Fundamentally
By Nussaibah Younis
Tiny Reparations Books
ISBN: 978-0593851388
352pp.

Nussaibah Younis is a political analyst and writer specialising in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly Iraq. With a background in policy research and international relations, Younis has authored various policy reports and articles. Fundamentally is her venture into fiction, drawing from her expertise to create a narrative that blends personal and political conflicts.

Her experience advising the Iraqi government on deradicalisation programmes and her connection to the region as a British-Iraqi writer enriches the novel with authenticity.

The novel is written in the first-person perspective, following the protagonist, Nadia, as she navigates the complexities of counter-radicalisation efforts in Iraq. The book is divided into sections that alternate between Nadia’s experiences in Iraq and her reflections on personal relationships, career and identity. With a layered exploration of the protagonist’s internal conflicts, it allows the reader to explore the broader socio-political context.

Nadia, like the author, is a British-Iraqi academic working on rehabilitation programmes for women formerly associated with ISIS. Nadia is deeply flawed yet compelling, torn between her ambitions, personal traumas and ethical dilemmas. Her voice is sharp, self-deprecating and, often, painfully honest.

A debut novel by a Middle East political analyst forces readers to reconsider their assumptions about ideological transformation and humanitarian work

Then we have Sara, a young woman formerly radicalised and now seeking a way back into society. She is fiercely independent yet deeply vulnerable. Her interactions with Nadia form some of the most emotionally charged moments of the story.

There is also Tom, a former soldier and UN contractor whose arrogance and masculinity contrast sharply with Nadia’s scepticism. His presence serves as a critique of Western interventionist attitudes and the military-industrial complex, though he is portrayed with nuance rather than as a caricature.

Pierre and Sherri are UN colleagues with conflicting perspectives on Nadia’s work. Pierre is dismissive and condescending, while Sherri is well-meaning but rigid in her ideological stance. Their interactions with Nadia highlight the bureaucratic and moral complexities of international aid work.

What keeps the reader going is that, early in the novel, Nadia attempts to help Sara re-enter society, but Sara’s distrust and past trauma create friction. This moment signals the novel’s deeper inquiry into agency and redemption — can someone who has been radicalised ever truly reintegrate on their own terms? Nadia’s own biases are challenged as she confronts the limitations of her programme and the personal nature of ideological transformation.

The novel is an important read for those interested in the intersection of geopolitics and human stories. It challenges simplistic narratives about extremism and highlights the moral ambiguities of interventionist policies. Younis presents a compelling exploration of identity, power and redemption in a world that often seeks to flatten complexities into binaries. The story also stands out for its representation of a strong, flawed female protagonist who is neither a saviour nor a victim but something far more complicated.

The novel pivots when Nadia challenges the bureaucratic obstacles set by Frank Taylor III, a senior UN official who opposes her rehabilitation programme. This confrontation marks a shift in Nadia’s perspective, forcing her to confront not just external politics but also her complicity in a flawed system. The novel uses this clash to explore themes of power, institutional inertia, and the performative nature of humanitarian work.

Soon, one finds Nadia embroiled in a desperate mission that forces her to question her personal and professional choices. The tension culminates in a moment of reckoning, where she must decide between institutional limitations and human instinct. The stakes are heightened, and the novel builds to a moment where Nadia’s decisions carry irreversible consequences, both for herself and for those she is trying to help.

Fundamentally is both absorbing and frustrating. Younis captures the absurdities of international diplomacy with razor-sharp wit; the tone is candid, laced with humour and biting social commentary, which makes the heavy themes more accessible, without diluting their seriousness. At times, however, the protagonist’s internal monologue becomes repetitive. While the book offers a rare female-centred perspective on Middle Eastern conflicts, some readers may find the humour undercuts the gravity of certain situations.

The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections, with some bureaucratic discussions stretching longer than necessary. However, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise thought-provoking and incisive novel.

The novel will resonate deeply with South Asian readers, particularly those familiar with diasporic identities, post-colonial tensions and the struggle between cultural heritage and modernity. The book’s examination of radicalisation, immigration and global politics mirrors many of the conversations happening right now about extremism, belonging, and the legacy of imperialism. The protagonist’s internal struggles — navigating dual identities, questioning faith, and dealing with familial expectations — are themes that many South Asian readers will find relatable.

Fundamentally also sheds light on the broader experience within global politics, particularly in the context of Muslim identity in the West. Nadia’s background as the daughter of a Pakistani mother and an Iraqi father adds layers to her understanding of both the Western gaze on Middle Eastern affairs and the deeply ingrained biases that affect policy decisions. The book provides a nuanced look at how the Global South is positioned within larger geopolitical narratives, especially about the ‘War on Terror.’

The novel is an important read for those interested in the intersection of geopolitics and human stories. It challenges simplistic narratives about extremism and highlights the moral ambiguities of interventionist policies. Younis presents a compelling exploration of identity, power and redemption in a world that often seeks to flatten complexities into binaries. The story also stands out for its representation of a strong, flawed female protagonist who is neither a saviour nor a victim but something far more complicated.

Ultimately, Fundamentally is a novel that lingers long after the final page. It forces readers to reconsider their assumptions about radicalisation, international aid, and the personal toll of political work. It serves as a timely and essential read on identity and agency in an increasingly polarised world.

The reviewer is a content lead at a communications agency

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, May 11th, 2025