A Place for Us

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza centers on the Indian-American Muslim family of Layla and Rafiq and their children, Hadia, Huda, and Amar. The story opens at Hadia's wedding, jumping through time to explore the family's life, from Layla and Rafiq's immigration to the US to the children's struggles balancing their faith and cultural identities. The youngest, Amar, is often the "black sheep," with his relationship with his family and his wavering connection to religion receiving the most focus. His journey to find his place within his family is central, especially given his often strained relationship with his cold and reserved father, Rafiq, whose final chapter reveals his own struggles and reflections.