Reviews

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

mishsreads's review against another edition

4.0

very cutie, also toronto girl rep!

khalid's struggles with balancing his faith, family and personal life added depth and had not really explored in other books I have read, ayesha's grandparents are literally so cute (best part of the book imo)

aliferuz's review against another edition

4.0

There are some characters that I loathe so much to the point I reluctant to continue this book. Even the main charachters, Ayesha and Khalid, they have their fair share of trait that I'm not fond of. But I love how vocal and outspoken Ayesha is, she doesn't let others step on her. Khalid, on the other hand, frustrated me more because I feel like he couldn't stand up for himself. I enjoyed this story most of the time, but the plot escalated quickly to my liking and it's a little bit boring toward the end.

betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition

4.0

A modern-day Muslim Pride and Prejudice for a new generation of love.

Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn't want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental. She is irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her choices and dresses like he belongs in the seventh century.

When a surprise engagement is announced between Khalid and Hafsa, Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the straightforward Khalid and the unsettling new gossip she hears about his family. Looking into the rumors, she finds she has to deal with not only what she discovers about Khalid, but also the truth she realizes about herself.

Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: super adorable, intriguing retelling of a well-beloved classic; LOVELOVELOVE the dual POVs; the humor and snark are real with this one; believable, easy to love characters; I felt there were only a few "forced" moments; gorgeous purple prose

HUGE thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin, Berkley Books Publishing, and Netgalley for sending a complimentary egalley of this title my way! This in no way altered my review of or opinions on this book.

"If I do not weed my garden, my beloved flowers will die, asphyxiated by vicious forces whose only goal is colonization. If you choose to plant the flowers, you make a choice to be responsible over other living things. Khalid is not a man who takes his responsibilities lightly."

I know what you all are thinking, Penguins. I can just HEAR you all wondering when I'm going to give up my fanatic obsession with all things Pride and Prejudice and leave you all to enjoy your bookaholicism in peace. I have news for you. The answer is.......... NEVER. Which is how we've found ourselves here, in the midst of yet another post where your Royal Penguin Princess fangirls her little heart over YET ANOTHER P&P retelling/adaptation. I take my bookish duties seriously, y'all. You'll never catch me doing otherwise.

And this retelling might well be a favorite of mine, for several reasons. First and foremost: this is a DIVERSE retelling. The fact that I learned a little about a different culture in the process of reading...I don't think it gets much better than that! The fact that the author is also a WOC...uggggggh, let me die happy now! The subjects tackled in this book were far-ranging and beautifully handled. Uzma Jalaluddin approached this novel with expert crafting and sensitivity, while still ensuring readers came out of the journey looking at the world with freshly-opened eyes. I tip my beak to her, y'all--she helped me see things in a WHOLE new light, which isn't always easy.

"I admire your bravery. Where will you go? Dreamers need to eat too."

"I was thinking overseas. See the world, write."

Mr. Evorem nodded. "Just remember to pack light. Dreams tend to shatter if you're carrying other people's hopes around with you."

I really enjoyed how much snark and witty banter flowed between these pages. It was a blast to see the world through Ayesha's eyes, and experience several POVs that were distinct and easy to tell apart. There were only a few moments that seemed more "forced" for the sake of the original content/story line. I actually REALLY enjoyed how Uzma Jalaluddin managed to play in some of the more prominent characters--she took time to think outside the box in several instances, and caught me by surprise more than once.

This was such a fantastic read, filled with beautifully crafted prose and true-to-life situations. The lessons and growth these characters faced were believable and thought-provoking, if a small bit contrived in certain instances. I would definitely recommend to readers seeking their next diverse, witty retelling--especially those with a soft spot for all things P&P, like me! Are you ready to unveil these pages, Penguins?!

emrodav's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 ✨ (GIVE ME HALF STARS GOODREADS!!!)

I mostly enjoyed this book, especially when it read more like a Pride and Prejudice retelling. My main issues with it are that it could’ve been more of a Jane Austen retelling, the ending was too rushed (in much the same way that the ending of Hana Khan Carries On was too rushed and unsatisfying), and

Spoiler

how Khalid had a Sandy from the movie Grease moment at the end (iykyk)

.

cbquintero's review against another edition

4.0

Bollywood in a book but really captured me to read more so 4 it is

ayeshandbooks's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

Between 4 and 4.5 stars.

A modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Toronto, Ayesha at Last, features a cast of muslims of Indian descent. Ayesha is a substitute teacher but dreams of being a poet. Her mom encourages her to pursue her career instead of rushing into marriage. Meanwhile, Ayesha's cousin Hafsa is in the middle of reviewing potential grooms. Ayesha meets Khalid, her best friend's coworker at a poetry reading at a local lounge. Ayesha and Khalid don't make the best first impression on each other. But Ayesha can't stop thinking about him.

I really enjoyed this one. It is actually the second love story that I've read this month that features muslim characters. A few weeks ago I read [b:Love From A to Z|40148146|Love From A to Z|S.K. Ali|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545943011l/40148146._SY75_.jpg|62283756] which I also enjoyed. I liked that both featured strong lead female characters.

This book counts towards the Book Riot Read Harder 2020 Challenge topic #2:a retelling of a classic of the canon, fairytale, or myth by an author of color

musingsbynitika's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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? No

4.0

A cute & fun contemporary romance! A Muslim re-telling of Pride & Prejudice, with a strong South-Asian migrant story in Canada. Add a splash of poetry & Shakespeare references from the MC’s sweet grandfather.

I'm not 100% convinced that the 180-degree transformation for Khaled was necessary or convincing towards at the end, but I'm glad that Ayesha told him to grow his beard back, at least

zcarver's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

aishatreads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? N/A

4.0