Fundamentally

A Novel

De: Nussaibah Younis

Narrado por: Sarah Slimani

A wickedly funny and audacious debut novel following an academic who flees from heartbreak and lands in Iraq with a one-of-a-kind job offer—only to be forced to do the work of confronting herself.

*AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER*
*AN NPR BOOKS WE LOVE PICK*
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025*

When Nadia Amin, a witty and bighearted PhD, publishes an article on deradicalization, everything changes. The United Nations comes calling with an opportunity to put her theory into practice and lead a rehabilitation program for women caught in the crosshairs of harmful ideology. And why not? Abandoned by her mother and devastated by unrequited love, she leaps at the chance.

In Iraq, Nadia quickly realizes she’s in over her head. The UN is a mess of competing interests, and her team consists of Goody Two-shoes Sherri who never passes up an opportunity to remind Nadia of her objections; and Pierre, a snippy Frenchman who has no qualms about perpetually scrolling through Grindr. But then Nadia meets Sara, a hilarious, foul-mouthed East Londoner who was pulled into radicalism at just fifteen. The two are kindred spirits, and Nadia vows to get Sara home.

As the rehabilitation program picks up traction, Sara reveals a secret that upends everything, forcing Nadia to make a drastic choice. In the fallout, Nadia’s brown-savior fantasies crumble, leaving her to wonder if she can save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.

A fierce, wildly funny, and razor-sharp exploration of radicalism, family, and the quest for belonging, Fundamentally boldly inspects one of the defining controversies of our age and introduces a fearless new voice in contemporary fiction.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"This book is laugh-out-loud funny in a way you wouldn’t expect... Nussaibah Younis somehow turns one of the darkest corners of modern life into sharp, self-aware comedy. Her humor, about an academic on a U.N. mission to Iraq, is deadpan one moment, absurd the next and always disarmingly smart. It’s a light, quick read that keeps you laughing while making you think – proof that even the most serious topics can be handled with wit and heart.
—Linah Mohammad, NPR's All Things Considered

“Tart, tender, trenchant, and hilarious, Fundamentally is a brilliant novel about faith and friendship that refuses to be any one single thing—because it is EVERYTHING. Nussaibah Younis is a genius.”
—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich

“Funny, gripping and compassionate; Fundamentally is a truly original novel that you won’t be able to put down.”
—Dolly Alderton, author of Good Material

“I really, REALLY loved it – the voice, the setting, the plot, all of it. It’s original, warm, funny and engaging. A breath of fresh air.”
—Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel

“Absolutely hilarious: a Muslim Fleabag.”
—Michelle Gallen, author of Factory Girls

“Impossibly funny whilst darkly probing, Fundamentally is the whole package: a raunchy, irreverent, touching, and daring debut with slicing commentary wrapped in bold, biting humor. It slyly and systematically rejects our swallowed concepts of heroes and who is correct, and posits instead the better question: what is right?”
—Parini Shroff, author of The Bandit Queens

“Fascinating. Brilliant. Necessary.”
Salma El-Wardany, author of These Impossible Things

“Loved this. Laugh out loud funny, outrageous and thought provoking—a winning combination. Highly recommend.”
—Harriet Tyce, author of Blood Orange

Very funny, witty, with heartbreaking moments

I love this snarky, character, descriptions, and the wholehearted belief in goodness, as well as the enduring need for self respect and love, even when it’s awfully difficult.

Narration was Fantastic

Narration really added to the experience of this novel! It was a glimpse into the (fictionalized, though somewhat realistic) world of aid work in the Middle East. I appreciated the expertise the author brought to the story- the diverse perspectives she made sure were represented in its telling- her humor-and her authors note.

Really enjoyed this!

The storytelling and performance were really engaging. The main character had flaws, but was genuinely lovable, making the story even more relatable. An informative listen.

No anticipation. No thrill. A very monotone storyline.

Left me wondering what the actual point of it was. Narrator was fantastic and her character had a great sense of humor. Definitely some funny one liners but the storyline lacked so much and it had so much potential! Like, SO MUCH!

Interesting premise but the execution is hit and miss

While the plot is intriguing, it’s clear that the author isn’t comfortable writing fiction. The author is an academic - and that comes across in her writing. She forces far too many similes and metaphors into the book- and they almost always feel contrived and unnecessary. Also, most of the characters are one dimensional cliches. The gay guy spends his time on Grindr, the religious guy from Berkeley is into crystals and energy, the security guy is a dumb meathead, etc etc. I would listen to another book from this author - but would hope to hear an interesting plot idea paired with better writing.