One of the story’s most striking motifs is Zainab’s final silence. By not responding to her mother’s letter, she reclaims agency. Abubakar shows that sometimes the most powerful act of self-defense is refusing to engage.
Act Two is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. Emma begins secretly attending therapy with Dr. Marcus. She initially frames their issues as “communication problems.” But through careful questioning, Dr. Marcus helps her name the dynamic: coercive control.
Meanwhile, Liam senses Emma’s withdrawal and escalates his tactics. He proposes a “contract renewal”—a formal, written agreement about their marriage roles. When Emma refuses, he threatens to cut off her access to their joint bank account and calls her mother to say Emma is having a “mental breakdown.” breaking ties by sara abubakar summary
This is a pivotal sequence. Emma’s own mother, a traditional woman who believes marriage is eternal sacrifice, sides with Liam. The title Breaking Ties now takes on a second meaning: Emma must break the tie with her mother’s outdated beliefs.
The most intense scene occurs at a family dinner. Matriarch Helen, in front of extended relatives, publicly shames Emma for not having children yet, implying she is defective. Liam sits in silence, then later tells Emma, “You embarrassed me by not laughing it off.” Guide Overview
Emma packs a “go-bag” for the first time—a hidden suitcase with her passport, some cash, and copies of the ledger.
Breaking Ties has become a sensation in online reading communities (e.g., Wattpad, Goodreads) because it gives language to an experience millions of readers recognize but could not name. Reader reviews frequently mention feeling “seen” and “validated.” Many have written that the novel inspired them to leave their own toxic relationships or seek therapy. in front of extended relatives
Sara Abubakar’s prose is accessible yet poignant. She avoids melodrama, relying on stark, realistic dialogue and quiet, devastating observations. For example: “She realized she had been starving for years, but had forgotten what hunger felt like.”
