Maryam & Son | Hardcover

Maryam & Son by Mirza Waheed is a literary novel that explores motherhood, family, desire and the uncertainty of truly knowing the people we love. When widow Maryam Ali discovers that her son has disappeared, her search for answers leads to unsettling revelations that challenge her understanding of both her child and herself. As the investigation unfolds, the novel examines love, grief and moral uncertainty against the backdrop of contemporary global conflict.

Blending psychological depth with emotional storytelling, the novel follows Maryam as she revisits her past while confronting an uncertain present. Her growing connection with the family liaison officer assigned to her son's case adds another layer of complexity, forcing her to navigate conflicting emotions during an unfolding personal crisis.

About This Book

Maryam Ali, a school chef and widow living in London, reports her son Dil missing after he unexpectedly disappears. What begins as a search for a missing family member soon takes a dramatic turn when government officials suggest he may be far from home and connected to events she never imagined. As she waits for answers, Maryam reflects on her memories, relationships and the choices that shaped their lives.

Maryam & Son explores themes of motherhood, identity, longing and responsibility without offering easy answers. Set against the backdrop of conflict in Mosul, the novel considers the emotional burden of uncertainty and asks how a parent confronts the possibility that someone they love may have become a stranger.

What You'll Discover

• A literary story centred on motherhood and family.
• A mother's search for answers after her son's disappearance.
• Themes of desire, grief and emotional uncertainty.
• The moral complexities of love and parental devotion.
• A narrative set between London and the wider context of conflict in Mosul.
• Thoughtful exploration of identity, memory and human relationships.

Perfect For

• Readers of literary fiction.
• Fans of character-driven novels.
• Readers interested in stories about family and identity.
• Those who enjoy emotionally layered contemporary fiction.

Why You'll Love This Book

Maryam & Son is a deeply reflective novel that examines the complexities of motherhood, love and loss through an intimate and compelling narrative. Mirza Waheed combines emotional insight with thoughtful storytelling to create a memorable exploration of family, identity and the limits of understanding those closest to us.