Title: Time to Heal
Author: Norhafsah Hamid
ISBN: 9789672459361
Year Published: 2022
Publisher: Iman Publication
Price: RM30.00
Sometimes, we need time away from others to heal. To mend a broken heart that no one knows. To nurse a wound that can’t be seen. To treat an ache that can’t be expressed. To soothe a sorrow that no one understands. – Norhafsah Hamid
Time to Heal follows Hassan and his family as they cope with the loss of his twin brother, Hussin, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 15.
Initially, Hassan and Hussin intended to pursue careers as architects like their father, Nick.
Following Hussin’s cancer diagnosis and declining health, he made Hassan promise to become a doctor instead.
The narration of the story centres around flashbacks of moments when Hussin was still living, allowing readers to see how the family members are closely intertwined.
These flashbacks connected Hassan to the present day, in which he still reminisces and misses his late brother as he matures and fulfils his responsibilities as a doctor.
The chapters on Hassan’s mother, Maria, provided touching insights into a mother’s sadness over losing a son; seeing her healthy and cheerful boy become frail and weak from rounds of cancer treatment.
It must have been difficult for her because Hassan and Hussin are identical twins, so it is not surprising that she grew overly protective of Hassan.
She was initially hesitant to allow Hassan to leave the house to pursue his studies in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
While pursuing his medical degree, Hassan met two other Malaysians, Nieza and Amy, and the three became inseparable.
Seeing how quickly the three became good friends gave Maria a huge sense of relief, knowing that Hassan would be fine being away from home.
Hassan, Nieza, and Amy’s connection was portrayed as sibling-like due to Hassan’s protective and caring nature toward the girls.
Given that the two girls were on a tight scholarship allowance, and he was fully funded by his parents, he was very generous and helpful to them.
Nick and Maria were also very generous to the two girls, treating them as though they were family whenever they visited Hassan in the United Kingdom.
The story portrayed Hassan as a great, talented, and skilled doctor, yet he felt like a failure at times owing to his inability to save some of his patients.
Even though Hussin’s death occurred many years ago, Hassan still finds it difficult, especially given the daily life losses.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, although it did bring me to tears at times because it addresses the loss of a loved one and how grief takes time to heal.
I loved how the author used excerpts from the holy Quran as references throughout the plot, especially in Maria and Hassan’s individual journeys of grief and healing.
The excerpts are not overbearing, and they demonstrate how people often seek solace in religion during difficult times.
However, I must admit that some of the plot was repetitive, and some of the dialogue was cringeworthy.
I would certainly suggest this book to anyone wishing to read a heartfelt book and discover the works of local authors.
