The Scope of Permissibility

(Paperback)

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How do you balance devotion, ambition and expectations

Told from three perspectives, The Scope of Permissibility follows Sara, Abida and Naeem as they navigate university, the transition into adulthood and the tenets of their faith. Bound together by their faith and alienation from wider Australian society, all three are drawn to their universitys Muslim Students Association. Within its walls, Sara and Naeem begin a covert relationship while Abida campaigns for the presidency.

But Abidas ambitions for the groups leadership threatens both her longstanding friendship with Sara and the increasingly fragile relationship between Sara and Naeem, leaving none of their lives unaltered.

This stunning debut novel explores the nuances of love, friendship and ambition, against a backdrop of racism, class and politics within Australian society. The result is a beautiful coming-of-age story, exploring the intensity of youth against the push and pull of expectation and autonomy.

Author Bio

Zeynab Gamieldien is the inaugural winner of the 2022 WestWordsUltimo Prize. She has written for publications such as Mamamia, the Sydney Morning Heralds Daily Life section and the Australian Muslim Times on issues of race, relationships and religion. The Scope of Permissibility is her debut novel. Her work has previously been longlisted in The Borough Press BAME Open Submissions competition.