Oliver Harding, a tenured English professor, develops a dangerous obsession with his new colleague, Ruhaba Khan, a Pakistani Muslim law professor. When her teenage nephew arrives from France in America, Oliver becomes the boy's mentor to draw close to Ruhaba. But as protests break out on campus demanding diversity in faculty and syllabus, Oliver finds him and Ruhaba on opposite sides.

LAUGHTER is a thought-provoking yet challenging satire that boldly confronts the issues of othering & exotification; it's not an easy read and may not be suitable for everyone. But LAUGHTER is a perfect fit for those who appreciate sarcasm and satire. Jha masterfully employs these literary devices to unveil the normalization and internalization of racism within academia. She sheds light on the constant challenges faced by BIPOC women, who are incessantly exoticized and tokenized, even when these white people "support Hilary."

While it's disconcerting to read Oliver's POV, I also appreciate how Jha gives Ruhaba a voice through her brilliant writing. Jha skillfully presents the complexities of identity, showcasing Rahaba's humanity, flaws, dreams, anger, and desires. Ruhaba defies being reduced to a mere token hijabi woman; Jha explores her multifaceted nature, going beyond religious stereotypes and providing a deeper understanding of Muslim women often portrayed as "oppressed." Jha's nuanced exploration of Ruhaba's thoughts on wearing a hijab extends beyond religion, touching upon personal choices, empowerment, and societal perceptions. This aspect of the book reminded me of HIJAB BUTCH BLUES (Lamya H.) and A STONE IS MOST PRECIOUS WHERE IT BELONGS (Gulchehra Hoja), two memoirs that delve into the depth and complexity of Muslim women's experiences beyond the surface-level stereotypes.

LAUGHTER is the ultimate "unreliable narrator" and "dark academia" book I want to see more in these genres. Jha unravels the layers of systemic oppression and entrenched racism, exposing the harsh realities within academic environments. Books like YELLOWFACE (R.F. Kuang) and HARRY SYLVESTER BIRD (Chinelo Okparanta) also employ similar devices to discuss racism through deeply problematic MCs. But where LAUGHTER shines is Jha's portrayal of Ruhaba, with all her complexities and imperfections, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

This book may not be for everyone, given its challenging subject matter. Still, for those who appreciate biting sarcasm & an unflinching exploration of systemic oppression, THE LAUGHTER is an essential read.

Thank you to BookSparks for the giveaway copy.