Younis employs humor and sharp wit to critique the bureaucracy, hypocrisy, and corruption prevalent in academic and activist circles, while also addressing the slow process of healing and repair.

These interactions with Sara become central to Nadia's advocacy for her repatriation, highlighting the complexities of trust and understanding in their relationship.

Told from Nadia's first-person perspective, the story captures her internal struggle between self-doubt and confidence as she navigates her beliefs and the motivations of those around her.

The novel concludes with Nadia confronting her own complexities and the challenges of gaining trust from those she seeks to help, emphasizing the nuanced dynamics of faith, friendship, and radicalism.

Nadia's research on the punishment and rehabilitation of IS brides garners global attention, leading her to participate in a UN deradicalisation project in Iraq known as UNDO.

Upon her arrival in Baghdad, Nadia is confronted with the harsh realities of foreign aid bureaucracy and the ongoing instability in Iraq, which casts doubt on her ability to make a meaningful impact.

Nadia's mission becomes increasingly complicated as she interacts with Sara, a British Asian who joined the Islamic State at 15, and who is initially skeptical of the UN's intentions, viewing them as a facade for Western war crimes.

The narrative also explores themes of familial alienation, particularly illustrated through Nadia's strained relationship with her mother, stemming from their differing views on faith.

Nussaibah Younis's debut novel, "Fundamentally," delves into the intricate issues surrounding Islamic State brides through the perspective of Nadia, a criminology lecturer at UCL.