Nussaibah Younis, a British-Iraqi author and former peacebuilding professional, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction for her debut novel Fundamentally — a dark comedy that satirises the complex realities faced by Islamic State brides and the international aid organisations that seek to “save” them.
Drawing on over a decade of experience working in Iraq on deradicalisation programmes, Younis was inspired by her personal history. At 17, she attended a summer camp led by Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki, an influential and charismatic figure who later became an al-Qaeda leader before being killed in a drone strike in 2011. This experience profoundly shaped her understanding of radicalisation and identity, which she explores in her novel.
Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Fundamentally offers a sharp, witty critique of international aid agencies’ attempts to intervene in crises, while also delving into themes of racism, workplace politics, religious belief, and queerness. The winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction will be announced on June 12.
In an exclusive interview, Younis shared insights into her writing process and the motivations behind her work:
Why choose fiction over non-fiction?
Younis explained that fiction allowed her to reach a wider audience with a compelling narrative full of nuanced characters and humour. “The topic of IS brides is so divisive and often reduced to incendiary headlines. Fiction gives space for empathy, allowing readers to inhabit the protagonist’s thoughts and dilemmas,” she said. She added that fiction enables inclusion of humour, eroticism, and the complexities of human relationships — elements difficult to incorporate in academic writing without risking credibility.
Literary influences
Younis cited Virginia Woolf, whose blending of domestic life with social critique inspired her approach to storytelling, particularly Woolf’s focus on women’s inner lives as worthy literary subjects. She also referenced Philip Roth’s wit and humour but noted her desire to avoid the misogyny that sometimes appears in his work, aiming instead to portray women’s humanity with respect.
On the saviour complex in international aid
Drawing from her own experiences, Younis said her novel questions the role of foreign aid in countries undergoing conflict: “What is the moral way to engage? To what extent can we impose our values? What motivates the ‘do good’ impulse, and how do personal histories influence the work?” She emphasised that Fundamentally does not offer definitive answers but seeks to provoke thoughtful debate on aid’s limitations and possibilities, alongside nuanced reflections on the motivations of women who join extremist groups and their potential pathways to rehabilitation.
Women’s experiences in international affairs
The novel also addresses the challenges women face in male-dominated international institutions. Younis highlighted the rarity of women in senior roles and the personal sacrifices involved, including suppressed gender expression and difficulties in romantic relationships. The story also portrays the risky and sometimes reckless interpersonal dynamics within high-pressure UN environments.
The role of comedy
Committed to making readers laugh out loud, Younis took a standup comedy course to test her humour. “I wanted to write something funny — not just a wry smile, but genuine laughter,” she said. This approach helped her craft moments of verified hilarity that centre the novel’s comedic tone.
