You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A solid book, and after reading this I’d be keen to read more from Kasim Ali.
I’m a bit of a sucker for a back and forth narration, jumping through time with the same characters, picking out hints from the past to explain the present. This meant reading this was a breeze for me.
I also related to that anxious overthinking mind that Nur has, particularly in his first relationship. I think there is a universality there that most people will find something relatable in.
The characterisation was good, writing easy to read & overall story was tender and honest.
I’m a bit of a sucker for a back and forth narration, jumping through time with the same characters, picking out hints from the past to explain the present. This meant reading this was a breeze for me.
I also related to that anxious overthinking mind that Nur has, particularly in his first relationship. I think there is a universality there that most people will find something relatable in.
The characterisation was good, writing easy to read & overall story was tender and honest.
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The last chunk of the book saved this. As someone who has been in a similar situation and navigated it completely differently I was so frustrated by Nur throughout this. Power to Yasmeena for leaving him!
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism
Just so meh... nothing happens and cannot feel anything for the characters
love/hate relationship with the non chronological format
nur deffo did not deserve yasmina!!
nur deffo did not deserve yasmina!!
This was an aching story, full of the weight and complexities of familial expectations and relationships, especially cultural norms/stereotypes/expectations that surround marriage, love, race, religion. The ways we can become entrapped by our fears and our own biases, how its easier to “do nothing” even if that’s something we don’t want to admit to and even when “doing nothing” is a choice too. So many different friendships are also explored in this story and of course a tender love and all its twists and turns.
I appreciated being taken inside of another culture and geographic location to learn a bit more from a different perspective.
There were times, the writing, the dialogue, the sentiments, the relationships…got me. Tears! Multiple times, tears. And anger. I will say the more I thought about this story the angrier I get. Although I understand the flaws of human nature that would make such a story happen. But at what expense? At what expense do we compromise ourselves or compromise others to make us feel whole and loved and wanted??? I don’t think I liked the main character at all. You know… Some people can be really nice but they’re not nice! Even though I think we ultimately did see an arc of growth, he had a long way to go still.
“Good intentions” is a very appropriate title! (And we know where the road paved with good intentions leads.)
I appreciated being taken inside of another culture and geographic location to learn a bit more from a different perspective.
There were times, the writing, the dialogue, the sentiments, the relationships…got me. Tears! Multiple times, tears. And anger. I will say the more I thought about this story the angrier I get. Although I understand the flaws of human nature that would make such a story happen. But at what expense? At what expense do we compromise ourselves or compromise others to make us feel whole and loved and wanted??? I don’t think I liked the main character at all. You know… Some people can be really nice but they’re not nice! Even though I think we ultimately did see an arc of growth, he had a long way to go still.
“Good intentions” is a very appropriate title! (And we know where the road paved with good intentions leads.)
This book was ok. It's a love story that alternates between the beginning, the middle, and the current status of their relationships. I enjoyed reading about the beginning, but I couldn't follow with the middle and the constant going back and forth made it hard to stay engaged in the book. I think it should have just alternated between the beginning and current. The ending was completely unsatisfying, but realistic.
The choice of audiobook narrator is excellent, but there is so much filler and a lack of plot and I like Yasmina but Nur is, he is frustrating.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Self harm
medium-paced