A powerful story about some unmentionable taboos: male rape, race, sexuality, Asian patriarchal culture, family, privilege, "not all men" : balanced with love, advocacy and identity. A teenage boy is raped after a party at a prestigious public school. Or is he? Is he just ashamed of being gay? Was it misunderstood? The story of Kamran and Finn, literally black and white, had me gripped throughout the court process. The "keeping face" priority of his mother mixed with toxic masculinity from Kamran's father had me enraged for him. At the heart of it is Zara, independent sexual violence adviser, always with Kamran's best interests at heart.

This is the second book in Kia Abdullah’s Zara Kaleel series after the 2019 release of Take It Back, which I didn’t know about beforehand. All I knew was that I was seeing this book everywhere with standout reviews, so I’ve been eager to get my hands on a copy for a long time now.

First off, there are some obvious trigger warnings to provide here, as this book does revolve around the subject of rape. Not only that, but it’s also a story about male rape. There are, of course, a lot of similar conversations that this book opens up in regards to the issue of rape in the wider context, but I think it’s especially bold of Abdullah to centre her story around a male character as there is still a lot of stigma around it.

A powerful and important story, Abdullah opens up so many difficult conversations which she tackles brilliantly. Looking at an encounter of rape from many angles and perspectives, her story is explored in-depth and in a well-balanced way. You try to stay open-minded but can’t help but question Kamran’s confession as different facts come to the surface. Should it matter what Kamran’s sexuality is? Should it matter if anybody else knew? There will be so much running through your head that you can’t help but feel empathy for the characters involved.

Kamran is also a Muslim which means that Abdullah also faces her character with the conflict of religion and homosexuality, something else that she does exceptionally well. While I would have been impressed by the way she handles this story without taking into consideration that Kamran is male and Muslim, the fact that Abdullah goes above and beyond to really take the opportunity to open up these discussions is worth all the praise.

There are so many issues that this book makes you think about. Most notably, it gets you thinking about the importance of the phrase, “But I didn’t say no”. Unfortunately, it’s something that maybe you haven’t had to think about for yourself, but it’s likely something that you’ve skirted around the thought of. Of course, it will strike more familiarly with some than others, but it certainly had me re-evaluating certain situations in my life that I realised weren’t as black and white as we can often shrug them off as.

I think it’s that final point that had the biggest impact on me: that it isn’t just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question and that there is so much grey area in between. There’s so much more to consider than just a simple word, and Abdullah does a remarkable job of using her story to pose all of those questions, as well as to provide – to the best of her ability – some answers or at least a more unbiased mindset.

And although you know it’s not important whether Kamran said no or not, you still question his intentions. Is he doing it because Finn deserves to be accountable for his actions? Or is he doing it because he doesn’t want to get found out? Either way, you won’t be thinking about the bigger picture that comes to light towards the end. I wasn’t reading this is a thriller at the start, but this revelation in the final few chapters had me gasping in shock bigger than any thriller has recently.

There’s so much that I could say about this book, but it’s one that will resonate differently with different readers so you need to experience it for yourself.

Most of all, Truth Be Told is a thought-provoking and compelling read, and I’m definitely going to find the time to read the first book in the series soon as I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this one since I put it down.

Truth be told
5* It’s starts off great but builds into a real WOW! Book
#2 in the Zara Kaleel series. But this is the first book I’ve read by this author.
We are introduced to the main characters in the book Kamran a 17 yr old young Muslim man from a wealthy family attending an elite boarding school who after a drunken party at the school alleges that he is raped.
Zara an ex Barrister is struggling to battle medication addiction, and working as a sexual violence advisor.
Kamran confesses to Zara at a crisis centre that he has been raped, as the centre can only help women she takes leave from the refuge to be able to help him.
The book is really well written it draws you in. It tackles head on some difficult topics, Muslims and homosexuality, male rape and sexual abuse in elite boarding schools. The characters are so well written, it is written with understanding and sensitivity, and felt realistic. The pain and anguish feel so real.
The writing style draws you in, it has a good pace and atmosphere to keep you hooked. It shows very differing levels of parental support between the parents.
A memorable quote from the book is
Zara’s sisters quote ‘ well, there’s no such thing as a gay Muslim, is there?’
It crossed my mind whether the case presented would have got as far as court, but bought into the authors justification.
I was constantly questioning was it /wasn’t it rape throughout the book and the consequences. I felt empathy for both of the boys throughout.

