Internment

When my request for the ARC of Samira Ahmed’s Internment was accepted, I was so excited because it was one of my most anticipated 2019 reads and I just knew it was going to be an such an important, powerful book when it hits the shelves. And let me tell you, Samira Ahmed’s exploration of politics and a very probable future in the landscape of fascist America in which Muslim Americans are taken from their homes and imprisoned in internment camps and have to fight for their freedom does not disappoint.

Internment begins with what seemed as normal a night as any for Layla in the version of America she lives in. If normal can possibly be staying out after curfew just to see her boyfriend for just a few minutes, before racing home in the darkness, afraid of being seen by authorities. Despite dealing with extreme racism every day of their lives, Layla and her family are glad to still have their faith and the every day comforts of home. But everything is about to change for Layla and her parents, as they are forced from their home in the middle of the night and taken to an Internment Camp for American Muslim citizens. Alongside new friends in the camp, an unexpected alliance and help from her boyfriend from the outside, Layla begins a resistance against the Director, a fight for freedom for herself, her family and her people.

It’s disgusting to me that such a future like this for Muslims in America really is such a possibility. I can’t fathom it, but Samira Ahmed’s depiction of this happening in the future is all too real that I don’t even need to imagine it for myself. Through Layla’s perspective, Samira Ahmed writes a compelling, hopeful and often horrific story that explores human rights in the face of fascist evil. I was completely taken through the story by Layla’s strength and her will to fight, to get back her old life. Though her life on the outside was not perfect, she dreams of freedom, of having every day comforts like hot water, good food and her comfortable bed. She dreams of being with her boyfriend again and of giving her parents the life they had back. I was in awe of the fight and bravery depicted in Layla and many other characters throughout the story. The characters are all written with feeling, and it is through their struggles that we readers can really understand what it would be like to be imprisoned in a camp, to protest for your basic rights, to feel helpless and watch on as people are hurt in the face of a rebellion. And oh wow, Samira Ahmed does a fantastic job of writing a villain in the Director. He was absolutely appalling.

I say this book doesn’t disappoint and for the most part, that is completely true. However, there were a few things about the book I found just a tad unrealistic. Nothing to do with the overall premise, because like I said and like Samira Ahmed writes, America is only one step away from this actually happening to Muslim families in the future. It’s more some of the plot points and the way the plot develops seemed unrealistic or perhaps far-fetched and that has everything to do with the help Layla gets in her fight for free speech an escape and also the time frame of some events. I just wasn’t completely sold on some of the plot elements, but I can’t say more on that without giving spoilers away.

Overall, Internment is thought-provoking and too-real account of a version of America and our world today. I am in awe of Samira Ahmed for writing this book at this time in history. It’s a book I really believe everyone should read. It’s educational, powerful and honest to the point that it hurt me. Put yourself in Layla’s shoes, or even in her boyfriend David’s, when you read this book. Reflect on the lives lost in the history of war and fascism, and let’s hope with all our hearts that one day it will all end. Here’s to fighting for freedom and equality.