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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
This book was such a pleasant surprise! As I kid that grew up in Scarborough, it was nice to read a book set in all the places I know well! I will be reading her other novels for sure! I highly recommend
Cute! A bit rushed toward the last 1/3 of the story but very cute and nice to see some more diverse stories within the romance genre.
The moment I discovered that Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin was a Pride and Prejudice inspired retelling, I knew I would have to read the book. I love ANYTHING Pride & Prejudice, and I especially enjoy seeing an author take my favorite classic and give their own spin to it. This book sounded very promising, so I was super excited to check it out!
Not only is Ayesha At Last a retelling, it’s a modern day Muslim retelling, which is also set in Canada. (I have not read many books set in Canada, so this was especially interesting.) The storyline felt both familiar, yet completely fresh and new as well. Other than a few character changes, (and the obvious modern conveniences), it actually follows pretty closely along with the original storyline, which I liked. I did myself getting a little bored a few times in the book, but this was a really quick read, and the story always picked back up to grab my attention, which was nice.
The story is told through two of the main characters viewpoints. Ayesha is our modern day Lizzie Bennett, who dreams of being a poet, but is instead trying to find work so she can pay back her uncle. Khalid is the Mr. Darcy of the story, and much like the original Mr. Darcy, he took a while to warm up to. (Don’t worry, he won me over by the end.) I really enjoyed the alternate narration to the story, and I actually wish the original had had that as well. There are a lot of interesting secondary characters in the story as well, some that you will like, and a few that you will despise with a purple passion. Read the book to meet them all!
I also want to add that while I started reading the actual print copy of this book, I ended up listening to the audiobook about a fourth of the way through. I’m so glad I did! The story is narrated by Roshni Shukla, who has a fantastic voice, and I hope to find more audiobooks that she has narrated in the future!
Overall; Ayesha At Last was a very fun, quick modern day retelling of my absolute most favorite book, and I am very glad to have to read the book! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more books by Uzma Jalaluddin in the future! If you like a good Pride and Prejudice retelling with a modern day twist, do check out Ayesha At Last!
Happy Reading!
Not only is Ayesha At Last a retelling, it’s a modern day Muslim retelling, which is also set in Canada. (I have not read many books set in Canada, so this was especially interesting.) The storyline felt both familiar, yet completely fresh and new as well. Other than a few character changes, (and the obvious modern conveniences), it actually follows pretty closely along with the original storyline, which I liked. I did myself getting a little bored a few times in the book, but this was a really quick read, and the story always picked back up to grab my attention, which was nice.
The story is told through two of the main characters viewpoints. Ayesha is our modern day Lizzie Bennett, who dreams of being a poet, but is instead trying to find work so she can pay back her uncle. Khalid is the Mr. Darcy of the story, and much like the original Mr. Darcy, he took a while to warm up to. (Don’t worry, he won me over by the end.) I really enjoyed the alternate narration to the story, and I actually wish the original had had that as well. There are a lot of interesting secondary characters in the story as well, some that you will like, and a few that you will despise with a purple passion. Read the book to meet them all!
I also want to add that while I started reading the actual print copy of this book, I ended up listening to the audiobook about a fourth of the way through. I’m so glad I did! The story is narrated by Roshni Shukla, who has a fantastic voice, and I hope to find more audiobooks that she has narrated in the future!
Overall; Ayesha At Last was a very fun, quick modern day retelling of my absolute most favorite book, and I am very glad to have to read the book! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more books by Uzma Jalaluddin in the future! If you like a good Pride and Prejudice retelling with a modern day twist, do check out Ayesha At Last!
Happy Reading!
Modern Mrs Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide 2019 Minimalist List
I really liked this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice with Indian Muslims as the main characters and the setting as Canada. I think what I love about this retelling is that while there are very noticeable plot points and characters from the original work, it isn’t a play by play redo (which I like that too if there is enough of a twist and it’s well written). I have to admit, I know very little about the Muslim faith and can willingly admit that I have certain prejudices, I enjoyed seeing people of that faith a new light.
The secondary story of Ayesha’s best friend wanting to finally marry her 10 year live in boyfriend is great and adds a lot to the main storyline. The main characters are easy to like and root for and they both show lots of personal growth as the story advances. The author also does a great job of showing that a woman that makes a choice for herself (even if it is not what the majority thinks is “right”) that is the essence of true feminism in my opinion...not just when women make liberal choices. However, women being forced into any type of situation not of their choosing is shown to be extremely negative and not to be tolerated.
Trigger warning- there is a secondary storyline that results in the confession of a past abortion. It is not focused on for long but I did feel like it was glossed over a bit as if not a big deal which I didn’t love.
