Note: Hey guys, this might contain spoilers, as I mention some plot points and share my thoughts on them. Also, I originally drafted this review a while ago in my Telegram chatroom and only got around to posting it now.
The first time I ever heard about Ahmadiyah was from this book. After reading it, I ended up googling and asking my mom about it. Honestly, at first, I expected a bit more — especially in how the issue was brought up. I totally get why people say this book focuses more on the humanitarian side. The point of view is from the Ahmadiyah. So, there's no explanation either about why they're considered heretical. But after thinking it over, I believe this book ultimately aims to show that, in the end, we are all human.
One part that really hit was when they were forced to leave for the second time. Their houses were looted, they were kicked out, and it all felt very one-sided. No space for discussion. Everyone just felt like they were the most right. Super frustrating. But I also found myself wondering — what was the actual relationship between the Ahmadiyah and the people around them? Did I miss the part that explains that?
This book also made me realize how common it is for Muslim communities to build their own separate mosques. It’s not new, and it's still happening now. Beyond the Ahmadiyah issue, I actually saw Maryam as someone who reflects our generation — those who start questioning the teachings they've grown up with and choose the ‘safe’ route. Even though she ended up in an arranged marriage, thankfully she was paired with Umar — someone who, like her, had a broad and open mindset when it came to faith and life.
Her younger sister, Nur, also took her own path: marrying someone outside Ahmadiyah. Their father refused to be her guardian and acted like she wasn’t even married. But eventually, after their dad passed away, their mom actually accepted Nur’s husband. That really shows how our generation now has the space to choose their own way — maybe because Maryam, Umar, and Nur all had access to "option", compared to others in Ahmadiyah.
It’s not surprising that a lot of parents still want their kids to marry within the same group. But in this book, beyond just the topic of Ahmadiyah and humanity, what I really liked was Maryam herself — her character. Someone who made her own choices, questioned things deeply, but still managed to stay grounded, respect her family, and show love in her own way.