Like A Brother

About this book

Owais is a confident, popular teenager with a supportive network of family and friends around him. Aside from his terrible jokes, his life is pretty chill, that is, until his estranged cousin, Abass, comes to stay for the summer and turns his life upside down. 

Abass has been through a lot, his mum has passed away, his dad is challenging and unreliable, and he’s been in and out of trouble with the police. All these pressures have contributed to him becoming an angry, vulnerable boy who lashes out and is difficult to be around. 

The cousins clash over Abass’s perceptions of masculinity, his disrespect for women, his homophobic views and his aggression. But, over time, Owais realises that these behaviours are not innate, but reactive – defence mechanisms used to fit into the life of violence and crime Abass sees as inevitable for himself. However, with patient support, and plenty of bumps along the road, Abass’s barriers come down, and the cousins become more like brothers.

This is a stunning book from the brilliant Nathanael Lessore. It is hard-hitting, with references to many of the more challenging aspects of being a teenager today – including homophobia, gang culture, and misogyny – but these themes are explored in an authentic and sensitive way that will resonate with readers. 

As with his other books, Lessore’s authorial voice is spot on with contemporary references and masses of humour and general teenage cringe that lighten the heavier content. It is ultimately cathartic with its strong message about supporting those we love no matter what. A very important book for readers in Key Stage 3 and beyond.