
"The tectonic plates of their family were shifting.
There still might be a family left to salvage.".

There are significant racial and social issues zigzagging through the pages of this book. The foundation upon which the book balances is family.
My reviews do not introduce you to characters and set out the intent and plot in clever ways to entice you to read. More sophisticated reviewers than I will introduce that to you. Hence no spoilers from me.
This book will shift your emotions and you will be confronted. Not like a punch in the guts, more like "sh*t what would I do in this situation "or "would I show this amount of empathy and courage or vitriol and hate" in similar or comparable circumstances within my family.
The book even seduces the reader (well me) to think " I am glad thats not me".
But I am reckoning we have had similar circumstances in family and it invites us to look back and think again how did we handle that family incident. Hopefully the dialogue within the totality of the stories in this book provides you insights to the future handling of, "sh*t that falls from the sky" in families at various times.
The book may prompt a reader to think " yep, glad thats not me". Therein lies the strength in this book for me. Fiction , real life issues and coping.
The book takes the reader from vitriol to a soft landing.
I am sure that does happen in families. Not mine though.
It is a thoroughly well written book. There is quite a ride with each character. Enjoy them, however do not take sides , find an equilibrium within you.
I have read both books written by Tufayel Ahmed. Both 5 star.
Looking forward to where the next book will venture Tufayel Ahmed.
The world of 2024 has set up an interesting environment for the world 2025.
There will be chaos, shifting globalisation, resetting of a country's infrastructure after a dictators escape, wars in Europe and political shifts to the right. Where in all that, will family relationships, generational change, the exuberance and other worldly wisdom of youth with their struggle to be true to themselves, find a way to anchor society? Is that where you will venture?

[B.S. Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The individual pain over the loss of a loved one was so unique, but grief was a shared human experienced that touched everyone."

Better Left Unsaid is an incisive exploration into the cracks that form between families and how they can either keep breaking or come back together again.

This tender and authentic story explores all the little things that beautifully weave together to create our identity - loss, love, tradition, race, family, gender, culture, sexuality - all through a thoughtful and contemporary lens. I was touched by the insightful looks into sexuality and masculinity and how these things change in a traditional Muslim culture or family. It was deeply absorbing and emotional but also had time for some witty and humorous observations about modern life.

The prose was delicate and almost poetic in places, switching between quiet metaphors and imagery and an easy conversational tone. As we switch between the perspectives of different family members, we quickly get to know them, and it’s clear they’re much more honest and open with the reader than each other so we’re left seeing the gaps between them and hoping something that can close it again. It was definitely interesting to see the different ways every person interpreted a conversation or an event, showing us every single person experiences their story in a different way — any person could be a hero, villain or bystander depending on who’s telling the story.

Each person has their own story that plays out, their own struggles and flaws but they slowly merge, finding their common threads to reveal a complex tapestry of relationships and people that was something very special. The story was propelled by not only each individual journey of self-discovery and the breaking of generational and cultural toxicity, but the discovery of the different things family can mean at different times in life.

A powerful story about family — and what that really means from an equally powerful voice.

[ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Three siblings. Three promises. Three lifetimes of saying all the wrong things…

Since their mothers death, siblings Imran, Sumaya and Majid have drifted in three different directions, trying to live up to the last promises they each made to her. But when a viral news piece throws an unwanted spotlight on the family, they are drawn back into each other’s lives for the first time in years.
With the media attention exposing the cracks in Imran’s already fragile marriage, he begs Sumaya to return from New York to help- but living under the same roof again after all this time brings up all the secrets they’d both thought long-buried. Now nothing can stop the truth from coming out… with promises they once made in tatters, is this a chance for the siblings to finally live the lives they have always wanted and rebuild the bong they all once had? Or has too much already been said?

Phew this was an emotional read. It’s about three British Bangladeshi muslims who are trying to live their perfect lives after the passing of both of their parents. We are able to follow the struggles, the complexity of family relationships, and insecurities.
I think the author did a really good job of being able to create characters that are relatable who have these flaws and aren’t perfect, and each sibling is dealing with their own issues… I could definitely feel the pain and relate to some aspects within this book.
I do however wish that the author focused a bit more on Majid who's the youngest sibling as I would have loved to read about him a bit more and I felt that the second half was maybe a bit too rushed.
It was a good read… emotional? Yes. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Thank you to Amazon publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC. Better left unsaid by Tufayel Ahmed comes out September 20th 2023.

[Malin (readingzebra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-crafted novel about the second generation immigrant experience seen through the eyes of three siblings (and their family drama)...

An upheaval in the family home in East London brings 31-year-old Sumaya back from New York, where she's lived for seven years. The relationship with her older brother Imran is fraught and they can't seem to be in the same room long without arguing. Their younger brother Majid is off at university but wants to reconnect with his sister. Their parents died years ago and ever since, as the title says, things have been left unsaid - life-changing secrets as well as suppressed emotions.

