A Dutiful Boy, Mohsin Zaidi
A Dutiful Boy, Mohsin Zaidi
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A Dutiful Boy
A memoir of a gay Muslim’s journey to acceptance

Author: Mohsin Zaidi

Narrator: Mohsin Zaidi

Unabridged: 8 hr 12 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/20/2020


Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

** WINNER OF THE POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE, 2021 **

A coming of age memoir about growing up queer in a strict Muslim household. Like Educated with a modern British context.

Mohsin grew up in a deprived pocket of east London; his family was close-knit but very religiously conservative. From a young age Mohsin felt different but in a home where being gay was inconceivable he also felt very alone. Outside of home Mohsin went to a failing inner city school where gang violence was a fact of life.

As he grew up life didn't seem to offer teenage Mohsin any choices: he was disenfranchised as a poor, brown boy, and he was isolated from his family as a closet gay Muslim.

However Mohsin had incredible drive and he used education as a way out of his home life and to throw himself into a new kind of life. He became the first person from his school to go to Oxford University and there he found the freedom to come out to his friends.

But Oxford was a whole different world with its own huge challenges and Mohsin found himself increasingly conflicted. It came to a head when Mohsin went back to visit his parents only to be confronted by his father and a witchdoctor he'd invited to 'cure' Mohsin.

Although Mohsin's story takes harrowing turns it is full of life and humour, and it ends inspiringly. Through his irrepressible spirit Mohsin breaks through emotional and social barriers and in the end he even finds acceptance from his family.

Now Mohsin is a top criminal barrister who fights large-scale cases on a daily basis. Having faced battles growing up, he truly understands the importance of justice as a way of life.

©Mohsin Zaidi 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Reviews

Goodreads review by Stoic on February 12, 2021

One of the best memoirs I've read in a long time, A Dutiful Boy is a must read for everyone across ages, gender, culture and beliefs. Mohsin Zaidi is an epitome of a real catalyst of change starting from his own sexual identity to becoming a lawyer and advocating equality and justice for all. I admi......more

Goodreads review by Katie.dorny on February 13, 2021

A memoir that really shines bright in its message and leaves you feeling so hopeful and warm you can’t help but love it. Mohsin is the child of Pakistani Muslim parents growing up in London on the breadline. As we follow his childhood and his realisation and acceptance regarding his sexuality; we fo......more

Goodreads review by Corey on August 22, 2020

This is a beautiful and brilliant memoir all about religion, faith, family, sexuality and a story of a young man finding acceptance. Beautifully written too and an important book that could and will save lives. We need more stories like Moshin's. I loved it.......more

Goodreads review by Atyab on November 13, 2023

fokin el. I genuinely do not know what to say except wow. such an important important important book. the number of books in this particular genre is lacking and its so so fucking nice to just read something and feel seen. I underlined so many parts that are so relatable and so funny and so sad becaus......more

Goodreads review by Nicholas on January 23, 2023

Being that this is the first memoir I have read, and supremely well written one at that, I was unprepared to experience a parasocial relationship on steroids. I would binge chapter after chapter of this book, because I hung on their every word and felt like I knew them intimately by the end. To have......more


Quotes

The moving personal story of a gay Muslim's tribulations and triumphs at the interface of family, faith and freedom, told with great candour and eloquence.

An incredibly hopeful, urgent and well told coming of age story about religion, class, and LGBTQ+ acceptance - no doubt reading it will save someone’s life.

A beautifully written, heartrending story of a young gay man’s journey, liberation and love. A real page turner that sparks with humanity and hope.

His engaging memoir of his long road to happiness and acceptance by his family is moving and inspiring. Bookseller

I can't recommend A Dutiful Boy enough, I couldn’t put it down. A journey of self discovery, longing, triumph and hope. I fell in love with Mohsin, I imagine you will too. Suzi Ruffell

A powerful read. In fact, searing in places... vivid and told me a lot about my country... ultimately uplifting. Lionel Barber

A wonderful book. I really do think that everyone should read it. Mark Haddon

A deeply-moving account...a must-read. Tatler

A remarkable memoir...an incredibly moving read. I had to put the book down several times to cry...it's a book that will save lives. Sathnam Sanghera

The best memoirs take the reader on two journeys: one journey is to a greater understanding of the author; the other is to a greater understanding of yourself and the society around you. A Dutiful Boy is one such book. It is the story of a young boy growing up in a devout Muslim family in east London who knew he was gay but who also knew such an admission was inconceivable in a religious culture where homosexuality was still taboo. This is the story of a family's love, a battle with shame and a long journey to acceptance. It is deeply moving and profoundly important and it made me cry. Mohsin is such an impressive person: the first from his comprehensive school to go to Oxbridge, he is now a highly regarded barrister but DAMMIT the man can write too. If you liked The Boy with the Topknot by Sathnam Sanghera or Educated by Tara Westover, you will also love this book. Thank you Mohsin, for having the courage to tell this story.