WHEN A BROWN GIRL FLEES
In this searing contemporary YA novel from new voice Aamna Qureshi, a Muslim teen runs away from home only to find herself on a breathtaking journey of healing, self-love, and hope.
After Zahra Paracha makes a decision at odds with her beliefs, her mother forces Zahra to make an impossible choice about her future. So Zahra runs away. A train and a plane ride later, she finds herself in New York, where she relinquishes her past in favor of a new future. There, she must learn who she is without the marionette strings of control in her mother's hands. There, she must learn who she wishes to become.
On Long Island, Zahra stays at a bed & breakfast, unsure of her place in the world. Anxious, depressed, and grappling with guilt, she wanders aimlessly. She eventually visits the local masjid, where she is befriended by two sisters and drawn into the welcoming Muslim community there.
It is in this place of safety that Zahra's healing truly begins—but can she create a home for herself when the foundation is built on lies she's spun to protect her from the past? When a family friend recognizes her, will everything come crashing down? As Zahra tries to build a life for herself in this new place, the heart of the matter becomes clear: she can't run away forever. Can she close the rift in her family and truly, fully heal?
In this powerful novel from new voice Aamna Qureshi, a Muslim teen goes on a breathtaking journey to find her home and—more importantly—herself.
Please be mindful of Trigger Warnings: depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, physical abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming, PTSD
REVIEWS
"Beautifully, bravely and empathetically rendered, When a Brown Girl Flees is a vital addition to the growing Muslim young adult canon. Qureshi brilliantly includes and celebrates recognizable communal touchstones, while emphasizing this narrative's individuality as a particular (and necessary) experience among many, and encouraging both--a new facet of cultural and emotional depiction that offers warm familiarity while emphasizing its presence as one particular (and necessary) experience in what is a diverse collective, rather than a unified monolith. This title should be warmly welcomed, and widely shelved." -- Karuna Riazi, author of A Bit of Earth and The Gauntlet
""Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, When A Brown Girl Flees is a poignant story about how finding your community can help you heal and learn to love yourself."" -- Adiba Jaigirdar, author of author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating and The Henna Wars
"Aamna Qureshi's prose sings with emotion, every immaculate word carrying this stunning story forward. Zahra's journey across the country and into the depths of her heart demonstrates the incomparable power of finding--or rediscovering--love that'll be with you wherever you go." -- Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All
""Qureshi effortlessly weaves a story as universal as it is specific: about the wretched tragedy and fury of growing up a girl, alongside the unique wonders and joys. Readers will root for protagonist Zahra as she learns to embrace her roots for nobody other than herself. When a Brown Girl Flees is a story that is at times heartbreaking, warm, relatable, and above all, incredibly healing."" -- Jesmeen Kaur Deo, author of TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
"Amidst a backdrop of complicated familial love and found friendship through a faith-based community, Zahra's story paints a powerful and poignant tale of coming into one's own and finding hope in new beginnings." -- Christina Li, author of Ruby Lost and Found