Published: 19/08/2021
Manzoor weaves together history, memoir and reportage to explore divisions between British Muslim and non-Muslim populations, as well as sharing deeply inspiring stories of tolerance and unity from around the country that give hope for a better future.
A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week
A powerful and deeply personal exploration of a divided country - and a hopeful vision for change.
Sarfraz Manzoor grew up in a working-class Pakistani Muslim family in Luton - where he was raised to believe that they were different, they had an alien culture and they would never accept him. They were white people.
In today's deeply divided Britain we are often told they are different, they have a different culture and values and they will never accept this country. This time they are Muslims.
Weaving together history, reportage and memoir, Sarfraz Manzoor journeys around Britain in search of the roots of this division - from the fear that Islam promotes violence, to the suspicion that Muslims wish to live segregated lives, to the belief that Islam is fundamentally misogynistic.
They is also Manzoor's search for a more positive future. We hear stories from Islamic history of a faith more tolerant and progressive than commonly assumed, and stories of hope from across the country which show how we might bridge the chasm of mutual mistrust.
They is at once fiercely urgent, resolutely hopeful and profoundly personal. It is the story of modern, Muslim Britain as it has never been told.
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781472266835
Number of pages: 448
Weight: 676 g
Dimensions: 236 x 160 x 44 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'This is not another book about the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. It is THE book. With rigour, compassion, and fearless insight Sarfraz Manzoor explores this long-contested terrain to triumphant and often moving effect. Absolutely not to be missed.' - Matthew d'Ancona
'An absolutely essential and inspiring read. This excellent book is filled with stories of hope and optimism we rarely hear but which need to be told.' - Nazir Afzal
'Sarfraz Manzoor is a gifted writer and They is the thoughtful, personal and hopeful read we all need right now.' - Matt Forde
'Extraordinarily researched and courageously confronting, Sarfraz Manzoor writes with a rare blend of historical depth and personal authenticity. Profoundly personal and refreshingly honest, They tells the urgent and often untold story of Muslim Britain.' - David Lammy MP
'Sarfraz Manzoor has taken up the challenge of trying to promote understanding in our segregated society. He succeeds magnificently. This book is enlightening, analytical and even inspiring but above all it's a thoroughly entertaining read.' - Alan Johnson
'Humane, heart breaking and hopeful' - Kirsty Wark
'A deeply personal and wonderful journey around identity, on who we are and wish to be: evocative, timely, powerful, superb.' - Philippe Sands
'A great achievement. They brings sanity to a debate that all too often lacks it. A must-read for anyone who wants to know why multiculturalism appears to have failed so many Muslims.' - George Alagiah
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“Interesting, entertaining, informative, but I wanted more”
This book has certainly been an enlightening read. Being the same age as the author and uncannily arriving in the UK at roughly the same time, from Pakistan, then growing up in the 80's as a Pakistani Muslim... More
“Opening a window”
I found this book extremely interesting, because it gave me a different view point. In my professional life I have worked with Hindus, Muslims, Christian Arabs and Sikhs, and never felt that there was a problem... More
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