Northern Boy
By Iqbal Hussain
Unbound
ISBN: 978-1800183148
368pp.

Northern Boy is narrated by Rafi Aziz, a young boy navigating the challenges of growing up, family expectations and his own unique identity within a traditional South Asian family in the UK.

His story is marked by a series of events that reveal both the joys and struggles he faces, from friendships and family dynamics to cultural pressures and his aspirations in music. Through Rafi’s perspective, the book explores themes of belonging, identity, and the clash between personal desires and familial expectations, set against the backdrop of his childhood and adolescence.

The book begins with the narrator receiving an invitation to an old friend Shazia’s wedding, sparking memories of youth and reflections on how life has changed. Nostalgia and the bitter sweetness of reconnecting with one’s roots linger on the journey to the wedding.

Through Rafi’s childhood, the narrative explores his family’s quirks and the pressures of fitting in. Rafi faces taunts from his brother Taleeb and struggles with the limits his mother imposes, fearing that his love for fashion and play will invite social scorn. His joyful styling of a doll like a pop icon is disrupted by Taleeb’s disdain, highlighting the tension between Rafi’s creative spirit and familial expectations.

A coming-of-age novel about friendships, family dynamics and cultural pressures resonates with the South Asian migrant experience in the UK

As Rafi’s school life unfolds, he is reluctantly preparing for a transfer from St Matthew’s to the intimidating Everton High. His mother, with humour and anxiety, fusses over him, calling him endearing names. School introduces rivals such as Ashiqah, as well as the imposing teacher Mrs Entwistle, who reigns over her students with strict precision. Rafi finds solace in personalising his schoolwork, adding small touches that hint at his creative personality.

When he visits Everton High, Rafi confronts bullying and casual racism, especially from Amjad, a notorious bully, further complicating his fears about the new school. Amid these challenges, he finds moments of pride in his musical talent, particularly when he’s chosen to audition for a choir solo with ABBA. Excitement builds as Rafi imagines the fame and recognition, leading to humorous interactions with his family as he prepares for his big moment.

Rafi’s budding friendship with Mr H, his music teacher, becomes a crucial influence, offering encouragement when Rafi feels stifled by his family’s limited understanding of his ambitions. Mr H recognises his musical talent and suggests the possibility of auditioning for the prestigious Manchester Conservatoire, sparking dreams that clash with his family’s traditional values. Rafi’s mother dismisses his aspirations, reinforcing the tension between his identity and the familial expectations surrounding him.

Throughout these struggles, Rafi’s interactions with family, friends and his school community reveal his yearning for acceptance. The family scenes mix warmth and tension, especially during moments when his mother’s strict views conflict with Rafi’s natural curiosity and interests. His mother’s shock at the idea of divorce when meeting David, a friend from school, underscores the generational and cultural gaps that Rafi constantly navigates.

The story intertwines Rafi’s present and past, with nostalgic family moments and his evolving sense of self. Encounters with characters such as Pedro, a flight attendant, and Eulalia, a chatty seatmate, bring humour and complexity to Rafi’s internal journey. Memories of close connections, such as with his childhood friend Shazia, and pivotal experiences, such as his ABBA audition, add layers of hope and yearning for validation.

As Rafi matures, he confronts societal expectations and personal insecurities while exploring his identity and passions. He grapples with moments of intense rejection, especially around his mother’s fears of gossip, and yet finds encouragement through music, ultimately expressing his struggles and hopes in small acts of rebellion.

Whether through stylising his schoolwork or daring to dream of a career in music as a Bollywood icon, Rafi’s journey reveals a character deeply committed to self-expression despite the constraints of his world.

Iqbal Hussain’s writing is both evocative and heartfelt, as it captures the nuances of family dynamics and cultural expectations that are typical of a South Asian household. His style is simple, yet rich in detail, vividly portraying Rafi’s experiences with humour, warmth and introspection.

Peppered with immersive dialogue and authentic character interactions, Hussain’s novel reveals the tension between tradition and self-expression that Rafi feels. The use of nostalgia and reflection adds depth to Rafi’s story, making his struggles relatable. The narrative flows smoothly between light-hearted moments and deeper explorations, making the book engaging.

While the book sensitively portrays Rafi’s struggles, the narrative occasionally feels uneven, caught between nostalgic reverie and cultural critique. At times, the story’s subtle humour and warmth give way to repetitive introspection, slowing the pace. Still, the book remains a sober exploration of the delicate dance between heritage and self-discovery.

Northern Boy resonates with the South Asian migrant experience, relaying the challenges of balancing cultural heritage with personal identity in a new environment. Through Rafi’s story, Hussain explores common struggles faced by migrant families — generational conflicts, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform. For South Asian migrants, particularly those in the UK, the novel reflects a familiar narrative of adapting while holding on to cultural roots.

Rafi’s journey offers a relatable and meaningful portrayal of life for those navigating dual cultural identities.

The reviewer is a content lead at a communications agency

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, December 22nd, 2024