Truth Be Told - Kia Abdullah

Kia Abdullah's debut novel Take It Back was one of my favourite books of last year, I couldn't wait to read this one, and picked it up with very high expectations.

Truth Be Told is the second book featuring Zara Kaleel, a former barrister turned support worker, working with victims of sexual abuse.

Like Take It Back, Truth Be Told is a based around a court case, but is so much more than a 'legal thriller'.

The case this time involves 17 year old Kamran Hadid a pupil at a prestigious boarding school who reports being raped in his sleep by a fellow student (Finn) after a drunken end of term party.

That is just the starting point. There is great depth in this book.

Kamran's domineering father Mack is a self-made millionaire, and we get a rich insight into the lives of wealthy, conservative British-Asian society. The stigma of male rape. The prestigious school, rich with money and tradition wishing to keep scandal away from its door.

The writing and characterisation is exquisite. There is real emotional depth to all the characters, and the ongoing development of Zara's character is just brilliant.

The plotting is superb, with the drunken party and the alleged rape incident being just the starting point, as different personal perspectives are presented from those involved (including that of the alleged rapist), and from the friends, family and members of the school community.

This is the second novel featuring Zara Kaleel, while is it entirely self-contained I would definitely recommend reading the excellent Take It Back first, as the events in that book are referred to in detail.

It is so much more than a legal thriller from a brave and talented author. Very few authors create characters of such depth, characters who come alive in deep, emotionally involving and surprising plots.

The characters are vivid and real, living, breathing, hurting and crying, and I struggle to do it justice in a review.

Read it!

Wow, loved this book. Such a powerful story. So cleverly written and makes you consider both sides of the story. This book will stay with me for some time, such a dramatic ending. I will definitely read more by this author.

I was only pages into Truth be Told when I started to feel my hackles rise, and that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the book. It’s rare that a book evokes such an emotional response in me, and for the most, that emotion was anger. Whilst the central theme was sexual assault, Truth be Told also covered religion, class, society and culture in modern day Britain. This is a multi-layered and complex story but it has been skillfully plotted and executed flawlessly. Still reeling from the fallout from her previous case Zara is struggling emotionally and mentally when a young Asian boy turns up at her office seeking help and support and claiming to have been raped by another male student at an exclusive boarding school in London.

Despite her office being a refuge and support for women only, there is something about young Kamran Hadid that Zara is drawn to and decides to take on his case.

Kamran is an intelligent, well-educated young man, brought up in a prestigious area of North London with a younger brother and affluent, well respected parents. Destined for Oxford his life has been carefully mapped out by his Muslim parents and he is on the path to greatness when the unthinkable happens.

Waking up after a drink fuelled party at school, Kamran’s life has been turned upside down when he finds himself the victim of a sexual violation. Confused, angry and ashamed he seeks Zara’s help having seen her defend another young rape victim and identifying with her because she is also Muslim.

There are so many deep aspects to this powerful story and once again Kia Abdullah has delivered an incredible thought-provoking and topical story. The dynamics between the Hadid family, the power struggles, the unreasonable and high expectations from Mack, the father for his sons, the internal struggle from Sophia, the mother to provide support and love was heartbreaking to witness. This family’s emotions and feelings were so real it was easy to forget they were a work of fiction because I was so invested in them.

Taut and suspenseful, Kia Abdullah keeps the reader on their toes right to the very end. A simply spine-tingling read with a cleverly woven plot that tells of lies, secrets and surprises that will leave the reader gasping at the final reveal. Take It Back is definitely a book for fans of Jodi Picoult and books that leave you thinking long after finishing.

I absolutely love courtroom dramas and having read Take It Back last year and loving it, as soon as I saw that this author had a new book coming out, I added it straight to my list. After reading the synopsis, I was a little worried that this book would be hard to read and hard to “enjoy”. However, for such a sensitive subject, the author does it justice, pardon the pun, and I found myself racing through the book to find out what happened to the “guilty” party. I enjoyed seeing how the case was put together, seeing the case go to trial and the aftermath for all parties to involved. I cannot recommend this book enough for fans of Gilliam McAllister, Steve Cavanagh and Jodi Picoult.

