This novel follows Nadia, a university lecturer on a sabbatical to Iraq with the goal of rehabilitating and repatriating foreign-born ISIS brides. The plot itself is certainly unique: the setting and the characters are vivid, and the issues that Nadia’s UN organization tries to address are not something I know much about. Nadia herself veered between being sympathetic and hard-to-like; she’s shockingly (and sometimes rudely) honest to her coworkers, and she develops a somewhat inappropriate relationship with one of the refugee women she works with. This book is funny, though some of the jokes border on crude, and I can understand the Dolly Alderton comparisons. All in all, I appreciated the unique voice and setting (especially seeing as it’s informed by Dr. Younis’ experiences doing similar work to Nadia’s), though the plot arc and the characters’ decisions often seem erratic. 3⭐️, I liked it.

“Fundamentally” is by Nussaibah Younis. In this book, Nadia, a London college academic, writes and publishes a paper on rehabilitating ISIS brides. She gets an offer from the UN to do that just and accepts. When she gets to Iraq, she realizes she’s in a bit too deep water as she needs to not only develop the program, but her assisted team is not even behind her. In some ways, this book reminded me of some people I know - I can make a difference, I can change the world, I can do it and that will-power is enough. Welcome to a big slow moving corporation with paperwork, procedures, and good luck. While the enthusiasm that Nadia shows is great (and sometimes humorous), it did remind me of those young enthusiasts I worked with in US government jobs (or new teaching organizations). I found the contrast of enough humor to offset the heavy topic a good balancing act. I also thought the pacing was well done (well, except for near the ending). I wasn’t too thrilled with the millennial feel of this book, but that’s obviously my flaw - not the author’s.

"Fundamentally" by Nussaibah Younis is a heartfelt and thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and resilience. Younis writes with an authenticity that makes the reader feel deeply connected to her journey. The themes of self-discovery and personal growth are beautifully woven throughout, offering moments of reflection and inspiration. Her storytelling is both poignant and relatable, blending personal anecdotes with universal truths that resonate across cultures. The writing style is accessible yet profound, making it a meaningful read for anyone navigating questions of belief or belonging. This book is a gem for those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

I quite liked aspects of this but i found the writing to be a bit disjointed in places. I liked the themes though.

The description of this book was unlike any I’d seen, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, for me, the characters were underdeveloped and the last bits of plot were too wild. I do really appreciate the ARC.

Hilarious and, really an amazing story. I knew little to nothing about ISIS brides going into this book and I learned not only about their situation, but the climate of Iraq. I loved the level of humor mixed with ways to make the characters relatable and I appreciated the ending! So grateful to have been able to get an early copy of this book!

I really enjoyed this witty, irreverent, and heartfelt novel about a woman joining the UN in Iraq to "deradicalize" ISIS brides. A lot of the portrayals of the UN reminded me of We Meant Well by Erum Shazia Hasan, but the tone of Fundamentally is a little lighter than that one somehow. I really liked seeing how Nadia wrestled with the hypocrisies of working for a group like the UN, and her frustration about their limitations, as well as examining the different reasons women become radicalized (not to mention the women who didn't have a choice). Nadia is not perfect, and makes a lot of mistakes, but her heart is in the right place. The characters are hilarious and almost unrealistically goofy in their portrayals sometimes, but that was effect in communicating what Younis wanted them to represent. I wasn't thrilled with Nadia's choice at the end, but I hope it is the start of a greater healing journey for Nadia. I really recommend this if you are also interested in learning about the nuances of radicalization and/or international development. Younis clearly knows her stuff and I appreciate her sharing it with us via fiction.

I enjoyed reading this, I've always been very interested in reading about Muslim women from their own perspectives, and that was what I expected to get here even tho I am aware the book is fiction.. I don't find the subject matter personally offensive, as I am interested in reading about the perspectives of Muslim women that are both presently still Muslim and that have distanced themselves from the religion.