All in all, a great reimagining of Pride and Prejudice with lots of Shakespeare quotes, fun characters and a happy ending that, along the way, causes you to think about prejudices and judging those that may not look like us or something we understand.
I really liked this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice with Indian Muslims as the main characters and the setting as Canada. I think what I love about this retelling is that while there are very noticeable plot points and characters from the original work, it isn’t a play by play redo (which I like that too if there is enough of a twist and it’s well written). I have to admit, I know very little about the Muslim faith and can willingly admit that I have certain prejudices, I enjoyed seeing people of that faith a new light.
The secondary story of Ayesha’s best friend wanting to finally marry her 10 year live in boyfriend is great and adds a lot to the main storyline. The main characters are easy to like and root for and they both show lots of personal growth as the story advances. The author also does a great job of showing that a woman that makes a choice for herself (even if it is not what the majority thinks is “right”) that is the essence of true feminism in my opinion...not just when women make liberal choices. However, women being forced into any type of situation not of their choosing is shown to be extremely negative and not to be tolerated.
Trigger warning- there is a secondary storyline that results in the confession of a past abortion. It is not focused on for long but I did feel like it was glossed over a bit as if not a big deal which I didn’t love.
All in all, a great reimagining of Pride and Prejudice with lots of Shakespeare quotes, fun characters and a happy ending that, along the way, causes you to think about prejudices and judging those that may not look like us or something we understand.
Nice twist on the Pride and Prejudice themes. Mistaken identity, family issues.
And a great glimpse into the life of Canadian Muslims and the prejudices they face.
A reminder that people are people despite their religion, ethnicity, and they way they look and dress.
And don't judge someone on looks alone; you are probably wrong!
And a great glimpse into the life of Canadian Muslims and the prejudices they face.
A reminder that people are people despite their religion, ethnicity, and they way they look and dress.
And don't judge someone on looks alone; you are probably wrong!
Apparently, this is my summer of modern day Pride & Prejudice retellings with Muslim characters. This one is more loosely based on Austen’s novel, with a number of unique plot points & characters. I really enjoyed the humor & even the romance.
3.5 stars. A solid B book. Very engaging. Generally I’m not a fan of Austen adaptations (I hold very little sacred, but Austen makes the list), but there was enough sweetness and smarts here to let me get past chapter 1 (unlike P&P and zombies, ugh) and then I was hooked. A few things irritated me. Show, don’t tell. I must have thought that 10 times reading this book. And while Austen uses a broad brush to paint many of her characters (lady Catherine, mr Collins), in this book the brush is a little too broad for the more ridiculous people. And some characters get only a few lines of dialogue, so I found the characterizations just too abrupt.
Except masood the life coach, he was a fitting mr Collins stand in.
It wasn’t a short book, but certain parts felt very rushed. The wickham character needed more development, the expose at the end felt clunky, Khalid and Ayesha’s reconciling, a few others.
All of which could have been overcome with a good editing and maybe 25 more pages, I think, as I liked her style. And Ayesha and Khalid are very good Elizabeth/Darcy stand ins. Ayesha is awesome, and playing up Khalid’s awkwardness is a nice twist on a character I find one of the more boring Austen heroes. I like that the Austen characters are an inspiration, but Ayesha and Khalid are there own people, not carbon cutouts.
It is also refreshing to read a book about people of faith that is neither proselytizing nor apologetic. I think more time spent on Islamophobia would make the book richer.
And Shakespeare quoting Nana was my favourite character! More Nana! Mr Bennet, eat your heart out.
Except masood the life coach, he was a fitting mr Collins stand in.
It wasn’t a short book, but certain parts felt very rushed. The wickham character needed more development, the expose at the end felt clunky, Khalid and Ayesha’s reconciling, a few others.
All of which could have been overcome with a good editing and maybe 25 more pages, I think, as I liked her style. And Ayesha and Khalid are very good Elizabeth/Darcy stand ins. Ayesha is awesome, and playing up Khalid’s awkwardness is a nice twist on a character I find one of the more boring Austen heroes. I like that the Austen characters are an inspiration, but Ayesha and Khalid are there own people, not carbon cutouts.
It is also refreshing to read a book about people of faith that is neither proselytizing nor apologetic. I think more time spent on Islamophobia would make the book richer.
And Shakespeare quoting Nana was my favourite character! More Nana! Mr Bennet, eat your heart out.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Classism
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Abortion, Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Trafficking
“The urge to touch her had made him dizzy.
