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A Dutiful Boy

A memoir of secrets, lies and family love (Winner of the LAMBDA 2021 Literary Award for Best Gay Memoir/Biography)
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( 3,353 ratings, 402 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Dutiful Boy by Mohsin Zaidi is a compelling memoir exploring the intersection of identity, culture, and sexuality. It tells the story of Zaidi's journey growing up in a strict Muslim household in East London, grappling with expectations and societal pressures while coming to terms with his own identity as a gay man. This gripping narrative offers an insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of navigating different worlds and finding one's true self.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This compelling memoir explores the challenges of being a gay British Muslim growing up in a conservative environment. You might enjoy this book if you're interested in personal stories about identity, resilience, and the courage to be true to oneself. It offers a powerful insight into cultural and familial expectations and the journey to acceptance and self-discovery.

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Originally published as "A dutiful boy: a memoir of a gay Muslim's journey to acceptance", London: Square Peg, 2020.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An inspiring and hopeful coming-of-age memoir about growing up gay in a devout Muslim household.

WINNER of the Polari First Book Prize 2021
WINNER of the LAMBDA 2021 Literary Award for Best Gay Memoir/Biography

A Dutiful Boy is Mohsin's personal journey from denial to acceptance—a revelatory memoir about the power of love, belonging, and living every part of your identity.

Growing up in a devout Muslim household, it felt impossible for Mohsin to be gay. Unable to be open with his family, and with difficult conditions at school, he felt his opportunities closing around him. Despite the odds, Mohsin's perseverance led him to become the first person from his school to attend Oxford University, where new experiences and encounters helped him to discover who he truly wanted to be. Mohsin was confronted with the biggest decision he would ever make—to live the life that was expected of him or to live as his authentic self.

A Guardian, GQ, and New Statesman Book of the Year

'Genuinely inspiring... Beautifully written, dignified and ultimately redemptive, this challenging story abounds with light and love' Attitude

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Dutiful Boy by Mohsin Zaidi is praised for its moving and inspiring depiction of a gay Muslim's personal journey, filled with challenges and ultimate triumphs. Reviewers highlight the author's honest and eloquent storytelling, capturing his struggle for acceptance within his family, faith, and broader society. The book is seen as a vital, hopeful narrative that many believe will resonate deeply with readers and potentially save lives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529112207

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Mohsin Zaidi is a criminal barrister at one of the top chambers in the country and represents clients in a number of high-profile cases. He has previously worked at a UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague and at the UK's Supreme Court. Mohsin is an advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation and social mobility. He is on the board of Stonewall, the UK's biggest LGBT rights charity and is a governor of his former secondary school. Mohsin appears as a commentator on Sky News and has previously written for CNN Style, Bustle, Mr Porter and Newsweek. The Financial Times listed him as a top future LGBT leader, The Lawyer Magazine included him on their Hot 100 list, and Attitude magazine has named him a trailblazer changing the world today.

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