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bookmaddie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
3.0
It's funny to think about reviewing this book, because even though it's marketed as a romance, it felt more like a coming of age story. I didn't really root for the central romance that strongly, and was more interested in Soraya's family backstory and the conflicts brought up there. While the romance served as the basis for the story in the beginning, the narrative quickly moves to focus on Soraya's personal growth and finding herself (which I enjoyed). Because the romance isn't the central driver to the story, it felt kind of like a cop-out when Soraya and Magnus, the romantic interest, reunite in the end. I honestly agree with her friends that she should have rejected him as he was a jerk.. but alas. :'-)
Soraya is a sweet main character, and I could empathize a lot with her struggles facing adulthood after college. I think Jafari did a great job bringing in Soraya's mother's story, and that really helped inform the narrative in a multitude of ways as the story wound on. Through Soraya, Jafari explores romance from within and outside of the traditional perspective of Muslim women. It was refreshing to read a perspective like this, which I've not encountered much in romance books before.
I feel like it's hard to call this book completely romance, but it has the same heart-warming feels that any romance would give you, so it toes the line perfectly.
Soraya is a sweet main character, and I could empathize a lot with her struggles facing adulthood after college. I think Jafari did a great job bringing in Soraya's mother's story, and that really helped inform the narrative in a multitude of ways as the story wound on. Through Soraya, Jafari explores romance from within and outside of the traditional perspective of Muslim women. It was refreshing to read a perspective like this, which I've not encountered much in romance books before.
I feel like it's hard to call this book completely romance, but it has the same heart-warming feels that any romance would give you, so it toes the line perfectly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Drug abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism
lnzava's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Child abuse, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Racism, Racial slurs, Misogyny, Mental illness, Islamophobia, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
cordeliadarkles's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Words cannot describe my adoration towards this book.
As a WOC, reading Soraya's struggle between pleasing her far-from-perfect family, realizing her goals, and becoming the person she wants to be was like looking at my reflection. Regardless of cultural background, most will be compelled - and relate - to Soraya's story.
As cliche as it sounds, this book is about love (motherly, sisterly, romantic.) It's about learning to let walls crumble down, and make loved ones understand, accept the unlikable parts of one's self.
The Mismatch is beautifully written and irresistibly sweet.
As a WOC, reading Soraya's struggle between pleasing her far-from-perfect family, realizing her goals, and becoming the person she wants to be was like looking at my reflection. Regardless of cultural background, most will be compelled - and relate - to Soraya's story.
As cliche as it sounds, this book is about love (motherly, sisterly, romantic.) It's about learning to let walls crumble down, and make loved ones understand, accept the unlikable parts of one's self.
The Mismatch is beautifully written and irresistibly sweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Infidelity, Self harm, and Xenophobia
Minor: Racial slurs and Xenophobia
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