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Some Unspoken Thing
In the shadows of friendship, can love illuminate the way?
Maryam, a 16-year-old girl from Cape Town, has always been the quiet observer, content to let her vibrant best friend, Tauhier, take the spotlight. But when Fuad, the charismatic heartthrob of their friend group, begins to notice her, Maryam finds herself caught in a whirlwind of curiosity, fear, and excitement. Each interaction with Fuad feels like an insurmountable challenge—until Tauhier steps in to help.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cape Town, Maryam must navigate the complexities of first love, cultural expectations, and her own insecurities. As she grapples with her feelings, she must decide if she has the courage to let her heart lead the way, even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the light.
Maryam, a 16-year-old girl from Cape Town, has always been the quiet observer, content to let her vibrant best friend, Tauhier, take the spotlight. But when Fuad, the charismatic heartthrob of their friend group, begins to notice her, Maryam finds herself caught in a whirlwind of curiosity, fear, and excitement. Each interaction with Fuad feels like an insurmountable challenge—until Tauhier steps in to help.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cape Town, Maryam must navigate the complexities of first love, cultural expectations, and her own insecurities. As she grapples with her feelings, she must decide if she has the courage to let her heart lead the way, even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the light.
- GenresRomance
280 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2025
10 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this in its early stages. It was five stars then, I am sure after many revisions and edits, it’s a five star now.
Narker has managed to beautifully capture what it was like being a Muslim teenager falling in love in Cape Town. If you are a CT Muslim, or are friends/family with CR Muslims, the story will feel as though it’s being told by a friend about a friend. It’s all familiar and intimate. If you’re from outside of the community, it’ll feel like a holiday. You’ll be a tourist, experiencing new things and learning plenty.
The main characters are all very real, full and likable people — which is saying a lot for teenagers. We are lucky enough to see them grow as we edge into adulthood too.
I look forward to what comes next!
Narker has managed to beautifully capture what it was like being a Muslim teenager falling in love in Cape Town. If you are a CT Muslim, or are friends/family with CR Muslims, the story will feel as though it’s being told by a friend about a friend. It’s all familiar and intimate. If you’re from outside of the community, it’ll feel like a holiday. You’ll be a tourist, experiencing new things and learning plenty.
The main characters are all very real, full and likable people — which is saying a lot for teenagers. We are lucky enough to see them grow as we edge into adulthood too.
I look forward to what comes next!
September 5, 2025
“I think I’ve been in love
What did it feel like?
Like I couldn’t breathe without them”
Doesn’t this line, just have you swooning?
We read Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker for the August Penguin YA Book Club pick and it was such a blast, taking us all straight back to high school. Set in Cape Town in the 90’s, we meet Maryam and her friends, the best of whom is Tauhier, who hints early on at wanting more than just friendship, something that had never crossed Maryam’s mind. She’s stunned when Fuad, one of the most popular boys in school asks her out on a date. The ensuing drama entertains as it warms your heart with the sweet moments between the characters.
The slang sets you firmly in South Africa and I love how heavier topics such as apartheid and discrimination based on which areas you came from, are tackled. The highlights of this for me, were without a doubt, the relationships that Maryam has with her brother Ilyaas who supports her unconditionally and her friend Gadija who is brutally honest when Maryam needs it.
Rushdiyah captured the essence of youth, uncertain and angsty. Maryam is surprisingly mature for her age and Tauhier is a sweetheart albeit still a frustrating boy. We had such a fun time on the Discord discussing the similarities and differences between different backgrounds while dating in school, and learning Cape Malay idioms. A quick and easy read, this story envelopes you like a warm hug, as a friend shares their story. I was delighted to find that this was loosely based on Rushdiyah’s real life love story with her childhood friend who later became her husband. My only disappointment was that I felt that we were given hints into Ilyaas’ past and then nothing really. It felt discordant with Maryam’s more mature side but I could understand being as young as she was, her pain could eclipse all else.
Pick this up for an immersive, authentic South African read that will have you smiling.
What did it feel like?
Like I couldn’t breathe without them”
Doesn’t this line, just have you swooning?
We read Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker for the August Penguin YA Book Club pick and it was such a blast, taking us all straight back to high school. Set in Cape Town in the 90’s, we meet Maryam and her friends, the best of whom is Tauhier, who hints early on at wanting more than just friendship, something that had never crossed Maryam’s mind. She’s stunned when Fuad, one of the most popular boys in school asks her out on a date. The ensuing drama entertains as it warms your heart with the sweet moments between the characters.
The slang sets you firmly in South Africa and I love how heavier topics such as apartheid and discrimination based on which areas you came from, are tackled. The highlights of this for me, were without a doubt, the relationships that Maryam has with her brother Ilyaas who supports her unconditionally and her friend Gadija who is brutally honest when Maryam needs it.
Rushdiyah captured the essence of youth, uncertain and angsty. Maryam is surprisingly mature for her age and Tauhier is a sweetheart albeit still a frustrating boy. We had such a fun time on the Discord discussing the similarities and differences between different backgrounds while dating in school, and learning Cape Malay idioms. A quick and easy read, this story envelopes you like a warm hug, as a friend shares their story. I was delighted to find that this was loosely based on Rushdiyah’s real life love story with her childhood friend who later became her husband. My only disappointment was that I felt that we were given hints into Ilyaas’ past and then nothing really. It felt discordant with Maryam’s more mature side but I could understand being as young as she was, her pain could eclipse all else.
Pick this up for an immersive, authentic South African read that will have you smiling.