I really enjoyed this book and think that the sibling aspect makes it universally appealing. A great pick for a book club read, if anoyne is looking for one of those! It's the kind of story you want to discuss, and the characters feel like real people that you can agree or disagree with.

The immigrant perspective is very well presented through the shifting generations. One great addition was the mother's story - from life in Bangladesh, her arranged marriage and move to the UK. The idea of choosing your own path is a strong theme, and that not blindly following the ways of the older generations is necessary for a culture to evolve.

The novel is a family drama with sibling dynamics, parental expectations, relationship troubles, queer identities... it's about immigrant and Muslim culture, standing up to racism and white privilege, second chances and going your own way. A lot packed into one book, but through an engaging, character-driven story.

My rating dropped some only because the prose was on the simpler side sometimes and the writing a bit on the nose towards the end. I still liked it a lot though!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for review consideration! All opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several years ago three siblings made their mother promises on her deathbed. Now, 7 years later they are still upholding those promises, but were they really in their best interests?

Eldest brother Imran has settled down with a wife and job, and takes life very seriously. After his wild teenage years he is keen to impress upon his younger siblings their responsibilites and their place in the family.
Middle child, daughter Sumaya, moved away to America after their mother passed away and has only returned once, briefly, for their father's funeral in the years since. She works in TV production and is focussed on enjoying life with her fiance and her friends.
Youngest brother Majid is of a different generation, 10 years younger than his siblings he is less shackeled by the family expectations and is happy to live his life at university going with the flow.
After they are brought back together after Imran's wife is subjected to a racist attack, will they be able to put their differences aside or will they be torn apart forever?

This is the second book I have read by Tufayel Ahmed, and again I was interested in the family dynamics of a traditional Bangladeshi Muslim family which is very different from my own white, Christian upbringing. As an elder millennial I could understand how the older siblings don't have the same relaxed attitudes as younger brother Majid. I I really liked him and his friends and their easy-going outlook on life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sonal · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a horrific act becomes a viral media piece, Imran sees no option but to contact his estranged sister, Sumaya, for help. They had been close growing up, but after the death of their mother, a rift and animosity grew between them. Their youngest brother, Majid, spends most of his time away at college and the three siblings have not spoken much over the years. Sumaya, who had moved away to NYC, is apprehensive about being back in their childhood home. Under the same roof with Imran, tensions rise and deeply buried secrets are brought to light.

I have read the author's previous novel, and I appreciate his writing style regarding the South Asian experience of major issues in society. His characters are deeply flawed but relatable. I felt a connection with his characters and emphasized with them. He touches on the realities that plague most South Asian families and the double standards within the culture between raising spoiled sons and repressed daughters. I like that the story discusses these subjects and tells us that we have to move forward in our thinking as the world changes and grows. That we should be open-minded and accepting while at the same time understanding that situations differ from one generation to the next.
I did feel that the second half of the book was a bit rushed and the conflicts resolved a little too easily. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more by this author.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bibliophile_Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝑴𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: ⭐⭐
𝑴𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌: 😑😑🤗🥱🥱🤔🤨🤐🥰


In all honesty, my expectations for this book centered around a compelling exploration of Islamophobia and its consequences. I was also excited for the inclusion of Desi characters. However, the storyline fell short, failing to provide the depth I had hoped for. Imran's side of the narrative, which appeared to be the central plot according to the premise, proved to be the more engaging aspect, while Sumayya's character dominated the majority of the book, leaving me wanting.
Sumayya's character was difficult to comprehend and relate to, leaving me disconnected from her journey. Additionally, the role of Majid felt ill-fitting within the family dynamics, lacking the necessary depth to integrate seamlessly.
Around the halfway mark, I found myself resorting to skimming, seeking solace in the fragments of Imran's narrative that sparked my interest. Unfortunately, this imbalance in focus hindered my overall reading experience.
While personal preferences and expectations may vary, this particular book failed to capture my interest. The exploration of Islamophobia, which initially drew me in, did not receive the attention it deserved. However, it's worth considering that different readers may find enjoyment in its nuances and unique perspectives.

In conclusion, this book did not resonate with me on a personal level, lacking the depth and balance I had anticipated.


Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Arbaaz Allybux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better Left Unsaid is a heartfelt and layered story that dives into identity, family expectations, and the complexity of growing up between cultures. For readers familiar with South Asian or Muslim backgrounds, a lot of the cultural and religious elements will feel strikingly relatable—especially the pressure to meet traditional expectations while navigating modern life in the UK.

One of the strongest themes in the book is the reality of racism, both in the workplace and society more broadly. The microaggressions, the assumptions, the quiet exclusions—they’re all handled in a way that feels honest and lived-in. It reflects a truth that many people from ethnic minority backgrounds will recognise instantly, and Ahmed does a great job showing how these experiences shape self-worth and identity.

The story has a solid arc and develops well, with characters that feel believable and situations that hit close to home. There’s a deep emotional undercurrent throughout the book, especially in how it explores family dynamics, silence, and unspoken truths.

While certain elements of the story may resonate more with some readers than others, the book as a whole is engaging and thought-provoking. It captures the tension of living between worlds—of belonging and yet feeling like an outsider—very effectively.

