Take It Back by Kia Abdullah

Susanne’s Review:

A Highly Emotional Story that Packs one Hell of a Punch.

There are two sides to every story. The difficulty is determining wherein lies the truth.

In London, a young teenage girl accuses four teenage boys of rape. The victim is Jodie Wolfe, a girl with facial deformities. The accused are four Muslim boys who claim innocence.

No one is left unscathed. And I mean No One.

Zara Kaleel is a Victim’s Advocate and a former barrister who is on Jodie’s side, for better or worse. Zara, you see is Muslim and her involvement makes things tricky.

Assault, gender, race, religion, discrimination, and misogyny are highly prevalent throughout.

Questions abound. Constant questions. The truth is never clear cut.

A Trial Ensues.

Complicated, Captivating, Disturbing, Emotional, Evocative.

The characters and the plot are so perfectly delivered, so heartbreakingly real. “Take it Back” by Kia Abdullah makes you stop, look, and listen and hopefully think before you act.

A buddy read with Kaceey that gave us much to discuss.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc.

Kaceey’s Review:

Rarely do I read a blurb going into my upcoming read. For me, the less I know the better. I find it only adds to the anticipation and mystery of it all. 

So let me start by saying the premise took me by complete surprise! And I mean that in the best of ways! I got so much more than I ever expected.

Zara Kaleel gave up her life as top-notch attorney to devote her time to a sexual assault referral center. In doing so she sacrificed so much more than just her brilliant career. She found it necessary to step away from her family as she realized she couldn’t continue living the life path they set out for her. 

Her latest case to tackle is a teenage girl born with deformities, accusing four boys from her school with rape.

This book covered several issues including race, religion and sexual assault.

I’m going to keep my review vague in the event you want to enter this read blindly too. You’re welcome!

I’ll just say, if you enjoy legal thrillers that will have you questioning guilt – innocence and everything in between, then this one will more than hold your attention!  Don’t miss this fabulous debut. 

Already looking forward to the next release from this highly talented new author.

A buddy read with Susanne! (Great pick Susanne!)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC to read and review.