That being said I could not figure out the perspective of the author vs. the character, I still thought the issues were handled in a manner that was especially compelling for me, I love books that are provocative and insightful, and this book kept me absored till the very end. I had a few issues with the way I felt things were portrayed, but not enough to consider it a negative reading experience,

I was invited to review this book by the publisher. Nadia is a doctor and an academic, who publishes regarding rehabilitating ISIS brides. The United Nations is intrigued and want her to assist in their program that deradicalizes these women in Iraq. Nadia agrees to go, as she wants to get away from London and parts of her past. Once in Iraq, however, things don't go as she anticipated; her team is hostile to her because she is new, and many do not believe her program is ethical. Nadia takes herself and a few others to visit the women directly, and it is there she meets Sara; Nadia knows she is from London based on her accent, and vows to return her home. However, Nadia is met with one roadblock after another, as the corruption reveals itself - so, she decides to take things into her own hands. But, what are the results of such an endeavor?

There were definitely parts about this book that challenged the reader to think, but there was enough humor spliced in that it wasn't too "heavy". The writing offers a lot for the reader - this did not drag in any way, but propelled along pretty quickly. Plus, there were lots of interesting topics discussed here such as womanhood, Western powers, religion, and corruption. You would not think there would be humor in such a book, but it is a special treat within the pages. I enjoyed this read with multi-layered storylines and characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton/Tiny Reparations Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This debut novel is a brilliantly audacious journey filled with wicked humor and sharp wit! Nadia’s character is wonderfully relatable; her mix of vulnerability and fierce determination makes her journey captivating. The author doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions about belief, agency, and the ethics of saving others, all while delivering an engaging narrative that is equal parts funny and thought-provoking. I was hooked from the start and am absolutely dying for more from this talented voice! This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates humor woven into poignant storytelling.

A dark comedy and a tongue in cheek story about government (many governments) bureaucracy, Fundamentally is the queer comedy that you didn't know you needed. Dr. Nadia Amin drops into a plum job of deradicalizing ISIS-affiliated women in Iraqi refugee camps. It's certainly ground breaking and a meaningful mission. But once she arrives she realized that her life as an academic has kept her from many sordid truths, including how to manage the unmanageable staff she is now responsible for leading.

Honestly every sentence was hilarious and there was some great nuggets of info as well. The truth is, these women have no country at this point and no where to go! Younis has created a romance where no one else would have thought to look. She does it with great skill and hilarity and I recommend it whole-heartedly. #penguin #nussaibahyounis #fundamentally

First of all thank you netgalley and Dutton book for this arc. I tried so hard to finish reading this book but had to give up and like 20% but I wasn't able to do so. To me as a Muslim women, the way Islam was being portrayed here was very uncomfortable. And the book pace is so slow, never in the blurb was it mentioned that even after being a Muslim the fmc will be queer or will be someone with an active sex life, these things are literally HARAM. At least mention these detail so that people like me don't go in the book feeling all pumped and getting back bummed out.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this novel was unique and thought-provoking. I think it explores very important themes of Western savior-complex, the juxtaposition of womanhood and religion, and international aid corruption. Sara's character was so compelling and the sisterly love that develops between her and Nadia is heartwarming. I also admire how the one prominent Muslim male character was gentle, kind, and insistent about how doing the right thing was true Islam. The plot took a while to pick up, but the last third of the book was fast paced and exciting.

However, to be honest, as a Muslim woman, I do find Islam to be characterized in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. It's unclear if Nadia's disrespect and at times condescension towards it is meant as a genuine message of the book or not. Towards the end, it appears more to be like dramatic irony because of how it contrasts with her conviction that Sara refuses to change her beliefs after her experiences. But non-Muslim readers might dangerously associate this with old stereotypes about "radical Islam." Furthermore, I worry that people who lack a nuanced understanding of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism will enter this book without awareness of the role the West played in its growth. (Of course there are practical flaws with how Muslims implement their faith, but modern theocratic structures didn't emerge from a vacuum.) The language is aggressively British (which I found funny) and millennial (which I found cringey.) I also felt like it could sometimes be unexpectedly sexual at points where it feels like it's distracting from the plot. But I did research the author and she has personal and academic experience with many aspects of the story, which stands for something. Maybe I'm just not the ideal audience for this story.

Stunning! Fundamentally is witty and provocative and I loved every moment. The writing is sharp and full of insightful and often hilarious observations and opinions. I work in a similar industry and was definitely laughing and nodding along at some of the situations Nadia described.

I adored Nadia’s inner monologue and found her to be an extremely compelling protagonist. I was captivated as she contemplates her moral compass and navigates her relationships with Sara, Tom, Sherri, and others. Highly recommend, especially to readers in the mood for a thought-provoking, funny, and surprisingly tender read.

Thank you very much to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this exciting debut.