"Tense" is not the word for this novel. It absolutely oozes impact, making you stop and think. Breathtakingly written in parts. Recommended for all.

A well written thought provoking novel. A tense and gritty courtroom drama against a topical and difficult background. Thoroughly recommended..

Loved the diversity side of this book, particularly as it involved a male who is Asian. I think the sexual subject was handled with such detail and respect which made it even more interesting to read.

Sorry to say I couldn't finish this book, although I really tried. I kept on getting confused, then had to go back and so on. Not the best read for a very stressed period in life!

Simply outstanding!

I was bowled away by this author's first novel and truly thought the second just wouldn't stand up against it, but I'm so glad to say I was wrong.

This time we meet Zara but this time she is stretching her remit to the limit and counselling a male rape victim The story is told the religion is present and the victim is out of the ordinary. And then comes the court case and the compelling last chapters.

If you want a fresh take on an age old issue then don't overlook this very talented artist.

Here comes the second novel by the fabulous Kia Abdullah. I was excited to read this as I loved the first one so much. I found this book completely powerful, captivating and emotionally moving. The topic of male rape alongside the culture and religion that is discussed within this book is hugely important in today's society.

"ARE YOU READY TO START THIS CONVERSATION?
Kamran Hadid feels invincible. He attends Hampton school, an elite all-boys boarding school in London, he comes from a wealthy family, and he has a place at Oxford next year. The world is at his feet. And then a night of revelry leads to a drunken encounter and he must ask himself a horrific question.

With the help of assault counsellor, Zara Kaleel, Kamran reports the incident in the hopes that will be the end of it. But it’s only the beginning…"

Absolutely thought-provoking and such an emotional read.

This is a story about appearances. How far people will go to appear to be sophisticated, decent, upstanding and worthy, and masculine. Plus, what they will hide, recreate in their own minds to conform to this ideal. Other people's opinions are all that matter.

The book begins by describing the home life of a husband and wife and their two well-mannered and educated teenage boys. The second strand focuses on a young Muslim woman who was a lawyer but now work as a counsellor. It becomes apparent that she has suffered some real trauma in her past relating to an arranged marriage, sexual assault and issues of gender (being female in this instance). This is the second book about this woman, which I have not yet read.

The lives of these two cross when the older boy accuses a schoolmate of rape. It was not a violent attack but there was no consent involved. Questions arise as to whether the boy is gay and regrets his part in the alleged assault as being homosexual is not a masculine thing, to his family. Gender stereotypes are dealt with alongside the concept of truth: both can be radically different yet genuine.

These are deep issues and they are expressed well. At times they appeared to touch on the naive, but this could be because I have thought about such things throughout my life. The story is shown through the eyes of the victim, the perpetrator, mother, brother and the counsellor and demonstrates an empathy and sensitivity that gives a perspective to all characters. The court scenes are particularly well written.

Abdullah is an eloquent writer and deals with very topical issues. This is a great read and comes highly recommended.

After reading Take it Back and being totally wowed by it, I was expecting the same.
It was good, but it didn't have the same edge of the seat affect that the last one did for me.
I did feel desperately sad for Kamran, he was let down terribly by those who should have been there for him. I think that this could have gone a bit deeper.
Something was missing this time.
A very difficult subject matter which was written well and more taboo subjects raised by the author.

It took me really long time to finish this book. Not because it was boring but because it was so good. Also, it was bringing out so many emotions that sometimes I had to put my Kindle down and take couple of deep breath.
Kia Abdullah really impressed me with her bravery. It's never easy to talk about such a taboo but she's done it perfectly well. It's about time that we start talking about toxic masculinity and that boys are allowed to cry if they want to.

Due to religious and cultural beliefs family pressure often becomes too much to take.
It's heartbreaking to see how the main character Kamran was blaming himself for what happened to him. Doubting himself so many times. It almost seems like such a thing shouldn't happen to educated Muslim boy, from a wealthy family.
Unfortunately sexual violence happens to people no matter the religion or background or sexual orientation.
We have to remember it happens to men as well as women and we both go through the same trauma, we both need time to heal.

