In her emotionally rich debut novel, What Will People Think?, author Sara Hamdan presents a powerful coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with anyone who has struggled between cultural expectations and personal authenticity. Through the life of Mia Almas, a Palestinian-American woman torn between family duties and her passion for stand-up comedy, Hamdan offers a layered exploration of identity, love, and the hidden stories that shape generations.
This What Will People Think Summary is designed for readers looking to understand the core themes and plotlines of the novel without spoilers upfront, and then dives deeper into character analysis and pivotal story moments.
Non-Spoiler Overview
Mia Almas is a 26-year-old fact-checker by day and a secret stand-up comedian by night. Living in New York City, she carefully balances her double life to meet her conservative Palestinian grandparents’ expectations while nurturing her passion for performance. This dual existence represents the novel’s core tension: the pressure of cultural conformity against the pull of self-expression.
When a close friend publishes an article that exposes Mia’s comedy gigs, her hidden world becomes public. What unfolds next is not only a personal reckoning but a family crisis that forces Mia to confront long-buried truths. Along the way, she discovers a family secret that stretches back to 1940s Palestine, revealing how past traumas continue to shape present choices.
Hamdan’s narrative effortlessly weaves humor and heartbreak, offering a compelling portrait of what it means to live authentically in the face of tradition, fear, and generational history.
Spoiler Section: Family Secrets and Parallel Journeys
As the story progresses, Mia uncovers a handwritten journal from her grandmother, Teta (Zeina), revealing a tale of forbidden love during the Nakba and a betrayal that altered the course of their family’s history. Teta’s hidden past and assumed identity mirror Mia’s present struggles, drawing poignant parallels between the two women.
This discovery deepens Mia’s understanding of generational trauma and helps her reframe her own journey. It becomes clear that the suppression of truth, both personal and historical, has shaped the family’s sense of identity. As Mia reconciles with these revelations, she gains the courage to redefine her own path—on her own terms.
Character Analysis
Mia Almas – As the protagonist, Mia is beautifully layered: witty, vulnerable, and resilient. Her growth is central to the novel, transitioning from someone hiding behind societal expectations to someone embracing her individuality through comedy and truth-telling.
Teta (Zeina) – Mia’s grandmother is a figure of strength and mystery. Her journal reveals her journey through political upheaval, love, and sacrifice. Her past helps unlock Mia’s future.
Jackson – Mia’s boss and love interest, Jackson adds complexity to Mia’s world. With a multicultural background himself, he challenges Mia to embrace all aspects of her identity.
Phaedra – A free-spirited neighbor who becomes Mia’s confidante, Phaedra pushes Mia to explore and embrace her authentic self.
Katie – Her decision to reveal Mia’s secret catalyzes the story’s central conflict. Katie’s arc examines ambition, betrayal, and redemption.
Core Themes in What Will People Think?
1. Identity and Self-Acceptance Mia’s journey is about reconciling the different parts of herself—the obedient granddaughter, the passionate comedian, and the woman with dreams of her own. Through each performance and revelation, she inches closer to becoming whole.
2. Family and Generational Secrets Teta’s hidden past highlights how generational trauma is passed down, often silently. The novel explores how confronting the past can be both painful and freeing.
3. Cultural Duality and Third-Culture Experience As a Palestinian-American, Mia’s experience is shaped by the tension of living between cultures. Hamdan presents this struggle with nuance, showcasing both the richness and the challenges of dual identity.
4. The Power of Storytelling Comedy becomes Mia’s vehicle for truth. Just as Teta told her story through a journal, Mia tells hers through the stage. Both women use storytelling as a way to reclaim agency.
5. Love in All Forms From romantic relationships to familial bonds and self-love, the novel explores how love can be both constraining and liberating. Mia’s evolving romance with Jackson, in particular, highlights the courage required to love authentically.
Author Spotlight: Sara Hamdan
Sara Hamdan’s background in journalism shines through in her crisp, emotionally resonant prose. Her debut novel showcases her talent for weaving history, humor, and contemporary issues into a compelling narrative. Hamdan’s voice is fresh, relatable, and deeply human, making her a standout in the landscape of contemporary fiction.
Final Thoughts: What Will People Think Summary
In this What Will People Think Summary, we’ve explored how Sara Hamdan’s debut novel masterfully blends cultural insight with emotional depth. Mia Almas’s story is one of self-discovery, cultural reclamation, and the timeless question of what it means to be true to oneself.
Balancing laugh-out-loud humor with profound moments of clarity, the novel encourages readers to confront the narratives they’ve inherited and rewrite their own. It’s a touching, resonant tale for anyone who’s ever asked, What will people think? — and then dared to live anyway.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Fans of contemporary fiction, stories of identity and diaspora, readers interested in Middle Eastern culture, and anyone navigating the journey toward authenticity.