Picture a Pakistani-American poet-turned-novelist who spun her Queens upbringing into literary gold—meet Bushra Rehman! With a vagabond spirit and a knack for storytelling, Rehman crafts vibrant tales that weave together queer love, Muslim-American identity, and the gritty charm of 1980s New York. Her works, like Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion, don’t just tell stories—they break barriers and celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically yourself.
Rehman’s journey from a rebellious teen to a Lambda Literary Award-nominated author is as captivating as her prose. Her writing sings with humor, heart, and a fierce commitment to representing the underrepresented, making her a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Bushra Rehman
Born to Pakistani immigrants in Corona, Queens (or, as her mother claims, in a Brooklyn ambulance speeding through the streets), Bushra Rehman grew up in a tight-knit Muslim community near one of New York City’s first Sunni masjids. Inspired by books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, she found solace in stories that mirrored her own working-class roots. As a teen, Rehman’s rebellious streak led her to drop out of prestigious high schools and explore the East Village’s punk scene, eventually embarking on cross-country Greyhound adventures with just a book bag of poems.
Her early career as a poet and spoken-word performer in the 1990s South Asian arts scene laid the groundwork for her literary voice. Performing in cafes and collaborating with groups like the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective, Rehman honed a style that blended raw emotion with sharp social commentary, setting the stage for her transition to fiction.
Bushra Rehman’s Unforgettable Stories
Rehman’s bibliography is a love letter to Muslim girls, immigrants, and queer dreamers. Her debut novel, Corona, a dark comedy about a rebellious Pakistani-American woman named Razia Mirza, captures the chaos of navigating identity in a post-9/11 world. Praised by the New York Public Library as a top NYC novel, it’s a poetic road trip through cultural exile and self-discovery.
Her 2022 novel, Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion, is a lyrical coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Corona. Following Razia, a queer Muslim girl grappling with faith, friendship, and desire, the book earned accolades from The New York Times and NPR for its vivid prose and nuanced portrayal of a Pakistani-American community. Rehman’s poetic roots shine through in lush descriptions—like samosa-making scenes that feel like rituals—while her humor and empathy keep the story grounded.
Rehman also co-edited the groundbreaking anthology Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today’s Feminism with Daisy Hernández. Hailed by Ms. Magazine as one of the “100 Best Non-Fiction Books of All Time,” it amplifies diverse feminist voices, reflecting Rehman’s activist spirit. Her poetry collection, Marianna’s Beauty Salon, further showcases her ability to craft tender yet fierce odes to Queens and its immigrant heart.
Why Bushra Rehman Matters
Bushra Rehman’s work is a beacon for those who feel unseen. By centering queer Muslim women and Pakistani-American experiences, she challenges stereotypes and expands the literary canon. Her stories resonate with readers who crave authentic portrayals of faith, love, and rebellion, inspiring a new generation of writers to tell their truths. Rehman’s impact extends beyond the page through her workshops, where she empowers students to break silences and embrace their creative power.
Her ability to balance cultural pride with unflinching honesty makes her a trailblazer in Muslim-American literature. As a queer feminist voice, Rehman proves that storytelling can be both a celebration and a revolution.
- Born: Corona, Queens (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Corona, Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion, Colonize This!, Marianna’s Beauty Salon
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award nominee for Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion
Ready to dive into Bushra Rehman’s vibrant world? Grab Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion and let her lyrical storytelling sweep you away!