How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil
This 276 page book drew me in from the first page and held my attention until the last. I can’t recall ever reading a fantasy book in a single sitting. The Islam, heart, Malay culture, and family dynamics have me hoping that maybe there will be a sequel, and that hopefully this debut novel is a first of many from the author. Of course I have minor critiques, the book definitely in the middle had some repetition and pacing hiccups, the rising action and climax could have been stronger, and there are a few noticeable loose threads, but Insyirah is a loveable protagonist that you really hope can sort through her family secrets, save the day, and be at peace with her decisions. There is a lot of Islam, and it is well woven into the characters’ identities, the plot, and the lens of the book. If you are Muslim reading it, you will see the fasting on Monday and Thursday, and staying in wudu a little different than non Muslim readers, but no matter who you are, you will enjoy the plot, the adventure and fun ride that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite.
SYNOPSIS:
Twelve year old Insyirah and her mom are moving back to Malaysia to care for her elderly grandma. Insyirah is anxious and not thrilled to be leaving Australia. She hardly has time to miss her old life though as family secrets, discovering she can see and interact with jinn, and learning that an old jinn with a big grudge is after her. Navigating the seen and unseen words, the rules of her mother opposed to those of her grandmother, and figuring out what she wants will take time to ponder, learn, and reflect upon. Unfortunately, Syirah doesn’t have that kind of time, as she keeps falling into the unseen world, realizing that a jinn bound to her blood line will soon be under her control, and that pesky jinn haunting her school is trying to get her to leave Malaysia.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I am intrigued by the the way the book holds space for Islam, culture, and fiction, and interweaves the three. Islam is adhered to, along with the worship, and uncompromising faith in Allah swt, and while the jinn are kept as being real, as understood by Muslims, their day to day antics cultural and fictional positioning, is richly developed and not put in conflict with deen, seemingly trying to keep everything halal. I am not a scholar, I would not venture to proclaim that this does or does not cross lines, but the author is very aware of the threads at play, and has a solid awareness of writing craft, so the result is a great story, that feels authentic, without being “shirk-y.”
There are some pop cultural references that might age the book a bit, but I love the shootouts to Hanna Alkaf books. For me, a Western reader, that really is my only other Malay juvenile literature reference, and the vibes are similar, so it was nice to see the connection.
FLAGS:
Jinn, loss, death, fear, murder, threats, lies, enslavement, haunting, scaring, secrets, fighting.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This book is solid middle grade, but I think older kids will enjoy the story and find plenty to relate to, learn about, and be captivated by. I think this book will be a great addition to home, school, and library shelves, and while my copy is from Australia, I believe a US version will be available in 2025, inshaAllah.
