Comprehensive Review of Internment by Samira Ahmed

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Internment by Samira Ahmed

Introduction

Samira Ahmed’s Internment is a gripping young adult dystopian novel that envisions a near-future United States where Muslim Americans are forcibly placed in internment camps. Through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Layla Amin, the novel explores themes of resistance, oppression, and the dangers of unchecked bigotry. The story is a stark warning against repeating historical injustices, drawing parallels to real-world events, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and modern-day discriminatory policies.

Plot Overview

The novel follows Layla and her family as they are taken from their home and sent to Mobius, an internment camp in the California desert. Layla, unwilling to accept her fate, becomes a central figure in the resistance against the camp’s cruel Director and his guards. With the help of new friends within the camp and her boyfriend David, who remains outside, Layla orchestrates acts of defiance, ultimately sparking a larger movement. Throughout the novel, she grapples with fear, anger, and the responsibility of leading a rebellion in an environment designed to break people’s spirits.

Themes and Social Commentary

One of Internment’s most striking elements is its commentary on systemic oppression and the consequences of allowing xenophobia to take root. The novel does not shy away from depicting how governments can use fear to justify discrimination, referencing past and present examples, including the Japanese American internment camps of the 1940s and contemporary anti-Muslim rhetoric.

The book also delves into themes of activism and resistance, emphasizing that change is driven by those who refuse to be silent. Layla’s defiance and growing awareness mirror the struggles of real-world activists who stand against injustice. The novel serves as a call to action, urging readers—especially young people—to challenge discrimination and use their voices to demand equality.

Characterization

Layla is a strong and relatable protagonist. She is passionate, headstrong, and flawed, making her journey feel authentic. However, some reviewers have criticized her actions, particularly her willingness to risk her family’s safety for personal reasons, such as sneaking away to communicate with her boyfriend. While this behavior may frustrate some readers, it also adds depth to her character, highlighting the emotional turmoil she faces.

The supporting characters, including Layla’s best friend Ayesha and the sympathetic guard Jake, add layers to the narrative. The villainous Director, however, is somewhat one-dimensional, embodying a stereotypical authoritarian figure without much backstory or depth. While his cruelty is effective in driving the plot, a more nuanced antagonist could have added greater complexity to the story.

Writing Style and Structure

Ahmed’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, making Internment a compelling read. The book is structured in a way that maintains suspense, with high-stakes moments that keep the reader invested. The dialogue is sharp and emotional, though at times, the messaging feels overt. Some moments of exposition and speeches about oppression come across as overly didactic, potentially diminishing their impact.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Timely and relevant themes: The novel addresses pressing social issues, making it a powerful and necessary read.
  • Engaging protagonist: Layla’s resilience and determination make her a compelling narrator.
  • Fast-paced and suspenseful: The book maintains a strong sense of urgency, keeping readers engaged.
  • Calls for activism: Internment encourages young readers to question authority and stand up for what is right.

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of world-building depth: The novel does not fully explore how society reached this extreme level of Islamophobia, leaving some readers questioning the plausibility of the setting.
  • One-dimensional villain: The Director lacks complexity, making him feel like a generic antagonist.
  • Occasionally heavy-handed messaging: Some themes are delivered in a way that feels too on-the-nose, rather than allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Conclusion

Internment is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles urgent social issues through a dystopian lens. While it has its flaws, including a lack of deep world-building and a simplistic villain, it remains an impactful read that challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of silence and complicity.

For young adults and educators, Internment serves as both a gripping story and an important discussion starter about civil rights, resistance, and the need to fight against injustice. Despite some narrative shortcomings, Samira Ahmed’s novel is a necessary and timely work that reminds us of the power of speaking out.