48 pages • 1 hour read
We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir
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Book Brief
220
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various Settings • 1990s-2010s
•
Religion & Spirituality•
Gender Identity•
LGBTQ+•
Immigration & Refugeeism2019
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib chronicles the author's journey from childhood in Pakistan to becoming a prominent LGBTQ+ Muslim figure. After relocating to Canada to escape religious persecution, Samra's family faces poverty and discrimination. Amidst a strict religious upbringing, Samra navigates their queer identity, eventually fleeing an arranged marriage to find themselves. Their story highlights the compatibility of LGBTQ+ and Muslim identities, challenging stereotypes and addressing themes like faith, identity, and intergenerational trauma. The memoir includes sexual assault, domestic abuse, and anti-Muslim and anti-LGBTQ+ biases.
Informative
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
18,484 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib has been hailed for its poignant and powerful narrative, blending personal memoir with broader socio-cultural themes. Reviewers praise Habib's candid and heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience. However, some felt the narrative occasionally lacked depth in certain areas. Overall, it's a compelling read.
Who Should Read We Have Always Been Here?
A reader who enjoys We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib likely appreciates memoirs exploring identity, immigration, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Fans of Fun Home by Alison Bechdel or Redefining Realness by Janet Mock will resonate with Habib's heartfelt, intersectional journey of self-discovery and resilience.
18,484 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Abi and Megan
Abi and Megan
Abi is Habib’s boss and serves as a critical mentor, while her partner Megan provides insight into gender-nonconforming identities. They collectively act as supportive figures in Habib’s life and found family.
Andrew
Andrew
An art student and Habib’s first openly LGBTQ+ friend, he encourages Habib’s exploration of self-expression and introduces them to LGBTQ+ culture.
Yasmin Habib
Yasmin Habib
Habib’s mother, a resilient woman who fled Pakistan with her family and opened a salon in Toronto, providing economic autonomy and community for Pakistani women.
220
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various Settings • 1990s-2010s
•
Religion & Spirituality•
Gender Identity•
LGBTQ+•
Immigration & Refugeeism2019
Penguin Books
Adult
18+ years
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