This was my first Kia Abdullah book, and I really enjoyed it. I was hesitant when I first read the synopsis. It was clear that this was going to be about a racist neighbor and I wasn’t sure I wanted to read about all that. Racism is such an ugly thing and reading about someone being terrorized by an angry white man didn’t seem fun, but I decided to give it a chance. I’m happy to say that this one was definitely gripping and had me turning the pages quickly to find out what was going on. Abdullah did a great job at taking this in an unexpected direction, and that final twist was definitely one even I didn’t see coming.

Over the course of the novel, Abdullah takes readers on a thought-provoking journey that explores the complexities of race, identity, and neighborly relations in the seemingly idyllic setting of Blenheim, a safe suburban development in the U.K. Through Salma Khatun, a Bangladeshi woman hopeful for a fresh start, Abdullah skillfully delves into the simmering tensions that arise when her white neighbor, Tom Hutton, removes a Black Lives Matter banner from the Khatun’s front garden.

From the moment Salma spots Tom tearing down the banner, she is faced with a dilemma. Rather than directly confronting him, she decides to take the higher road and places the banner inside her front window only to awaken the next morning to find that their window has been painted over so that the sign is no longer visible. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this initial clash is only the tip of the iceberg. Tensions soon begin to escalate between Salma and Tom and it’s not long before their spouses and their children are involved raising the stakes even higher.

Abdullah has crafted a narrative that forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truths and prejudices that lie beneath the surface of seemingly harmonious suburbia. As Salma and Tom’s families find themselves caught in the grip of a mounting conflict, the author fearlessly explores the complexities and nuances of their interactions, exposing the deep-seated biases and ingrained societal structures that perpetuate division and inequity.

What makes “Perfectly Nice Neighbors” so captivating to me is Abdullah’s ability to create multidimensional characters that challenge stereotypes and offer nuanced perspectives. Through Salma, readers witness the struggles and aspirations of a woman determined to protect her family and pave a way for a better future. Meanwhile, Tom’s character forces readers to examine the motivations and insecurities that underlie his actions, ultimately humanizing him despite his questionable behavior.

While the book focuses mostly on the conflict between Tom and Salma, we get other perspectives from outsiders from their community. From acts of vandalism to subtle microaggressions in everyday encounters, the author underscores the devastating impact of individuals turning a blind eye to systemic issues and remaining complicit in their perpetuation.

With this book Abdullah serves as a powerful voice shining a light on the pressing social issues of our time. Through her skilled storytelling, she encourages readers to confront their own biases and prejudices, challenging them to place themselves in the shoes of her characters and to question the role they play in perpetuating inequality.

In the end, I felt that this book is a timely and important novel that forces readers to examine the uncomfortable realities surrounding race and identity. It’s also wrapped up in a nice little thriller with a surprising twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. While I wasn’t completely blown away by the book, it was an engaging read.