Rethinking Muslim narratives: Stereotypes reinforced or contested in recent genre fiction?

This article discusses the challenges British Muslim writers and publishers face in a largely secular literary marketplace society marked by Islamophobia. It explores these authors’ publication experiences, analysing examples from industry diversity initiatives conducting interviews with authors. Arguing that distorted representations strip Muslims of their complex humanity, while more nuanced portrayals can humanize them without resorting to stereotypes, we analyse thrillers East Hounslow (2017) Khurrum Rahman Take it Back (2019) Kia Abdullah. The provides unique insights into tactics Muslim-heritage also demonstrating genre fiction’s potential as powerful tool for promoting inclusive narratives challenging stereotypes. concludes popularity accessibility help expand readership beyond circles provide wider audience diverse storytelling might otherwise go unheard mainstream publishing, thus contributing over time landscape.