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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
This was a cute, quick read. I liked all the characters and loved to hate all the characters I was to supposed to hate. I loved reading about the Muslim marriage culture. This was another retelling if Pride and Prejudice, but it was unique in its own way.
genuinely one of the worst books I have ever read in my life
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Not a point-for-point retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but still a worthwhile read.
Finally! A book about a Muslim romance that isn't patronising, simplistic, or unfaithful to the real experiences of thousands of Muslims who live in the West without letting go of their faith. I really loved this story.
Almost painful to read at points. I loved reading a book from a Muslim-Canadian, but this was just way too fluffy.
Ayesha At Last is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice but in a Muslim community. We have Ayesha, a strong, independent Muslim woman and Khalid who is conservative and judgemental. Despite the fact that they are poles apart and have conflicting attitudes, they fall for each other.
What I love most about this P&P spinoff is that it gives us great insight to the religion and also about how judgemental the society can be when you see a Muslim. You could be totally ignorant about a religion but to mock someone and lebel them 'dangerous' because of the clothes they wear and ideals they uphold is unacceptable. Ayesha At Last succeeds in overcoming that stigma around Muslim religion.
Overall, it is a light, romantic read. I loved the characters but was a bit put-off by too many storylines and hurriedly tying the loose ends towards the end of the book.
3.75 Paws on 5
What I love most about this P&P spinoff is that it gives us great insight to the religion and also about how judgemental the society can be when you see a Muslim. You could be totally ignorant about a religion but to mock someone and lebel them 'dangerous' because of the clothes they wear and ideals they uphold is unacceptable. Ayesha At Last succeeds in overcoming that stigma around Muslim religion.
Overall, it is a light, romantic read. I loved the characters but was a bit put-off by too many storylines and hurriedly tying the loose ends towards the end of the book.
3.75 Paws on 5
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this 😕 I feel kinda bamboozled, if I hadn't read that this was a Pride and Prejudice retelling, I never would have guessed. The beginning was alright but the last few acts felt outlandish and unbelievable. We're told Ayesha is intelligent and yet she repeatedly let's herself get mistreated by her cousin just because her uncle helped them immigrate to Canada? Like Hafsa is out here dishing insults and stealing her man and after she comes back she forgives her and believes she's a changed woman? And then she's supported by everyone when she gets married after making 100 poor decisions? How?There were very few likeable characters and I didn't feel like Ayesha and Khalid had a deep enough connection for them to be so in love. I also dislike how Khalid had to change the way he dressed to be respected at LiveTech and how no one said anything like let him wear his thobe. And Farzana?! How could you ever marry someone with a mom like that ðŸ˜.
Right from the beginning, I realised this book would be disappointing. With regards to the writing, the author tends toward using tell, not show, and the word choices are boring or too try hard. Ayesha, the main character, exhibits a lot of internalised Islamophobia, shown in the fact that she considers staying away from the opposite sex or not wanting to frequent bars as ‘fundamentalist’.
The concept would have been sweet if it was executed properly, but instead of feeling represented, this felt like a story about Muslims that tried to pander as much as possible towards non Muslims. A disappointing read.
The concept would have been sweet if it was executed properly, but instead of feeling represented, this felt like a story about Muslims that tried to pander as much as possible towards non Muslims. A disappointing read.
This is a sweet and surprisingly plot-heavy Muslim Canadian retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
Although I thought the mistaken identity plot went too far and wanted more of an exploration of class, I appreciated the ways Jalaluddin updated Pride and Prejudice, making it feel modern and giving some supporting characters a more satisfying ending. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of Ayesha’s writing, both the subplot and the poetry itself. It’s rare for prose writers to include poetry that’s strong enough to stand alone.
I probably won’t write an in-depth review, but I’m thinking of writing a post on contemporary Austin retellings. Look for that ... eventually.
Although I thought the mistaken identity plot went too far and wanted more of an exploration of class, I appreciated the ways Jalaluddin updated Pride and Prejudice, making it feel modern and giving some supporting characters a more satisfying ending. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of Ayesha’s writing, both the subplot and the poetry itself. It’s rare for prose writers to include poetry that’s strong enough to stand alone.
I probably won’t write an in-depth review, but I’m thinking of writing a post on contemporary Austin retellings. Look for that ... eventually.