By Sam Diaz
What lengths would you go through to save your marriage? Zara Raheem explores this question in her painful portrayal of a marriage at the brink of dissolution in her newest novel, The Retreat.
The novel begins with our protagonist, Nadia, who has just celebrated her birthday with her husband. It’s not the romantic day she had hoped for; actually, it’s hardly even a romantic day. Her husband, Aman, wakes her up early for a hike. If Aman had a second to think, he would have remembered that Nadia doesn’t enjoy early mornings or hikes. But Nadia makes the most of it.
Aman is a hobby photographer. He has a room dedicated for his photo development. On the hiking adventure, Aman brings along his camera and the couple takes pictures as they enjoy the view. Nadia insists on taking a selfie with the site in the background and that photo is the only thing that keeps her in loving spirits throughout the day. Back at home, she wants to share it on social media, but Nadia cannot find it in the stack of photos Aman shares with her.
She asks Aman, but he brushes off the subject. Desperate, she looks in his photography room, even though she knows she isn’t allowed to be in it. Upon finding the roll of film and taking it to get developed, she finds extra photos that are not of her and Aman.
In a daze, Nadia drives around and unconsciously drives up her sister Zeba’s driveway, despite the fact they haven’t spoken to each other since their mother’s funeral over a year ago. Ever since then, Nadia has kept her distance; but nevertheless, Zeba invites Nadia inside, though their first time seeing each other doesn’t last very long. When their quick interaction is disrupted by Nadia’s emotional reactions, she gets in her car and drives off, but not before Zeba reaches out and assures her that Nadia is welcome back anytime.
Confused over her marriage, Nadia tries to uncover the truth herself. With no luck, she again finds herself in front of Zeba’s home; this time asking Zeba for help to cook a homemade meal in an attempt to spark a romantic night with her husband. Zeba asks Nadia what this is all about and Nadia bursts out the news: she thinks Aman is having an affair.
Throughout the story, Nadia and Zeba try to uncover the truth and go through hoops to save Nadia’s marriage all while improving their own strained relationship. Although this is a story about relationships and its secrets, The Retreat heavily encompasses sisterhood and the relationships between children and their parents.
It is a wholesome novel that starts with an impending doom for a character who reaches out to their estranged sister for consolation. The rug was swept right under Nadia’s feet. She thought her marriage was fine; maybe not well, but it was moving forward. Now with the suspicion that her husband is unfaithful, Nadia seems to lose hope and what she had dreamt about for her future. For this story to showcase this dynamic is incredible. It is a heavy topic, and the author delicately expresses the tragedy in a heartwarming story.
The role of Zeba helps Nadia grow from the sudden downfall of her marriage. Although they hadn’t spoken to each other in years, and before that they were on rocky ground, they still come to each other’s defense and see the best in their actions. Zeba assures her sister that she will be there for her whenever she needs, saying, “I didn’t get a chance to say earlier, but you’re stronger than you think, Nadi. And whatever happens, you don’t have to do this alone. Maybe Ammi did, but that’s the difference. You have me.”
Raheem’s tender portrayal of Nadia and Zeba speaks to the strength of sisterhood’s bonds. It was something I longed for myself, having grown up an only child. Seeing the connection the two of them have even after they were distant from each other, reminds me how special it is to have a sibling. When Zeba defends Nadia from Aman, it shows the lengths to which some families will go to look out for you.
The sisters are portrayed as two sides of the same coin—both differently designed, but of the same product. They complement each other and function perfectly as a team. Raheem has thoroughly written a pair of sisters who embody what love and care truly is. This is not a romantic love story, but a love story nevertheless. It is the love of sisterhood and family. Love for the people who look past the faults and value the heart.
The Retreat wonderfully accepts that people have faults, and acknowledges the faults we have of ourselves. There are bound to be cracks, and for some people those cracks are holes; it just takes someone special to prevent you from falling through.
Much praise for Raheem’s newest novel. It is filled with heartfelt sentiment, engaging characters, and relatable situations, and it’s worth a read on your next relaxing weekend.
The Retreat is available from Astoria Bookshop, Bookshop, Garden District Book Shop, The King’s English Bookshop, Kinokuniya, and The Ripped Bodice.
Samantha Desirae Diaz is a writer who explores true crime, paranormal, and romance stories. Born and raised in Chino, CA, she earned her B.A. in screenwriting from California State University, Northridge, and her M.F.A. in creative writing from Chapman University.