Sadi Muktadir is a Toronto writer whose short stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines. Muktadir is a Consulate Editor at Joyland Magazine and the editor of the trade magazine Canadian Manufacturing.
Fiction
Land of No Regrets
Toronto: HarperCollins Canada, 2024.
P8626.U415 L36 2024
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
Nabil, freshly plucked from middle school in Scarborough, is struggling to find his place at Al Haque Islamic Academy. Between the intense religious studies and the new rules, he still longs for his past life of baseball, video games, comic books and girls. When he stumbles upon two students doing something they shouldn’t be doing, he quickly falls into their company and joins them in their misdeeds. Together with the new transfer student and unruly class clown, Farid, the group executes their rebellion.
One day, while exploring the madrasa at night, the boys discover the diary of a student who lived on the grounds when it was an all-girls’ Catholic school. Cynthia Lewis’s words connect them to a bygone era and inspire them to hatch a plot to escape. They form a pact, and together, their ultimate decision sends them hurtling down a path that changes their lives forever.
Strikingly original, and as poignant as it is humorous, Land of No Regrets is a vibrant, compassionate exploration of faith, friendship and the true value of freedom.
Links
Sadi Muktadir personal website
Publisher HarperCollins Canada
Kliot, Talia. Toronto author Sadi Muktadir’s debut novel transports readers to a Muslim boarding school. The Next Chapter: Q&A. CBC Radio website. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/toronto-author-sadi-muktadir-s-debut-novel-transports-readers-to-a-muslim-boarding-school-1.7231796 The transcription includes an embedded link to the lengthier audio interview (13:54 min.) with Ali Hassan. Posted June 14, 2024.