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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
3.5, really. I liked the characters a lot; the story felt a bit cluttered and all over the place, I feel like the author was trying to fit a lot in, and she did, but I think with the benefit of time, it will run more smoothly. I hope Jalaluddin keeps writing, because I love what she's doing. I love rom-com books, and the standard formula has gotten old, so I'm very much embracing this new wave of diversity that has taken the rom-com genre by storm. It has brought not only a fresh view, but some kick-ass writing (Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory, I'm looking at you). This wasn't to the level of kick-ass writing, but there's definitely potential there.
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this. The comparison to Pride & Prejudice should be used loosely.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
had to return it back to the library:( once i get it again from the library, i will restart!
There’s so much I loved about this Muslim Pride and Prejudice. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Ayesha and Khalid were strongly drawn characters, the type you miss when the book is over.
The one drawback was that it seemed to pack so much drama in a fairly tight space that the action wore thin occasionally.
Ayesha and Khalid were strongly drawn characters, the type you miss when the book is over.
The one drawback was that it seemed to pack so much drama in a fairly tight space that the action wore thin occasionally.
Interesting in theory with definite overtones of Pride and Prejudice and even lifted lines from it that were never credited, tho the quoted Shakespeare ones were. Could have been shorter: I nearly gave up in the laborious middle but then the end picked up a bit. It read like a first draft or a first effort: with careful editing, it could've been a four or five star novel. As it is, an interesting suggestion of a world that's unfamiliar to me as a WASPy American, but it's peopled with fuzzy (and often unlikeable or poorly developed) characters. Why did Ayesha want to be a teacher? Why does Khalid decide to dress so conservatively? We never really know, and it's hard to get deeply engaged in their story.
“Because while it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single Muslim man must be in want of a wife, there’s an even greater truth: To his Indian mother, his own inclinations are of secondary importance.”
The truth of that quote hit me hard in the chest. There’s something comforting about reading a book that reminds you of your childhood, the norms you grew up with and the practises that once seemed inevitable.
Despite it being a romance- my least favourite genre- there was also a very current discussion on Islamophobia and discrimination at work in the book, as well as discussion on arranged marriages, which provided an interesting social commentary. For those elements alone, it’s worth a delving into.
Other contemporary problems and themes discussed in the book included, living within a marginalised community, multiculturalism, Islamophobia, dysfunctional families, violence within the family – and societal expectations. The author dealt with each one thoughtfully, using both humour and education readers about Desi culture.
I liked the way in which, through the characters of Ayesha and Khalid, the author explored the very different ways in which people can explore and practise their religions.
Overall it’s more than just a romance novel; although that acts as the foundation, there’s admirable examination of very prevalent topics. An easy read, perfect to take on your next holiday!
The truth of that quote hit me hard in the chest. There’s something comforting about reading a book that reminds you of your childhood, the norms you grew up with and the practises that once seemed inevitable.
Despite it being a romance- my least favourite genre- there was also a very current discussion on Islamophobia and discrimination at work in the book, as well as discussion on arranged marriages, which provided an interesting social commentary. For those elements alone, it’s worth a delving into.
Other contemporary problems and themes discussed in the book included, living within a marginalised community, multiculturalism, Islamophobia, dysfunctional families, violence within the family – and societal expectations. The author dealt with each one thoughtfully, using both humour and education readers about Desi culture.
I liked the way in which, through the characters of Ayesha and Khalid, the author explored the very different ways in which people can explore and practise their religions.
Overall it’s more than just a romance novel; although that acts as the foundation, there’s admirable examination of very prevalent topics. An easy read, perfect to take on your next holiday!
I felt like this was more about Khalid than Ayesha...
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes