Reviews

The F Team by Rawah Arja

Only show reviews with written explanations

I was provided a copy of The F Team by Giramondo publishing in exchange for a honest review. Opinions are my own.

The F Team is a wonderful novel filled with personal development, culture and friendship. Centred around main character Tariq it was so refreshing to read a YA book with a male protagonist. Tariq is a wonderful character with so much depth. He is the fourth of five children born into a Lebanese-Australian family. Arja has drawn from her own upbringing with this book and being from a caucasian anglo-saxon family it was interesting to learn more of the intricacies of Lebanese culture throughout.

Hailing from NSW I know the reputation of Punchbowl mostly from the news stories and scandals. Arja brings a heart and soul to this infamous suburb and does so with authenticity and finesse. Tariq and his mates, the Wolf Pack, are convinced to join in an upcoming rugby tournament but in order to play they must combine teams with the wealthy somewhat neighbouring Cronulla team. The cultural and social differences between the schools couldn’t be more different but these young men must work together to achieve more than just a rugby win.

The F Team is honest, hilarious and captures a snapshot of reality. Arja writes with passion and candor and I am so glad I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to her as well as review her debut novel. I can see this book being picked up and added to school curriculums in the future!

ordinarylaura's review

Go to review page

4.0

I really loved this book. I immediately felt an affinity for the characters, it was like I was really about my family. It’s an easy read and I did shed a little tear towards the end. Would recommend, especially if you are Lebanese

cec_loves_to_read_books's review

Go to review page

5.0

Five stars for the F Team! Fifty thousand high fives to the author for creating such a memorable cast of characters. This book, is a fantastic read with all the right things: It’s funny, like laugh out loud funny. It’s full of authentic feeling, faith and family (both the genetic and found variety) and it shows a side of footy (rugby) not often seen (by people like me who are not from a rugby state and don’t particularly love sport). Well done to Rawah Arja and Giramondo Publishing for taking risks on this book, it’s one of a brilliant kind.

Special shout out to George El Hindi for their epic narration on the audiobook. Hearing voices that sounded like what I’d pictured the characters ‘being’ like just added another layer to an immensely enjoyable read.

Bravo to all.

bookish_teacher_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

nezzaaa's review

Go to review page

5.0

Oh. My. God.

This book was so so so so good!!!

It was so great seeing Muslim/Lebanese communities being represented and portrayed accurately (for once!!).

This book was probably one of the only books that actually made me genuinely laugh out loud, cry and cringe. It was sharp, witty, and written in such a soulful way.

The character development was done so well, and it was subtle and gradual, just how it should be. Tariq really matured as a person.

The relationships displayed were so genuine and tangible, I could literally feel the love between characters and families.

Highly recommend to everyone!!!

thiscunt_likes_bo0ks's review

Go to review page

3.25

‘Amira had an obsession with piñatas because it was the only time she got rewarded for destroying something with a bat.’

“When my birthdays came about, I’d count down until he came round but turns out I was the clown for expecting a dad to be glad to see his son not be sad.
And when I was mad pleading to be banned, my teachers held my hand, even when I felt like I was in quicksand.” (From their Slam Poetry performance)