Reviews with content warning for Racism - We Have Always Been Here

I wasn't expecting to find Habib's memoir relatable, since our lives have had little in common, but the way they distill the queer experience so beautifully resonated with me deeply. Some of their passages on parent relationships, coming out, the inner child, and, most of all, chosen family overwhelmed me with emotion. This is a gorgeous, poignant memoir, written in accessible, sharp prose, at once entirely singular and, at its heart, universally queer. Already one of my favorites of this year.

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j4cq's review against another edition

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kasey_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

This memoir was freaking stunning!! Samra Habib tells her story with an unflinching raw honesty that was truly a gift to read. Samra sharing her story of growing up as a Queer, Muslim Immigrant is a gift that we should all be grateful to have the opportunity to read. I am very excited to research more about Samra's work, see her photography, and read anything else that she puts out in the world.

This book is heartachingly beautiful, and I'm so glad to have read it.

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kalross's review against another edition

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4.0

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kelly_e's review against another edition

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4.0

Title: We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir
Author: Samra Habib
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: June 4, 2019

T H R E E • W O R D S

Fierce • Redemptive• Insightful

📖 S Y N O P S I S
We Have Always Been Here details Samra's own personal experiences growing up in Pakistan where she faced regular threats from extremists; immigrating to Canada only to be faced with bullying, racism, poverty and an arranged marriage; and finding herself. An exploration of the intersections of sexuality, religion, and race.

💭 T H O U G H T S

In an effort to read more Canadian content, exploring Canada Reads picks from years past seemed like a good starting point, and I was not disappointed with the Canada Reads 2020 winner We Have Always Been Here. Samra's memoir is beautifully written, oftentimes down right raw and deeply personal, and yet also inviting. It reads somewhat like a diary, offering a sense of connection (despite quite different upbringings and circumstances), which is what I love most in a memoir. Exploring themes and intersectionalities of identity and the need for safe spaces for self-exploration and the power of chosen family this memoir is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

I will say the first two thirds are considerably stronger than the remaining third, and yet her talent is evident.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• memoir lovers
• readers who enjoyed The Death of Vivek Oji

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Maybe home was simply any place where you felt seen and welcome."

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marabdelmageed's review against another edition

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5.0

This book absolutely gutted me in the best way possible. As a queer Muslim, I have never felt more seen, more accepted, more valid, than when I read this book. Seeing Samra heal and grow into herself, seeing her find a community of queer Muslims, seeing her not only maintain her faith, but strengthen it -- not despite her queerness, but because of it -- was something I did not realize I needed. This book made me cry in pain, in sadness, and in hope.

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spinesinaline's review against another edition

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4.25

This was my first read of the year and it was incredible. I finished it in two days! It’s a memoir telling the story of the author’s experiences as a queer Muslim, and listening to it as an audiobook in the author’s own voice made it that much more emotive and evocative.

Habib’s recounting of her childhood, conflicts with her family, and threats from extremists can get quite heavy with her descriptions of discrimination and abuse but as the title suggests, her story is ultimately hopeful as she learns more about herself and where in the world she belongs. This is a beautiful story about community and the strength of people finding those with similar experiences and creating a joyful life.

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