His Other Wife

If you see how many pages this book is and know how short of a time it took me to read, this will show you how good it was! This book made me reflect on myself, family, and community. There were so many Islamic reminders coupled with the taboo topic (that shouldn't be) of mental illness. A page turner that left me pleasantly satisfied. Great read! I wouldn't expect anything less! Can't wait to discuss it in my book club!

The book is a great read, it gives you a lot of info that I didn't know before as a muslimah. It helps you see both sides from a man and woman point of view. Great book for dawah

This is a well written novel, worth a read for people who like fiction. It is an interesting tale full of important lessons and points to ponder. But it juggled too many stories at once, leaving some stories unfinished. That is only issue with what was really a well told story.

In the past, I have read and enjoyed some of Umm Zakiyyah's other novels, and though I have loved all of the ones I have read, His Other Wife is by far my favorite. This book beautifully teaches many Islamic lessons through the avenue of dialogue, and it contains such a wide array of characters with different opinions, personalities, beliefs, and backgrounds. However, Umm Zakiyyah seamlessly is able to write in such a way that each character seems incredibly humanized. Her writing exposes their innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities of the characters, and due to the fact that the book switches between character's points of view, you are able to see how each one sees the world individually. They all have different perspectives on issues, which allows you as a reader to challenge your own mindsets and open up to looking at certain concepts from another angle. Though the title suggests that this book is going to be one of polygamy, this concept is much more in the background than it is the focal point of the story. It is often explored and discussed between characters in conversation, but at the end of the day, the book revolved more on Islamic topics and the lives of its characters. I truly loved and benefited from this book. I am so glad I decided to purchase this! This is definitely the kind of book you can re-read again and again. There are so few books out there which are fictional, well-written, relatable, and also about Muslims. I feel as though this is a great option for anyone looking for a new book to read.

Fantastic novel! Many, many warm wishes for the sister who penned this. As an Islamic fiction novel, it’s refreshing and brilliant. There are some segments where the story feels a little disjointed or unfinished, but overall it’s a wonderful read. Umm Zakiyyah tackles a myriad of topics in an Islamic light, and I learned more after reading this book than I have in a formal class setting. She wonderfully and so carefully sheds light on spiritual struggles that all of us must face, and she deftly brings about resolution for her characters, so that you are given hope that things can turn out well for you too. I read this during a period of intense pain in my own life, and I bookmarked pages to read over and over again. No one can speak for God, but Umm Zakiyyah reminds you of His word, and it’s enough to give wings to the most broken. Comedic at times, full of wisdom, and with enough drama to keep you turning the pages, I recommend this to every reader I talk to. It’s a forever addition to my bookshelf!

A great book, masha Allah. It made set back for a moment to think about my life. It also made me love being a Muslim. Jazakallah Umm

Uuuuuugh where to even begin. Firstly the book is annoying long for no reason. Apart of the reason the book is so long is because there are a lot character development that never gets finished. One example I'd Reem, I don't want to spoil the story but we Learn about her troubling upbringing and how she goes to get help but we never really learn if the helpEd work or if she stops going. Then there is the main characters, so much unnecessary back story on Christian parents and loyalty and yadada. Then I think one person in the book is transgender but it only kind of hints to that. The author is a laymen while she tries to speak like she has knowledge. She does not. U have to seek refuge before reading this book because her ideology might get passed on to you. The characters do not properly dress in hijab which the author doesn't either. I read this book because I thought it was the lesser of two evils but it actually was not.

The premise is that a American Muslim man decides to pursue a second wife without his first wife's knowledge. He is a college professor and his wife is a family counselor and they are the "power couple" of their religious community. Could not stand it. Like a Muslim version of a Housewives reality show. This secret second wife foolishness takes place often within the Muslim community and it is absolutely shameful and reflects the narcissistic nature of many men and exactly how childish and weak they are. If a man is so much a leader, a head of a household, why is he sneaking around with another woman, regardless of her status. I would give the book 1 star, except I don't "hate" it. There are too many subplots and unnecessary dialogue along with the ridiculous story line. As an aside, there are men who want to reiterate the famous "this is my right" rhetoric. Many smart women will ask "Be honest. Do you want another wife or another bed partner?" Usually these situations end with the man not with two wives but eventually single. First wife divorces and second wife finds prince charming is really the court jester.

A really good read for muslimahs single or divorced etc. I think it’s a really good read as it encourages a lot of self reflection. Umm Zakiyah has definitely placed a lot of thought. I absolutely love the references to quranic verses as you continue to read the novel. Feel really connnected and can see it changes the way we think, reflect and how we perceive other people’s behaviour. Love it!!! Absolutely enjoyed reading this. I can’t wait to order the next read from Umm Zakiyah xxx

A fantastic, relatable and compelling read. I struggled to put this book down from the time I started to read the first page . Every day topics are covered within the plots, that anyone, regardless of their background can relate to, in terms of social etiquettes and stigmas. I found myself totally ingrossed in the switching of narratives and reluctantly put the book down before bed. Totally recommended.

I loved the his other wife short stories Umm Zakiyah posted on Facebook and I loved the novel even more!

Still readying this book. Bit expensive but enjoying it.