2nd December, 2025 in Recommended Reads

When Silence Shatters by Mahitab Mahmoud

“Here, being LGBTQ means living underground. You blend in, you laugh at the same homophobic jokes as everyone else, you nod along when people call queer people “sick” and “perverted,” and you keep your mouth shut so you can survive.” The short story collection, When Silence Shatters, by Mahitab Mahmoud, guides us through seven stories that remind us of the importance of autonomy, freedom of choice, and the need to advocate for the vulnerable in any society. While my strongest connection was to the LGBTQ+ narratives, Mahmoud’s use of expressive language and carefully crafted scenes captured each character’s ongoing struggle and frustration, conveying their sorrow while still leaving me hopeful that each would find satisfaction and well-earned triumph in pursuing their dreams.