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A review by thatotherjlo
The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is such a lovely debut, with a protagonist clearly constructed with such love that, in the context of a romcom (complete with fake dating, secret relationships, and a love triangle!), you end up rooting for Zahra and her independence over the actual romantic relationships. While I enjoyed the romance, I feel like the real love stories here are friendships and, above all, the love between parents and their children.
Zahra's driving conflict is all about what she wants for herself, what her family wants for her, and what she wants for her family, which feels so fitting for a young adult romcom. As a child immigrant myself, who grew up in the diaspora with my own mother and siblings, this dynamic -- and especially Zahra's evolving relationship with her mother -- felt so true and written with such care.
I felt similarly about Zahra's relationship with Harun, which evolved so beautiful from contempt to friendship; the conflict and betrayal between them felt realistic and true to their character arcs.
By contrast, I really disliked Nayim's characterization and evolution; I could not understand his motivations, and Zahra's choices and actions when it came to him seemed irrational. I understand that that is part of the point (Zahra is a teenager, put in a difficult situation, and has struggled so long with what people expect or want from her, that it is difficult for her to go after or assert what she wants), but it was frustrating as a reader.
Zahra's driving conflict is all about what she wants for herself, what her family wants for her, and what she wants for her family, which feels so fitting for a young adult romcom. As a child immigrant myself, who grew up in the diaspora with my own mother and siblings, this dynamic -- and especially Zahra's evolving relationship with her mother -- felt so true and written with such care.
I felt similarly about Zahra's relationship with Harun, which evolved so beautiful from contempt to friendship; the conflict and betrayal between them felt realistic and true to their character arcs.
By contrast, I really disliked Nayim's characterization and evolution; I could not understand his motivations, and Zahra's choices and actions when it came to him seemed irrational. I understand that that is part of the point (Zahra is a teenager, put in a difficult situation, and has struggled so long with what people expect or want from her, that it is difficult for her to go after or assert what she wants), but it was frustrating as a reader.
All in all, Taslim's The Love Match is a really enjoyable read, with a fleshed-out protagonist you cannot help but root for, a rich and well-developed world and community, and a satisfying resolution.