Overall, it’s a good read with strong character development and meaningful theme —worth picking up if you’re interested in stories about identity, culture, and the things we often leave unsaid.

[Hasina Begum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Left Unsaid is a compelling and emotionally resonant debut by Tufayel Ahmed that explores the fragile ties of family, identity, and the weight of secrets. At the center of the novel are three siblings—Imran, Sumaya, and Majid—who have grown distant in the aftermath of personal grief and long-buried truths. Their fractured bond is shaken when a hate crime involving Imran’s wife becomes national news, forcing the siblings to confront not only racism and public outrage, but also the deep personal wounds they’ve tried to ignore.

Ahmed skillfully navigates the complexities of sibling relationships—particularly the strained connection between Imran and Sumaya—as they attempt to bridge years of silence. The narrative’s emotional tension builds as secrets slowly unravel, revealing how much was left unsaid between them. Majid, the youngest, serves as a contrasting presence, seemingly less scarred by the family’s emotional distance, and yet his role becomes more significant as the story unfolds.

What stands out most is how Ahmed handles themes of identity and cultural tension, especially within the context of a British-Muslim family dealing with Islamophobia in the public eye. The story doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, but it handles them with empathy and nuance.

This novel is both timely and deeply personal. It reminds us that while silence can feel safer than confrontation, healing begins when we face what’s been left unspoken.

A powerful debut about family, trauma, and the courage it takes to reconnect.

[Tasnim Rahman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Bow, East London, I was so excited when picking this up. It’s the first time I’ve seen the word ‘kheta’ (blanket) being used in writing and I was pleased to see it. I feel there’re too many things happening in the story, too many sub-plots which wasn’t as organised as it could have been but I did enjoy Sultana and Abdul’s life in Tower Hamlets when settling in after marriage. I was also engaged throughout Imran and Fahima’s sub-plot being tied in with Islamophobia and micro aggressions at the work place. The latter is something I saw more of in Halima Khatun’s arranged marriage series.

My least favourite character was Sumaya. I found it difficult to relate to her other than when it came to her enforced carer responsibility which is ‘every brown girl’s burden at home’. Her inability to decide what she wants in her personal life whilst having a well-established career is what I’ve seen in a lot of books similar to this, like in Roopa Farooki’s The Good Children. Majid was a tokenistic child, and was the product of the mismanagement of relationships in the home.

There’s some really good quotes I’ve highlighted on my kindle which sat well with me, particularly “It will take generations of us women to change the way things have always been”.

Unfortunately THAT enjoyment wasn't there for me.

[Ginnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK / Lake Union Publishing / NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoy family dramas, Better Left Unsaid is a must read! After their mother's death, Imran, Sumaya, and their younger brother Majid have drifted in three very different directions. But when Imran's wife is attacked and the footage goes viral, he begs Sumaya to return to the UK from New York to help him. Living together again after so many years resurfaces all their old problems, and the secrets they thought were long buried threaten to come out.

This was such a wonderful, heartfelt book focused on difficult family dynamics ... I was moved to tears more than once! The story follows the lives of the older two siblings (along with the older brother's wife): one whose path is more traditional; and one whose path breaks many of their culture's norms. Both siblings are struggling with the lives they've created, as well as relating to (and really hearing) each other. I found the characters (especially Sumaya) very relatable. The younger brother, who pops up later later in the book, was refreshingly candid and somehow the most well-adjusted of all the siblings!

[Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

England, but a very different England to what I have any experience of. Expectations on what boys should do and how girls should behave and strive for, as set by generations of Bangladeshi ancestors.
When you don't fit the norm and break free, as in Sumaya's case by moving to New York and creating her own life there - free from the expectations of accepting an arranged marriage and be a stay at home wife breeding children.

When you follow the rules, but are miserable and having to endure constant micro aggressors at work and a wife who's not interested in you, or in living for that matter, like Imran.

Or when you focus on your studies as university, like Majid, making friends with likeminded people of lots of different nationalities - where values and priorities are more important than family traditions and expectations.

Three siblings, three different lives, but all coming together when disaster strikes.

Thank you for writing an eye opening book amongst the heavily white, western stories that are available on NetGalley and Amazon!


This book will be available in September 2023.

[Lector Volens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's brilliant. Like the author's other novel This Way Out, read recently, the setting and characters grow in complexity and realism as the story proceeds from establishing the milieu (Bangladeshi London East End in capital letters!) and the close-ish family connections (opposing first and second immigrants). Racism, sexism and homophobia are very much dealt with, some reviewers have said didactically so, but they give both novels their profundity, theme and charge.

Sumaya, Imran, Fahima and latterly Majid lift off the page, as even do the semi-major and minor characters, and a mark of a novel's impression is they stay with you until and after finishing. From the attractive book cover to the epilogue one is increasingly engrossed. At a guess his 3rd novel might continue in a similar vein or maybe the author will try something completely different. I am sure he could still be a good read in a similar vein.