August 30, 2025
It does young love or more like first loves well. The awkwardness and cuteness of it all rolled into one. I also really liked the muslim representation and the amazing cover/full wrap. I did like the story but...
I wanted to love this book and support it 100% since it was written by a South African Muslim author.
I did enjoy it in some ways as mentioned above but I will say a certain aspect of it really disappointed me personally... there was some misrepresentation towards a certain group of people which sent an unfair message across and a statement made wasn't accurate especially since it's a marginalized group... I don't wanna be mean or harmful so I will leave it at that. As a reader its my "job" to be honest with my reviews so I can't hide or not mention something that I didn't like or didn't sit well with me. I ask for your understanding and acceptance of my opinion. I could explain further but as mentioned I don't wanna offend anyone. You could think I'm reaching but nope, I cross checked with my friend and they had strong feelings about it!.
That aside, it was a cute story, I will say I don't think the 3rd act break-up was necessary tho glad they got a halaal HEA.
• Thanks Penguin YA for the readalong book box •
I wanted to love this book and support it 100% since it was written by a South African Muslim author.
I did enjoy it in some ways as mentioned above but I will say a certain aspect of it really disappointed me personally... there was some misrepresentation towards a certain group of people which sent an unfair message across and a statement made wasn't accurate especially since it's a marginalized group... I don't wanna be mean or harmful so I will leave it at that. As a reader its my "job" to be honest with my reviews so I can't hide or not mention something that I didn't like or didn't sit well with me. I ask for your understanding and acceptance of my opinion. I could explain further but as mentioned I don't wanna offend anyone. You could think I'm reaching but nope, I cross checked with my friend and they had strong feelings about it!.
That aside, it was a cute story, I will say I don't think the 3rd act break-up was necessary tho glad they got a halaal HEA.
• Thanks Penguin YA for the readalong book box •
August 19, 2025
I was lucky enough to be part of the beta reading team of this book, and let me just say, that from the get go I knew it would be something AMAZING!
From the iconic settings that I could could picture, feel, and immerse myself in while reading, to the lovable main (and side) characters that had my heart. Being a Muslim girl who grew up in Cape Town, it was wonderful to read about Maryam's experience with dating, love, and friendship and something I could easily relate to.
Even if you're not Muslim, or from Cape Town, I think you will find it enjoyable and easy to love.
It had me laughing and even shouting at characters, which is a true testament to the authors writing.
And above all, seeing the representation, both on page and by the author themselves, standing ovation! We deserve more relatable Muslim love stories
From the iconic settings that I could could picture, feel, and immerse myself in while reading, to the lovable main (and side) characters that had my heart. Being a Muslim girl who grew up in Cape Town, it was wonderful to read about Maryam's experience with dating, love, and friendship and something I could easily relate to.
Even if you're not Muslim, or from Cape Town, I think you will find it enjoyable and easy to love.
It had me laughing and even shouting at characters, which is a true testament to the authors writing.
And above all, seeing the representation, both on page and by the author themselves, standing ovation! We deserve more relatable Muslim love stories
August 16, 2025
I'm always on the lookout for books that feature uniquely South African characters and Muslim characters that are written authentically, and this book ticked both those boxes. It was adorable, I binged the whole thing in 5 hours. Would definitely recommend it as a lighthearted weekend read. It sort of felt like watching a romcom.
The beginning could have been slightly more developed. But that's just a preference. I'd be more than excited to read all the authors' future works.
[ Thank you Penguin South Africa for this copy 🩷]
The beginning could have been slightly more developed. But that's just a preference. I'd be more than excited to read all the authors' future works.
[ Thank you Penguin South Africa for this copy 🩷]
August 10, 2025
Canʼt wait to read a South African romance. 💞
September 9, 2025
I had such a blast with this @penguinbooksyasa readalong for Some Unspoken Thing by Rushdiyah Narker.
This book is such a lovely coming-of-age story that represents the Muslim community in Cape Town, South Africa. I always love reading local stories because of how much I can relate to the setting and culture!
It had a really sweet storyline. Our FMC, Maryam, is such a relatable character in terms of how introverted she is and I really enjoyed that! The storyline has somewhat of a soft love triangle within a group of friends and I really liked Fuad and their relationship from the start, I felt like it was so sweet and I really didn't agree with Maryam's views on Fuad situation with his parents.
Tauhier on the other hand, I'm not sure I really liked him much at all. At some point I thought he was growing on me but the third act break up really solidified my dislike for him. I enjoyed him better as the best friend rather than the boyfriend. So I'm obviously 100% Team Fuad on this one (no one asked, I know 😂).
All in all, this was a fastpaced, easily relatable, enjoyable and funny young adult read with a beautiful message!
This book is such a lovely coming-of-age story that represents the Muslim community in Cape Town, South Africa. I always love reading local stories because of how much I can relate to the setting and culture!
It had a really sweet storyline. Our FMC, Maryam, is such a relatable character in terms of how introverted she is and I really enjoyed that! The storyline has somewhat of a soft love triangle within a group of friends and I really liked Fuad and their relationship from the start, I felt like it was so sweet and I really didn't agree with Maryam's views on Fuad situation with his parents.
Tauhier on the other hand, I'm not sure I really liked him much at all. At some point I thought he was growing on me but the third act break up really solidified my dislike for him. I enjoyed him better as the best friend rather than the boyfriend. So I'm obviously 100% Team Fuad on this one (no one asked, I know 😂).
All in all, this was a fastpaced, easily relatable, enjoyable and funny young adult read with a beautiful message!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews