Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Mulki is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate and aspiring archeologist, whose deepest ambition is to honor her late father’s legacy by uncovering and sharing the richness of Somali culture through her work. Pious, traditional, and focused on her academic pursuits, Mulki has no immediate plans for marriage–until fate has other ideas.

Enter Bashe, a confident and successful investment banker who appears to have it all, except when it comes to matters of the heart. When circumstances lead him to seek Mulki’s hand, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her in ways he couldn’t predict. For a man accustomed to navigating financial markets, Bashe is caught off guard by the intensity of his feelings for Mulki.

Review: The Dig Up is a charming romance novel brimming with cultural richness, family tension, and the complexities of love. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Somali culture in Toronto, the story follows Mulki and Bashe, whose unexpected love blossoms in the midst of personal growth and cultural expectations. Mulki’s character, with her passion for archaeology, adds a refreshing layer to the narrative, blending her academic aspirations with her romantic journey.

The novel shines in its portrayal of dramatic family and relationship dynamics, bringing depth and relatability to the story. The tension between Mulki’s professional dreams and her budding relationship with Bashe keeps the reader engaged. However, much of the story focuses on Bashe’s perspective and emotional struggles, and this sometimes overshadows Mulki’s voice. I found myself wanting more insight into her feelings, particularly toward Bashe, until her emotions became clearer near the book’s conclusion.

One area where the book could improve is in its depiction of Somali culture. While cultural aspects and language are present, adding more sensory details would have made it more vivid and immersive. Additionally, the subplot involving Doctor Cornwell, Mulki’s missing teacher, felt underdeveloped. The mystery surrounding him was introduced abruptly in the opening chapter of info-dump and then largely forgotten until it resurfaced near the end.

Bashe’s character undergoes significant development (almost too quickly), especially in comparison to Omar, a more straightforward “player” character. I was glad to see him reject the faux life he thought he wanted and accept the true love he actually needed. The author addresses the concept of romance thoughtfully, navigating Bashe’s past and his journey with Mulki with care. Despite their relationship feeling rushed at times, the emotional roller coaster between the characters was gripping and led to a satisfying conclusion.

While The Dig Up could benefit from further editing, especially in terms of proofreading and balancing character perspectives, its engaging storyline, strong cultural elements, and emotional depth kept me turning the pages. I look forward to seeing the author’s growth in future works, as the potential here is undeniable.

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