‘If I’m not dressed for a role, then who am I?’ she said. ‘If I don’t know who I am, then how can I know what I want? The hijab wasn’t forced on me against my will, but I wasn’t given a choice to wear it or not, either. It was what the other older girls in my family were wearing. It felt natural that at a certain age I would wear it too. But if I were free to choose, I might not have chosen it. I might have chosen something else. Maybe I would have dressed like Mulan or like a cowgirl. We think we are the ones wearing an outfit, but it’s imprinting itself on us.’ Iman could not believe her own fluency, how she was talking and the other two were listening. It had never happened before. Not one stutter, not one fumble for words. She went on. ‘Maybe no one in the world really has a choice. Even men. If you’re born in a certain place or a certain century, you just fall in line and dress like everyone is dressing. The kind of clothes you would find in the shops. It’s artificial. And I want what is natural, what is true to myself, the self I was born to be . . .’

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3.5 stars to be exact - This is my personal view of the book, but I want to start by noting that it seems primarily written for Muslim women, especially those who have struggled to integrate their identities while balancing the roles of mother, wife, and individual seeking fulfillment. The story highlights the expectations tied to these roles and identities. I can understand why some non-Muslim readers rated it lower or found it difficult to grasp the significance of the Hoopoe bird. As the author mentions on the final page, the Hoopoe, important in the Qur'an, offers wisdom and guidance. The author draws from Islamic lore to present this bird as a mystical guide for the women during their journey to Scotland in search of Lady Zainab Evelyn Cobbold's grave. If you're hoping to learn a lot about Lady Evelyn, it's worth noting upfront that her story isn't central to the plot, despite the book's blurb suggesting a road trip or expedition centered on her. In reality, that part is more of a side quest. Regarding the Hoopoe, it took me some time to adjust to the way the narrative shifted between realism and magical realism. I didn't mind it, but I wish I'd been given a hint early on that the story would evolve into something akin to a dream-like or feverish journey, so I could better prepare for the ending. The conclusion, infused with magical realism, sees the women facing their fears and finding resolution with the Hoopoe's guidance. While the shifting perspectives can be challenging, the distinct personalities of each woman eventually make it easier to follow their stories. Overall, the book offers a thoughtful exploration of Muslim women's experiences, though its layers may require careful reading to fully appreciate.