A review by jiungdni
The Marriage Clock by Zara Raheem

3.0

i really loved the concept of this book i really did. i read this in 2021 i’m pretty sure over winter break. and i picked up the book and finished all in one day. i loved the concept, the execution? not so much. the book gets a bit repetitive itself, and as much as i loved Leila she a bit childish. although for me i have a bit of an unrealistic view when it comes to my men, i’m also only a sixteen year old who’s definition of romance is what is stated in books i’ve consumed and enjoyed, but that doesn’t mean i don’t have yet another side realistic view on romance. but for a mid 20s gal, i think Leila was still a bit in her fantasy world waiting for the prince of her dreams to come and scoop her up. i LOVE the idea of the book and the way the author wants to bring light to issues of south asian girls and issues with arranged marriage in SWANA in general (south and west asia and north africa). i think it’s just the repetitive attitude of Leila that made the book a bit boring. also the ending feels super rushed. as a muslim gal myself arranged marriage is not something that parents will change their mind about so easily, especially what i’ve heard from desi friends. these are things that are culturally embedded into their membrane it won’t take a little speech at their anniversary party for her parents to go “NOO WE LOVE YOU WE NEVER MEANT IT LIKE THAT!” it’s just very unrealistic. again, i adore the idea of this book i just wish it was excecuted in a better format.