Thank you so much for this eye-opening read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review.
This book hamdles an extremely sensitive subject matter, well actually a number of them, societies attitude to male rape victim (a muslim) and the counselling and general attitude of society of a male on male rape (stlll a taboo subject).
It is done extremely sensitively and certainly gets the reader thinking long and hard about these subject matters.
The book starts with the event and follows the story through the investigation, the trial, the verdict and the consequences of it all.
I for one certainly didn't see the ending coming.
Excellent read
Thanks

This book wasn't for me. Highly rated by others though, so I assume plenty out there disagree with me. I just wasn't gripped sadly.

Having enjoyed Kia Abdullah’s previous book I was delighted to read Truth Be Told where the story of Zara continues but with another case. This time a very tricky subject: male rape. I thought the subject matter was dealt with very sensitively and made me stop and think on more than one occasion. Within the first chapter I was hooked and admit that I devoured this book in almost one sitting. The writing appears effortless, which is such a skill. I’m now a big fan of Kia Abdullah and greedily can’t wait for the next one.

Where do I Start? This book, wow!

I knew having read Kia’s previous book, Take It Back that this would be just as powerful, and it is. Great writing from start to finish, great plot, great characters, and with the determined and fierce Zara Kaleel as the main protagonist leading the helm it was never going to be a quiet walk in the park storybook, no way – Zara is a force to be reckoned with and she does not hold back.

Zara now works as an ISVA – an Independent Sexual Assult Advisor, using her knowledge as a barrister to help those who have been sexual assault confront their attacks and therefore brave reporting their crimes.

Which brings us to meet Kamran Hadid, he’s 17 and attending a private boarding school, Hampton. He’s Muslim and comes from a wealthy family, who live in a Belsize Park, London and have a driver, a cook, and a cleaner. His parents are both intelligent business people, his father Mustaque “Mack’ runs a medical provisions company when he isn’t playing golf or shooting. And his mother Sofia attends lunches and tries to placate the situations that often arise at home. Adam, Kamran’s brother also attends their school and both are doing well. Kamran is due to finish soon leave and head to University – he’s had an interview at Oxford, much to his father’s joy. Sadly not from pride but from tradition and keeping up with what is best for them all and a sense of duty.

So after a party at school Kamran wakes the morning after to find a fellow student in his bed and blurred recollections of a sexual encounter, that he did not consent too, Kamran is faced with admitting what’s happened or staying quiet and suffering – in the end, he goes to Zara, who after her publicity in her previous case with Jodie Wolfe, featured in Take it Back. She persuades him to go to the police and this means telling his family too. That’s the hardest part, to admit to male rape – a virtually taboo subject is one thing, but to admit to it in a Muslim family, is another. Being gay isn’t considered correct by Muslim teachings and so Kamran not only faces the fate of his parents, mainly his father but also the possibility of being cast out as a blight on the Muslim community, and his extended family and their friends. Sofia is much more understanding and wants to comfort her son and make everything ok.

Most people, including Hamptons staff, are quick to assume its drunken schoolboy’s fumblings gone wrong and that Kamran is gay but doesn’t want to admit it, that he’s denying it was consensual rather than admit it openly. The Pressure Kamran feels is prevalent and yet the oppression also weighs heavy.

Zara faces opposition, yet again and struggles not only with her own demons, but also fights Kamran’s for him too. The case goes to court and his offender gives evidence. And what’s worse is that they both still attend school and are faced with avoiding each other and the jibes and condemnation that are also ever-present.

The case hits the headlines and yet again Zara feels immense pressure to protect her client and gets into some very nasty situations. I like Zara – she’s tenacious, spirited, and highly committed to what is right. She is thrown in at the deep end with moral, religious, and family dilemmas but she strives to keep on the right path regardless of the outcome and do what’s best for her and her client.

And even after the case is closed and she could move on, she doesn’t just drop Kamran, she needs to protect him and keep the contact going. And in the end he needs her as much as she needs him, to feel complete.

I highly recommend Truth Be Told, it’s relevant and feels progressive – purely because of the shameful nature of male rape – it shouldn’t be a taboo subject, its real-life and Kia Abdullah really manages to bring the subject matter and even better, the characters involved to life in her writing.

I for one can’t wait to see what’s next for Zara Kaleel – she is truly a one woman force of nature and someone who never gives up.