‘An incisive meditation on devotion, desire and double standards.’ – Sarah Malik, author of Desi Girl: On Feminism, Race, Faith and Belonging and Safar: Muslim Women's Stories of Travel and Transformation
A stunning debut novel that follows the intertwined lives of three friends as they navigate the complexities of university life, adherence to their faith, and the transition into adulthood.
Bound together by their shared beliefs and alienation from wider Australian society, Sara, Abida and Naeem are drawn to their university’s Muslim Students’ Association. Within its walls, Sara and Naeem begin a covert relationship, while Abida campaigns for the group’s presidency. But Abida’s ambitions for leadership threatens both her longstanding friendship with Sara and the increasingly fragile relationship between Sara and Naeem.
As tensions rise and loyalties falter, the three must balance the demands of love, faith and ambition, with each decision they make having the potential to change their lives forever. Told through three distinct perspectives, The Scope of Permissibility is a poignant coming-of-age tale that captures the push and pull of expectation and autonomy.
Zeynab Gamieldien is the inaugural winner of the 2022 WestWords-Ultimo Prize. She has written for publications such as Mamamia, the Sydney Morning Herald's Daily Life section and the Australian Muslim Times on issues of race, relationships and religion. The Scope of Permissibility is her debut novel. Her work has previously been longlisted in The Borough Press BAME Open Submissions competition.
‘Bold, tender and astute. Gamieldien writes flawed and complex characters with depth and compassion. A compelling and sharply-observed debut, brimming with tension, complexity and tenderness.’ * Sarah Ayoub, author of The Cult of Romance * ‘Written with love and nuance, this is a relatable and beautifully crafted novel addressing the complexities of religion and belonging.’ * Amani Haydar, author of The Mother Wound *