Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

In Four Eids and a Funeral, Said Hossain and Tiwa Olatunji were once inseparable childhood friends. But as they grew older, their bond fractured, turning them into sworn enemies. Now, tragedy reunites them, forcing them to confront their past and work together to save their local Islamic Center. This is a story of rekindling friendships, community resilience, and finding one’s way home.

Main Characters

Said Hossain: A boarding school student who returns home to New Crosshaven after the death of his favorite hometown librarian, Ms. Barnes. Said grapples with his desire to pursue art instead of medicine, a secret he keeps from his Bangladeshi parents.
Tiwa Olatunji: Said’s ex-best friend, who doesn’t understand why he started ignoring her. Tiwa is grieving her broken family and is deeply connected to the Islamic Center, which means everything to her.

Plot

The central conflict emerges when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, and the mayor plans to demolish it entirely. Despite their tense relationship, Tiwa needs Said’s help to change the mayor’s mind. Meanwhile, Said secretly needs a project for art school. As they work together, their efforts become intertwined with saving Eid and, perhaps, saving their relationship. The tension builds as they navigate personal struggles, community challenges, and the fight for justice.

Setting

The novel unfolds in Vermont, where Said and Tiwa spent much of their childhoods at the town’s library and the local Islamic Center. The flavors of Eid celebrations, the struggle to maintain faith, and the levels of acceptance within the Muslim community shape the characters’ actions and motivations. The small-town setting contrasts with the larger issues they face, adding depth to the narrative.

Themes

Community Resilience: The Islamic Center represents more than just a building—it’s a symbol of community strength and identity. Tiwa’s determination to save it reflects the resilience of her people.
Friendship and Forgiveness: Said and Tiwa’s journey from enemies to allies explores forgiveness, second chances, and the healing power of friendship.
Cultural Identity: The characters grapple with cultural expectations, family pressures, and personal dreams. Their struggles resonate with anyone navigating their identity within a community.