The Family Tree

*Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2020*

‘Poignantly paints the extraordinary in ordinary lives. A brilliant first book from Hussain.’The Sunday Post

‘An evocative portrayal of love and family.’ Ayisha Malik

'Invites you in, not as a stranger but as a family friend. I loved it.' Katie Fforde

‘Hussain weaves a tale of fragility and resilience. A wonderful debut.’ Catherine Mayer

‘Both unflinching and full of hope; the writing is compassionate and true.’ Stephanie Butland

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‘One of the best new books by black and POC authors in 2020’Cosmopolitan
‘Top Book Releases To Look Forward To In 2020’Bustle
‘Top 10 Books by British Asian authors to look out for in 2020’Asian Image

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Your roots can always lead you home…

Amjad cradles his baby daughter in the middle of the night. He has no time to mourn his wife’s death. Saahil and Zahra, his two small children, are relying on him. Amjad vows to love and protect them always.
 
Years later, Saahil and his best friend, Ehsan, have finished university and are celebrating with friends. But when the night turns dangerous, its devastating effects will ripple through the years to come.
 
Zahra’s world is alight with politics and activism. But she is now her father’s only source of comfort, and worries she’ll never have time for her own aspirations. Life has taken her small family in different directions – will they ever find their way back to each other?
 
The Family Tree is the moving story of a British Muslim family full of love, laughter and resilience as well as all the faults, mistakes and stubborn loyalties which make us human.

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‘A multi-generational story crafted with warmth… an engaging debut.’ Vaseem Khan

‘Provides a much needed voice for characters who have been drastically affected by the headlines throughout an emotionally wrought narrative.’ Magic Radio

‘A moving, uplifting multi-generational story.’ Yorkshire Post

‘A moving story.’Bella


Genre: Literary Fiction

"Such an emotional, heart-warming and unforgettable experience... I cared desperately about the characters and was often in tears as I read - the story is so moving and Sairish Hussain is a VERY talented writer." - Aliya Ali-Afzal

"I sped through The Family Tree, because I was so invested in the characters and eager to know their fate. The book was much darker and more tragic than I had been expecting - and all the better for it. An engrossing and moving story." - Clare Chambers

"A multi-generational story crafted with warmth and an insider's understanding of its environment. Hussain evokes the trials and tribulations of life in an Asian family growing up in a changing and sometimes hostile Britain with a surefooted ease and a keen sense of dramatic tension. An engaging debut." - Vaseem Khan

"An evocative portrayal of love and family." - Ayisha Malik

"Hussain weaves a tale of fragility and resilience, of the extraordinary in ordinary lives and of love and complexity in family. A wonderful debut." - Catherine Mayer