I was keen to read this after loving his debut, This Way Out. Tufayel Ahmed is such a poetic writer - this book did not disappoint.

Told from multiple points of view - the mother, the eldest son and only daughter, the book essentially is about navigating complex family dynamics. It’s written so beautifully.

As a white man of no discernible faith, I found the story poignant and I certainly learnt something. Many themes transcending faith and race, especially those around sexual and gender norms and expectations both within the family and wider society. The book explores the changing viewpoints on sexuality through the generations giving hope to the future.

In short, the story starts with an attack on a Muslim woman. As in now the norm, the attack is recorded and plastered on social media and news sites. The victim, is eldest son, Imran’s wife.

Unsure how to help his wife, he enlists the help of his sister Sumaya, who moved away to New York seven years ago - taking a very different, and less traditional path, than her brother.

Within minutes of her arrival back in London, old familial feuds and resentments resurface; still struggling to move beyond their ‘transactional relationship.’ In addition, Sumaya is questioning her sexuality and looking inward for definitive answers before her return to America, her boyfriend, and the big question she’s been avoiding.

The characters are richly developed and their relationships so well portrayed. The introduction later of the younger brother Majid was very welcome; he brought a new and very different viewpoint into the story and you could see the profound effect he has, especially on his sister. She becomes more herself around him. But, is it enough? Can the siblings repair their fractured relationships?

My favourite quote: 'In a perfect world, we'd just accept everybody as they are, and not get so worked up about other people's differences. But life is a fucking bitch.' - Sumaya

Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The book opens with a newspaper report about an attack on a Muslim woman at a bus stop. Her hijab is ripped off her head. To begin with, I was unsure whether the book was going to be inspired by/based on a real incident, because sadly, I was convinced that I'd read about something similar happening in real life.

One of the characters talks about reading about the attack on social media and I can imagine the kinds of comments they would be reading. Without an understanding of the significance of the hijab, it's very easy to dismiss such an attack as being a minor one - "it's no different to having a hat pulled off, it's unsettling, but what's the big deal". However, the plain fact is that there is a world of difference between the two events. For many Muslim women the hijab is about modesty of dress and having it forcibly removed would be deeply traumatic. The beauty of this book is that it gets that message across without the narrative ever feeling as though it's purpose is to teach. Fahima's response to the attack is beautifully described and it is the catalyst for opening up old family wounds.

Nevertheless, this is only one of many 'learning' points in this book. As a white, heterosexual, middle aged woman, I found it really interesting to read about the different cultural expectations placed on the characters, particularly when it came to gender roles and sexuality. Also, whilst we like to think that as a society we have moved on at least a little, from racism and Islamophobia, if the experiences of the characters in the book are based in reality (and I have no reason to doubt that they are) then it's abundantly clear that it has simply moved underground. 'Microaggressions' is a term I am coming across more and more when it comes to discussions around race and the examples given here are perfect illustrations of this in practice. Imran is so keen to not be the 'angry Muslim' but it's hard not to be angry when you are on the receiving end of so much injustice. He is far from perfect, but by the end of the book he recognises this and has channelled that anger into something positive.

The other thing I found interesting was the question of sexuality and the role religion and culture plays in the acceptability of this for young Muslims (and I imagine for those belonging to other faiths as well). Although I had previously been aware of some of the issues raised, it wasn't something I'd come across in my reading before and I think the characters make an important point when they talk about how the LGBTQ community is often talked about as a homogenous group, when in fact that there are many issues faced by some that would not have been seen as an issue by others and this is often based in religious and cultural backgrounds.

I read the book because I thought it sounded interesting and on one level it was a fascinating study of family dynamics and a thoroughly good read. On another level however, I finished it feeling as though I was at least a little better educated on the issues it covered and that's never a bad thing as far as I'm concerned.

I struggled to get into this book as there was just too much going on all at once for me that I found it overwhelming and had to stop reading it.

A great book, a family saga with twists of immigrant life experienced by different generations. Gender expectations are explored across generations and sexualities . It is done in a culturally sensitive way and you come to understand the viewpoints of different characters.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forwad to reading more by this author

Well this got me a bit more than I expected. Following the lives of Imran, Sumaya and Majid, siblings who at one point made different promises to their mother before she passed away. Sumaya was holding a secret so deep, it caused endless years of distance and grief to her, her brother and her emotional heart. Alongside this story, Sumaya finds herself finding the truths to her own journey, her sexual journey and where her heart lies. Ahmed provides an incredible connection between the siblings and ensures the reader can relate to at least one sibling and at least one part of their combined story.

I haven’t read Ahmed’s work previously but have added This Way Out to my list!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARV

This was a quick read that flowed well; I finished this book in 2 days. This book had family drama, flawed characters that develop as the book continues, and some romance. I loved Majid's character the most, as he seemed like the most easygoing child, whereas I found Sumaya and Imran quite insufferable. The subjects touched upon aren't spoken about often in the South Asian community, which was refreshing, but as a Muslim, I didn't relate to the characters, and I struggled with the fact that they would drink and smoke weed casually.

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.

Disappointed that I couldn't really connect to this novel. The plot just wasn't engaging but I will say the characters were fully developed.

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!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

“Better Left Unsaid" by Tufayel Ahmed is a poignant and emotional novel that delves into the complexities of family relationships. The story follows three siblings, Imran, Sumaya, and Majid, who have drifted apart since their mother's death. The promises they made to her before she passed away have kept them from truly living their lives.

The author has done an excellent job of creating relatable characters with flaws and imperfections. Each sibling is dealing with their own set of issues, and the reader can feel their pain and frustration.

I would say this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good family drama. While the book may not be groundbreaking in terms of its plot, it’s still an okay read!

this was a fine story, but it wasn’t as captivating or as engaging as i had expected it to be. i do think people who are into family dramas will enjoy it, though.

This is a great book, interesting family dynamics and different characters really liked them all. I would highly recommend it.

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

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!

Better left unsaid is just a breath of fresh air! From start to finish it’s left an imprint, brilliant book!!

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.

What happens when a terrible moment goes viral? Who do you call for help? Will they come? Will the help be what you expect or need?

Three siblings are living on two continents. They are adults with their own lives until a crisis brings them back together for the first time since their parents death. This heartbreaking novel follows Imran, Sumaya and Majid as they face the crisis, the secrets held too long and the decisions of their lifetimes. It was a beautiful read and very touching.

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”.

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 as I do!

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!