Book Review: The Good Muslim by Tahmima Anam

The central conflict in The Good Muslim is between a brother and sister. Maya is a spirited, liberal-minded doctor.  Maya's way of being a good Muslim is at odds with her older brother's methods. Sohail, once her greatest friend and support, has embraced a more extreme version of Islam.  This book traces the path that has led the siblings to their opposing points of view.  Maya cannot face up to Sohail's "conversion" - she fights it, belittles it, and feels threatened by it.  She doesn't realize that 

Sohail desperately clings to the certainty of his faith so he can cope with the loss of his wife and and to overcome the savagery he witnessed and also perpetrated during the war.

The story is deeply emotional and stunningly written.  Well worth the read.  It may even give you a peek into a world you are unfamiliar with.