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questingnotcoasting's review
emotional
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
4.0
This was fun. It's a loose Pride and Prejudice retelling set in a Muslim community in Toronto and while Jalaluddin takes some of Austen's characters and themes, the plot doesn't follow the original that closely. The themes of reputation, classism and family translated perfectly and I felt it had the same great mix of family drama and comedy as P&P. I listened to the audiobook and it did take me a little bit to settle into it because there are quite a few names introduced in the first few chapters - something I often struggle with on audio. However I soon got to grips with all the characters and then really enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Islamophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
taulkstoomuch's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book so much, I finished listening to the audiobook in less than 3 days. It just goes to show how important representation matters, I felt like I was listening to secret family gossip the whole time. The relationship between Khalid and Ayesha was so pure and beautiful, I caught myself smiling throughout the book.
Other than the narrators butchered Urdu and Hindi pronunciation, I have no complaints. Such a fun read!
Other than the narrators butchered Urdu and Hindi pronunciation, I have no complaints. Such a fun read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Minor: Body shaming and Violence
warboyziri's review
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
heard this in an audiobook and the psychic damage dealt to me by the non-desi narrator butchering Urdu is incomparable
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse
annaem's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“Chai was so much more than a caffeine kick for her. She knew how every member of her family liked to drink their tea, how much sugar or honey to put in each cup. Chai was love, distilled and warming. She drank and relished the silence.”
I love a good Jane Austen retelling and this one delivers. Ayesha at Last is a fairly loose retelling that brings Pride & Prejudice into the 21st Century Canadian Muslim community. Ayesha and Khalistan are both so likeable. Ayesha is outspoken, opinionated and of course, extremely stubborn. Khalid is a quiet character, a conservative Muslim, including dressing in traditional Muslim clothing. Much of the prejudice focuses around Khalid and attitudes toward him including workplace discrimination and Ayesha’s own assumptions. A brilliant update for Pride & Prejudice fans.
I love a good Jane Austen retelling and this one delivers. Ayesha at Last is a fairly loose retelling that brings Pride & Prejudice into the 21st Century Canadian Muslim community. Ayesha and Khalistan are both so likeable. Ayesha is outspoken, opinionated and of course, extremely stubborn. Khalid is a quiet character, a conservative Muslim, including dressing in traditional Muslim clothing. Much of the prejudice focuses around Khalid and attitudes toward him including workplace discrimination and Ayesha’s own assumptions. A brilliant update for Pride & Prejudice fans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
aseel_reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
this was really fun! i enjoyed figuring out which character was the reimagined one from P&P. i liked how it was adapted to fit a Indian/south asian muslim community!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a while since I read this, but I remember liking it! Going in, the synopsis had given me certain expectations that I was glad were not true. I enjoyed the story much better with mistaken identity being the conflict! Khalid was such a cinnamon roll.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Grief
Moderate: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Racism, and Islamophobia
Minor: Abortion and Death of parent
nytephoenyx's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
It took me a little while to get into Ayesha at Last – at the beginning I thought it was going to be another run-of-the-mill romance and as y’all know… that is not my genre. The deeper I got into the book the more I came to enjoy it. In particular, I really liked Ayesha herself.
If I’m going to read romance, this is how I like it. Ayesha at Last is down-to-Earth and doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of racism. There are a lot of shades of the Muslim faith in this book, and as someone who had very little knowledge on both the Muslim faith and Indian traditions, I really enjoyed the nuances to the world building. I also enjoyed the socio-economic differences between characters that added even more variety to the complex line-up.
Ayesha at Last is a Pride and Prejudice retelling, but I’ll tell you right upfront that you can be completely unfamiliar with Pride and Prejudiceand still enjoy the novel. If anything, this story reminds me of elements of Shakespearean comedies… a similarity that was undoubtedly intentional considering how often the Bard was quoted. In addition, mistaken identities always remind me of Shakespeare. 🙂 Yet more nuances to this book I enjoyed! Also Ayesha’s grandparents are purely precious.
All the family relationships were really interesting, and all very different! From role models to benefactors to babysitting to unequal balances of power, there’s a wide variety of connections between characters which adds to the richness of the story. Aside from Ayesha and her grandparents, I also really liked Khalid’s relationship with his sister. The importance (and frustration!) of family comes through really well.
