This is one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read. It was also brilliant. Sabaa Tahir’s dedication to realism in the writing combined with the careful doling out of information creates a narrative so immersive and vibrant that by the end, I felt like I knew these characters completely. I loved all three POV characters, through all their flaws and mistakes, and I am so glad that there was some hope amidst all the despair. I related to both contemporary MCs but especially to Salahudin in so many ways, and I am so glad that their story got told (there I go acting like they’re real people). I’ve never read a YA novel quite like this one.