Review: Take It Back

Title: Take It Back

Author: Kia Abdullah (Twitter | Instagram | Facebook)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication date: December 8, 2020

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Summary

Zara Kaleel was a successful London lawyer, rising against the odds. But her rise to fame came at a sharp cost. Now, some of her decisions are haunting her. Because of them, she’s exchanged her high profile job to work at a sexual assault center to help victims.

Enter Jodie Wolfe. A teenager with disabilities, she accuses four of her classmates of sexual assault. Classmates from hard-working immigrant families. Classmates who all have alibies. It seems that the only person who believes Jodie is Zara. And Zara is determined to help her find justice, even during a highly controversial trial. No matter what the cost may be.

Review: Take It Back

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a review! While this book is a bit outside of my normal reading range, the story sparked my interest. There are so many important discussions that happen in this book, especially in relation to sexual assault and the way victims are treated and how race can factor into it. Honestly, this would be a great book to read in a book club because there is so much to discuss.

Changing perspectives throughout the book really gives the reader a full picture of the situation. All of the main characters are also well-rounded, not reduced to any single aspect of their character. The plot of the book reads a lot like a thriller, even though much of it takes place in a court room. Even though it seems like a straightforward story, Abdullah keeps the reader guessing right up until the very end. Who’s really telling the truth? This is the core question running throughout the book.

Abdullah also exposes the hatred a lot of people feel, especially in high tension cases like this. There are so many layers to the case, and none of them are left out. An emotional read, but one that’s difficult to put down just because of how powerful it is. This is definitely a book that will leave you thinking long after you finish it.

4/5 stars