Books

Praise for Hijab and Red Lipstick

“A powerful and beautifully written novel which unabashedly addresses the reality of life as a young, Muslim woman in a conservative family. Fast and well paced, the book touches on issues of misogyny, sexual harassment, domestic violence, expectation, identity and culture, never shying away from its nuances.”

-Alya Mooro, bestselling author of The Greater Freedom

“Hijab and Red Lipstick is the story of a teenager who braves her family’s oppression and a society that forbids her from forging her own path. Her powerful story echoes the stories of many Arab and Muslim women fighting to break free from the shackles of patriarchy.”

-Dalal Mawad, award-winning journalist and author of All She Lost

“Imran tells an empowering tale of self-discovery.”

-Hafsa Lodi, Author of Modesty: A Fashion Paradox

“I couldn’t put it down until it was over. It’s been a long time since I read an Arab experience so authentic, honest and raw.”

- Eman AlNafjan, Saudi women’s rights activist

“Imran alchemises her experiences by birthing Hijab and Red Lipstick through trauma, and offering a space of hope and healing for herself and other survivors.”

- The New Arab

About Hijab and Red Lipstick

“You cannot do anything in this country without my permission.”

When her strict dad moves the family to the Arabian Gulf, Sara’s world shrinks overnight. In a place where a woman’s freedom depends on a man’s permission, every dream feels out of reach. But Sara refuses to disappear quietly.

As her passion for writing, beauty and independence grows stronger, so does her courage to challenge the expectations that bind her. Can she stay true to her faith while finding her own voice, and a future she chooses for herself?

Candid, courageous and unforgettable, Hijab & Red Lipstick is a powerful coming-of-age story about identity, patriarchy and the fight to belong - inspired by the experiences of women who dare to defy.