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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
medium-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
it took me a few months to finish this book actually but i could say that im satisfied with the ending since my beloved ayesha (freaking finally) got her own happiness <3
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a 3.5 star read from me. this book is loosely inspired by Pride & Prejudice, although it doesn't follow P&P strictly. it's a very fun take on the idea of two flawed, prideful and prejudiced individuals falling in love with each other and the two main characters are Muslims in Canada's local South Asian community. i did have some issues with the book though, as pointed out in Lady H's review.
i loved reading about the lives of the community that Ayesha and Khalid are in, and i like that the author wrote two very flawed characters but made them sympathetic. however, i did feel that the book was a bit too long, and the bulk of the story hinges on a miscommunication that could have been very easily avoided if two characters spoke to each other. and also, although Ayesha was a main character, the book seemed to prioritize Khalid more than Ayesha, so i feel like the title doesn't quite tie it in there.
i loved reading about the lives of the community that Ayesha and Khalid are in, and i like that the author wrote two very flawed characters but made them sympathetic. however, i did feel that the book was a bit too long, and the bulk of the story hinges on a miscommunication that could have been very easily avoided if two characters spoke to each other. and also, although Ayesha was a main character, the book seemed to prioritize Khalid more than Ayesha, so i feel like the title doesn't quite tie it in there.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many adaptations of Pride and Prejudice I've read. I'm a complete sucker for them. From the superficial where Darcy is a pole dance teacher to the time traveling and more. Lately, I've seen this trend of Pride and Prejudice being adapted to different cultures and it's fascinating to see how each author works the elements around.
This book? This is the top of the pile. This is the example of how to take the most important elements of a classic story, update them, and weave your own culture into the story. I have not read many books involving Muslim culture and these days, most entertainment does not give it a fair chance. This story gives it more than a fair chance. It is rich in tradition with arranged marriages, faith, family loyalty, and more. We're given different sides to the culture with Khalid being more extreme and to the letter and Ayesha being more relaxed about it all. Plus, how often are Muslims portrayed in romantic comedies with happy endings?
When I first started this book, I was in the 3 star range because it takes its time to build its foundation. Khalid has a lot on his place and his new boss, Sheila, is out to make it worse with her racist views. I was ready to slap her within 2 pages of meeting her. That's when I knew I was hitting 4 star territory. Khalid is meek and afraid to step out of line in the beginning. His growth throughout the book is one of my favorite parts. He's able to experience so much with the help of friends. Ayesha is a great contrast to him and the way they butt heads in the beginning is classic. Their banter and their conversations are top notch. There's a classic misunderstanding that was making me yell at the book so I knew this was going to be good. Everything got better from there. Some characters from Pride and Prejudice are not really featured in this and I think that's for the better. Others are just heightened by Uzma's writing, which is incredible. She takes some time to do it but she sucks you in and you start devouring this book halfway through. The drama only got better and better as the story went on. Everybody gets what they deserve in this book, from the bad guys to the good. This is a rich adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that will leave nobody disappointed.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many adaptations of Pride and Prejudice I've read. I'm a complete sucker for them. From the superficial where Darcy is a pole dance teacher to the time traveling and more. Lately, I've seen this trend of Pride and Prejudice being adapted to different cultures and it's fascinating to see how each author works the elements around.
This book? This is the top of the pile. This is the example of how to take the most important elements of a classic story, update them, and weave your own culture into the story. I have not read many books involving Muslim culture and these days, most entertainment does not give it a fair chance. This story gives it more than a fair chance. It is rich in tradition with arranged marriages, faith, family loyalty, and more. We're given different sides to the culture with Khalid being more extreme and to the letter and Ayesha being more relaxed about it all. Plus, how often are Muslims portrayed in romantic comedies with happy endings?
When I first started this book, I was in the 3 star range because it takes its time to build its foundation. Khalid has a lot on his place and his new boss, Sheila, is out to make it worse with her racist views. I was ready to slap her within 2 pages of meeting her. That's when I knew I was hitting 4 star territory. Khalid is meek and afraid to step out of line in the beginning. His growth throughout the book is one of my favorite parts. He's able to experience so much with the help of friends. Ayesha is a great contrast to him and the way they butt heads in the beginning is classic. Their banter and their conversations are top notch. There's a classic misunderstanding that was making me yell at the book so I knew this was going to be good. Everything got better from there. Some characters from Pride and Prejudice are not really featured in this and I think that's for the better. Others are just heightened by Uzma's writing, which is incredible. She takes some time to do it but she sucks you in and you start devouring this book halfway through. The drama only got better and better as the story went on. Everybody gets what they deserve in this book, from the bad guys to the good. This is a rich adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that will leave nobody disappointed.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-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
This was my local library's Book of the Month when it was last opened in October. I have never been disappointed by their choice of Books of the Month and that's why I picked this one up. I have to be honest, it's not a book I would have chosen myself as I am not into romance books very much. I'm so glad I picked it up as I absolutely loved it.
The novel, which is the author's first (I will definitely check out her next one, which, I think, is out in a few months time), is set in the Muslim community in Canada. It is beautifully written, witty and teaches us about other people's culture and traditions. I learnt a lot from this book.
My head was full of beautiful colours, beautiful clothes and, after the description of the wedding, I endee up dreaming about colourful clothes and rooms.
I loved the two main characters, Ayesha (an outspoken single 27-year old poet) and Khalid (a very shy, innocent/naive, kind young man, who lives with his controlling mother). I also loved Nana and Nani, Ayesha's grandparents, who I would love to meet.
The book also made me hungry for Indian food and cooking. I would love to have a cooking lesson from Nani, and also a gardening lesson from Nana.
The novel, which is the author's first (I will definitely check out her next one, which, I think, is out in a few months time), is set in the Muslim community in Canada. It is beautifully written, witty and teaches us about other people's culture and traditions. I learnt a lot from this book.
My head was full of beautiful colours, beautiful clothes and, after the description of the wedding, I endee up dreaming about colourful clothes and rooms.
I loved the two main characters, Ayesha (an outspoken single 27-year old poet) and Khalid (a very shy, innocent/naive, kind young man, who lives with his controlling mother). I also loved Nana and Nani, Ayesha's grandparents, who I would love to meet.
The book also made me hungry for Indian food and cooking. I would love to have a cooking lesson from Nani, and also a gardening lesson from Nana.
I've been put off reading stories about Muslims who have come to the west because I find them to be highly unrealistic and almost "trying too hard" to fit in types. However, Ayesha at Last is well written in that it shows real family dynamics and culture.
I found the book easy to read but felt it covered too many topics in 300-ish pages. Thus it did not develop the main characters Ayesha and Khalid's life separate and together lives too well. I wanted them to have more page time then the extended family.
However I would still highly recommend this book as an escape from reality and your own problems.
I found the book easy to read but felt it covered too many topics in 300-ish pages. Thus it did not develop the main characters Ayesha and Khalid's life separate and together lives too well. I wanted them to have more page time then the extended family.
However I would still highly recommend this book as an escape from reality and your own problems.
I'm a little shocked that I liked a book that doesn't even have a kiss between the main characters, but I really, truly loved it. It was compellingly written, has likable, complex protagonists, and a story that pulls you in and makes you want to find out more. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
The book was great for the most part but I felt the ending was rushed.