Goodbye, My Love

‘that wildly inventive scriptomaniac’—The Guardian, Australian books to look forward to in 2026

When she finally left, like properly totally completely left,

it shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

The signs were there.

Amina's marriage to Amin was supposed to be a new beginning, instead, it became an inescapable end. Even after the divorce, the shadow of their relationship clings to her, defining her life long after they part.

Set within the intricate world of an Arab community, the story of these once-lovers explores the devastating impact of a failed marriage from its heady beginning to its bitter end. From the outset, it's clear this is a story of departure, yet Amina's physical leaving is only the very first step.

Like Lot's wife, forbidden to look back at her razed city, Amina is meant to move forward, but how can she when the past is burned into her soul?


PRAISE FOR THE LOVERS:

SHORTLISTED FOR THE MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARD
 

‘her writing is poetic and reverential. The author’s understanding of love, romance and of responsibility runs deep.’ –Books + Publishing

‘Sometimes, Kassab shows us, love can be another word for cruelty. Sometimes the stories we hide behind reveal our deepest truths.’ –Sydney Morning Herald

‘Beautifully told in Yumna Kassab's poetic prose, The Lovers is both the story of the tumultuous relationship between Amir and Jamila and an exploration of class, culture and the complex nature of love.’ –Sunday Life

‘The delicate power that fables hold – their universality, while retaining their specificity – is captured in The Lovers. Ultimately, Kassab’s novel rests on the premise of the “impossibility of language, of being able to ever understand someone else”.’ –ArtsHub

‘a raw, haunting and honest look at love, relationships, and the moments that break us.’ –Mamamia