Book Review: How to be a Bad Muslim

How to be a Bad Muslim and Other Essays
by Mohamed Hassan
Review by Bel

I was moved, challenged and entertained by this perfectly balanced, cosmopolitan collection. It reads like a memoir, so even if you don’t usually read essays – I urge you to give this one a go. You can read it in short sittings and come away each time feeling satisfied… But I inhaled it! As both a journalist and a poet, Hassan brings a keen perception, depth of feeling and lyricism to the page. His writing is insightful, devastating and at times delightfully absurd as he explores identity, love, grief and belonging. Hassan is one of our most exciting writers. He both has something to say, and the ability to say it beautifully. I loved this book and feel all the richer for it.