I thought Jalaluddin’s writing was fantastic. While Ayesha at Last may not be a book I run out to the bookstore to get (once is enough for most romances, in my opinion), this skill that went into writing this book proves that Jalaluddin is skilled at her craft. I’ll definitely pick up more books by this author. In addition to that, Ayesha at Last is an easy recommendation that I’d give to most the readers I know in real life!
If you’re looking for a desi romance with frequent, adorable confusion and occasional dramatic gestures, then Ayesha at Last is certainly for you. The minor revenge side plot and the beautifully described wedding are just bonuses after that. I definitely recommend reading this one – by the end, you’ll be cozy and smiling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Alcoholism, Violence, Abortion, and Pregnancy
onemamareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.0
Read my full review here: https://onemamassummer.weebly.com/book-reviews/ayesha-at-last
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Abortion and Death of parent
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Title: Ayesha at Last
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4
Pub Date: June 12 2018
T H R E E • W O R D S
Lighthearted • Delightful • Modern
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Ayesha at Last is a modern day retelling of the beloved classic Pride & Prejudice with Muslim protagonists. Ayesha dreams of being a poet, but she's put that dream aside for a teaching job in order to repay her uncle. Her boisterous family is constantly reminding her she's still single, but she knows she doesn't want an arranged marriage. When she meets Khalid, she's immediately off-put by his conservative and judgmental nature. His father having recently died, Khalid is focused on his career, and trusts his mother to find him a wife. When a new boss is put in place, he faces pressures to conform to different ways than what he knows. When the two are thrown together to plan event to help save an organization near and dear to them both, they're about to get to know each other a whole lot better.
💭 T H O U G H T S
What a pleasant surprise Ayesha at Last was, I still cannot wrap my head around the fact this is a debut novel. The writing follows an easy flow, offering alternating third person accounts of both Ayesha and Khalid's lives. While marketed as a romantic comedy, this story is so much more than just romance. It takes a deep dive into the complexities of family relationships, religious standards, and finding oneself. Uzma Jalauddin explores many themes including identity, family, community, faith, and of course, love. The connection between the characters is magnetic. The humour an added bonus. The culture embedded within informative. The author has done a phenomenal job portraying the many different challenges faced by immigrants in Canada, in this feel-good story. For all of these reasons, this novel was an enjoyable reading experience I won't soon forget.
I've never read Pride & Prejudice so I cannot speak to its authenticity in relation to it, but this title stands strong all on its own. It is a fun, informative enemies-to-lovers done right novel that has be looking forward to Hana Khan Carries On, this author's latest release.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Pride & Prejudice lovers
• Cultural romance readers
• those that enjoy romance without all the steam
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We are all just cosmic players in the eternal dance of life."
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4
Pub Date: June 12 2018
T H R E E • W O R D S
Lighthearted • Delightful • Modern
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Ayesha at Last is a modern day retelling of the beloved classic Pride & Prejudice with Muslim protagonists. Ayesha dreams of being a poet, but she's put that dream aside for a teaching job in order to repay her uncle. Her boisterous family is constantly reminding her she's still single, but she knows she doesn't want an arranged marriage. When she meets Khalid, she's immediately off-put by his conservative and judgmental nature. His father having recently died, Khalid is focused on his career, and trusts his mother to find him a wife. When a new boss is put in place, he faces pressures to conform to different ways than what he knows. When the two are thrown together to plan event to help save an organization near and dear to them both, they're about to get to know each other a whole lot better.
💭 T H O U G H T S
What a pleasant surprise Ayesha at Last was, I still cannot wrap my head around the fact this is a debut novel. The writing follows an easy flow, offering alternating third person accounts of both Ayesha and Khalid's lives. While marketed as a romantic comedy, this story is so much more than just romance. It takes a deep dive into the complexities of family relationships, religious standards, and finding oneself. Uzma Jalauddin explores many themes including identity, family, community, faith, and of course, love. The connection between the characters is magnetic. The humour an added bonus. The culture embedded within informative. The author has done a phenomenal job portraying the many different challenges faced by immigrants in Canada, in this feel-good story. For all of these reasons, this novel was an enjoyable reading experience I won't soon forget.
I've never read Pride & Prejudice so I cannot speak to its authenticity in relation to it, but this title stands strong all on its own. It is a fun, informative enemies-to-lovers done right novel that has be looking forward to Hana Khan Carries On, this author's latest release.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Pride & Prejudice lovers
• Cultural romance readers
• those that enjoy romance without all the steam
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We are all just cosmic players in the eternal dance of life."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, and Abortion
rhyaddams's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Abortion and Death of parent