Khalid had never felt this way about anyone else. This tumbling, this lightening, this easing. Was this what it felt like to fall in love? It was so different than what he had expected. For the first time in his life, he could imagine what it must feel like to be drunk and completely unbalanced.”
“Sometimes there are no words, only sunshine on your heart.”
-
While there are a few things I didn’t like about this book: way too many points of view, khalid being an insufferable mama’s boy oh my god, the *amount* of topics that were trying to be tackled, the fixation on hafsa, I also *hated* khalid’s sister storyline as I felt it wasn’t resolved.. I hate his parents so much and his sister deserved better, also
TAREK?????? WHAT IS THE POINT OF TAREK????, and the *LACK* of the BEAUTIFUL romance between khalid and Ayesha
I really liked ayesha’s character (she felt so REAL), i also loved nana and nani and the Shakespeare references, AND I LOVED KHALID AND AYESHA’S ~DATES PLEASE THEY’RE SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!! (THE PART WHEN THEY COOK TOGETHER.... I LOVE THEM), the book was really entertaining and I love the ending!!!! This was cute and (kind of) lighthearted and lovely!!!!! I highly recommend it for a soft, easy, and entertaining read!!!
Note: I didn’t give it 4 stars due to the reasons above but most importantly I hated how khalid had to “change his look” and then he felt like he “fit in” and was “accepted” by his peers.. if an author writes that a hijabi takes off her hijab to fit in I would be Livid, so yeah that wasn’t a nice part of the story
Khalid had never felt this way about anyone else. This tumbling, this lightening, this easing. Was this what it felt like to fall in love? It was so different than what he had expected. For the first time in his life, he could imagine what it must feel like to be drunk and completely unbalanced.”
“Sometimes there are no words, only sunshine on your heart.”
-
While there are a few things I didn’t like about this book: way too many points of view, khalid being an insufferable mama’s boy oh my god, the *amount* of topics that were trying to be tackled, the fixation on hafsa, I also *hated* khalid’s sister storyline as I felt it wasn’t resolved.. I hate his parents so much and his sister deserved better, also
TAREK?????? WHAT IS THE POINT OF TAREK????, and the *LACK* of the BEAUTIFUL romance between khalid and Ayesha
I really liked ayesha’s character (she felt so REAL), i also loved nana and nani and the Shakespeare references, AND I LOVED KHALID AND AYESHA’S ~DATES PLEASE THEY’RE SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!! (THE PART WHEN THEY COOK TOGETHER.... I LOVE THEM), the book was really entertaining and I love the ending!!!! This was cute and (kind of) lighthearted and lovely!!!!! I highly recommend it for a soft, easy, and entertaining read!!!
Note: I didn’t give it 4 stars due to the reasons above but most importantly I hated how khalid had to “change his look” and then he felt like he “fit in” and was “accepted” by his peers.. if an author writes that a hijabi takes off her hijab to fit in I would be Livid, so yeah that wasn’t a nice part of the story
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the course of true love never did run smooth...
Ayesha dreams of being a poet, but real life dictates that she is actually embarking of a career as a teacher - albeit as a substitute teacher right now.
Ayesha's wider Muslim family are obsessed with marriage, and her young cousin Hafsa is determined to get as many proposals as possible - ideally, a round one hundred!
Although Ayesha admits to herself that she is lonely, having never actually had a boyfriend, she definitely does not want an arranged marriage, and she finds the whole spectacle of rishtas ridiculous - thankfully, her mother and grandparents agree.
But then Ayesha meets Khalid. He really does not seem to be Ayesha's type, and he is so infuriating, but she cannot get him out of her mind.
Khalid is happy in his conservative little life. Dressing as a strict Muslim should, and passing his days either at work, or the mosque. He is more than happy to allow his over-bearing mother free-rein of a choice of bride for him, because surely, she will know what is best.
But then he meets Ayesha. Ayesha is definitely not someone his mother would approve of, but she is all he can think about.
Unfortunately, he thinks her name is Hafsa.....
Thank you to Readers First and Corvus Books for the chance to read this delight of a book.
It is the most wonderful mix of Pride and Prejudice and a Shakespeare comedy, set within the Muslim community of Toronto and kept me entertained all the way through. This is a book full of tears and laughter; heart and soul. It has everything you need in a romantic comedy - misunderstandings, mistaken identity, trials and tribulations, with a suitably happy ending.
Ayesha and Khalid bump heads again and again, in a delightful parody of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, and Uzma Jalaluddin even adapts some of the sublime dialogue of Jane Austen to fit! I loved that you could also pick out so many other sub-plots and characters from Pride and Prejudice, one of my all time favourite books, along the way too.
I am really looking forward to more from Uzma Jalaluddin.