I Am Thunder: A Review of Muzna Saleem’s Journey
I Am Thunder: Love or Hate?
The book I am currently reading is I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan. Although I have not finished it yet, I find it very compelling. Initially, I was uncertain if I would enjoy it due to the serious subject matter, but the more I read, the more invested I become in Muzna and her life.
The Protagonist: Muzna Saleem
Muzna Saleem is a British Muslim teenager with Pakistani parents. She is shy and lacks self-confidence, particularly at the start of the story. Her parents are strict and hold high expectations for her; for instance, they insist she become a doctor, despite her dream of becoming a writer. This conflict is central to her character, as she struggles to balance her desire to please her parents with her need for autonomy.
After changing schools, Muzna resolves to transform herself. She notes, “I promised myself this time would be different. I would stand up for myself.” This quote highlights her awareness of her need for growth, though she finds that change is not easily achieved. She continues to struggle with the pressure of external judgment.
Relationships and Influence
A pivotal character is Arif Malik. Muzna is surprised by his interest in her, as he possesses the confidence she lacks. Their relationship adds excitement to the narrative, featuring both charming and awkward moments. For example, Muzna reflects, “Thing is, we were Pakistanis. Kissing was illegal.” This humor highlights her relatable personality.
However, the tone shifts as the story progresses. It becomes clear that Arif is not who he initially appeared to be. Furthermore, his brother, Jameel, begins to influence Muzna’s perspective on religion, leaving me curious about the difficult choices she will inevitably face.
Key Themes
- Identity: Muzna’s struggle to define herself amidst conflicting external pressures.
- Social Issues: The narrative addresses significant topics such as racism and Islamophobia, which deeply impact Muzna’s self-perception.
Final Thoughts
I appreciate the author’s modern language and use of slang, which makes the reading experience highly engaging for a teenage audience. So far, I enjoy I Am Thunder because it effectively balances universal teenage experiences—such as school, parental expectations, and relationships—with more serious, thought-provoking themes. While I occasionally disagree with Muzna’s decisions, it only fuels my desire to keep reading to see if she eventually finds the confidence to make her own choices.