Book Review: Broken by Fatima Bala
You'll love it, I promise!
So here I am, writing my first book review about one of my favourite books (also BookTok’s latest obsession—take a guess). This was one of my fastest reads yet, devoured in just 24 hours while constantly gisting with my friend about every single twist and turn (sorry, Jay!). It even left me wondering why assigned readings never quite have this effect. This book had me laughing, aching, and pulling my hair out in the best way possible, all within a day.
Fatima Bala doesn’t just tell a story; she invites you into these characters’ lives, letting their struggles seep in and encouraging you to laugh at the most haram situations. Fa’iza and Ahmad wrestle with love, faith, and family expectations, and their story feels so genuine, like a conversation with an old friend.
Fatima Bala, if you ever read this: I love you! Muah! 💋
She dives headfirst into subjects we rarely talk about in our Muslim communities—fearlessly and without sugarcoating. Fa’iza and Ahmad’s love story isn’t the “halal” kind of romance (yes, Fatima warned us!), but it’s so raw and real that it becomes incredibly relatable. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of complicated feelings, and while there are moments you’re unsure if you should even root for them, there’s a deep moral resonance that only comes from someone who has truly lived these questions, doubts, and dreams. For any Muslim out there, it hits close to home in a way that makes you feel both seen and understood.
The Journey of Fa’iza
Fa’iza, our main character, is someone I feel like I know: she’s focused, strong-willed, and trying to stick to her principles in a world that keeps testing her patience. Watching her navigate the growing connection with Ahmad is like watching myself (or, if I’m honest, any of us who have been there) in slow motion. She tries so hard to draw the line. But when Ahmad (my type!), the charismatic guy with the perfect mix of confidence and mischief, enters the picture, those lines start to blur. Every “no” becomes a cautious “maybe,” and she’s constantly reevaluating what it means to hold on to her beliefs without closing herself off to love.
One of my favourite parts? Fa’iza’s internal dialogues—the way she thinks, “HARAM!” every time Ahmad gets a little too close. It’s refreshing and hilarious to see that struggle written so honestly.
Ahmad – The Charismatic Challenge to Fa’iza’s Faith
Enter Ahmad, who comes in like an earthquake, ready to shake up all the neat boundaries Fa’iza has drawn. He’s the kind of guy that would make any of us blush, with his laid-back style, unfiltered questions, and maybe a bit too much self-confidence. You want to roll your eyes and root for him at the same time. He’s not exactly your typical “good Muslim guy,” but he’s also more than just a rebel without a cause. Ahmad’s challenge? Figuring out how to love Fa’iza and respect her boundaries, all while growing himself.
And what’s most moving about his story isn’t just his devotion to Fa’iza but the way he quietly makes changes for her without even telling her. The way he gives up things just because he knows they’d hurt her. There’s beauty in that balance of support and sacrifice, and it shows that real change isn’t about grand gestures but small, meaningful steps.
Moral of the Story: It’s Allah’s World
Broken does what so many romance stories don’t: it gives you both a love story and a faith story. It’s a reminder that while society often lets guys off the hook, the rules apply to everyone, and Fatima Bala uses Fa’iza and Ahmad’s journey to show us why those rules are there. There’s no sidestepping faith or pretending that things aren’t complicated. For me, this book isn’t just about the “forbidden love” angle—it’s about what it means to genuinely strive for faith while also wanting the things that feel right but aren’t always easy.
So, what did I learn from Broken? Love isn’t about bending beliefs or changing who we are; it’s about figuring out how to grow without losing ourselves in the process. And that, to me, is the truest lesson Fatima Bala offers in this heartfelt, beautifully crafted book.
Rating: 🌟 10/10 — Highly Recommended!
This one’s a solid 10. If you're looking for a story that’ll make you laugh, think, and maybe even rethink some things, Broken by Fatima Bala is your next read. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good love story woven with faith, self-discovery, and all the awkward, real-life messiness that comes with it.
P.S. What story would like me to read or review next and how can I improve, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
how long is it?
Haha, thank you! You'll enjoy the book 💕