In this lyrical debut, three orphaned siblings grapple with their deceased parents, newfound family, and Muslim identity. Narrated from the perspective of the youngest daughter, SISTERS is an intricately written and genre-blending novel that examines the loneliness of growing up as a Muslim American girl, the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, and the strength we find in ourselves and through each other to redefine family.

SISTERS is written in an experimental form that I suspect won't be for everyone. As a poet, Asghar leverages short sentences and white spaces to convey the emotions that will require readers to go back and forth, contemplate her writing, and interpret the meanings through their own lenses.

I listened to the audiobook first but got confused because of the style; reading it provided a much more satisfactory experience, and I recommend those interested to read this one as well. For instance, the name of the uncle who adopted the three girls is never mentioned and is just shown as a redacted box throughout the book. There is also a page or two where the word "Sisters" is repeated on the page with faded ink. For more examples, feel free to swipe through the slides above.

SISTERS is highly character-driven, and the style reminds me a lot of ON EARTH WE'RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS (Ocean Vuong), another deeply moving novel written by a fellow poet. SISTERS is by far the most poetry-like novel I've read, and I think of this book as perhaps more like visual art than a novel. The format won't be to everyone's liking, but if you're looking for a rhythmic and highbrow read, search no further.

Even if you decide to pass on SISTERS, I highly encourage everyone to read Asghar's acknowledgment, which I've also included some screenshots in the carousel. Her notes on the interconnectedness that enables her to appreciate life allow me to relish this gorgeously written book even more.