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meddimoo 's review for:
Ayesha at Last
by Uzma Jalaluddin
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this book an exceptional read. I think it’s a novel and fresh perspective to romance as a genre. I think that Jalaluddin is a strong writer and I want to read more of her work.
However, you can tell that this is her first novel. Personally I found that there were to many ‘villains’ in the story (Sheila, Tarek and Farzana ). Leading on from that there were to many side plots that did all thankfully all resolved and came together at the end but made the over all plot messy and detracted from the main story. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy them.
Another issue that I had was the PoV changes - I’m ok with PoV changes mid chapter and you don’t need to spell it out for me but the PoV changed with in the sections of chapters making it disorientating and confusing at points.
Some of the twists seemed cartoonish and over the topeg. Tarek’s involvement in veiledhotties.com and his decade long revenge plan.
I’m not going to lie I was worried towards the end that the final note of the story was Khalid was going to keep the changes he made for the final show down with Sheila and the wedding. Not comfortable with the message that to be accepted but both society and Ayesha is that he needs to hold a part of him self back and adapt him self to societies ideals. Especially in contrast of the messaging that Ayesha is finally getting to be herself and encouraged to peruse her dreams. I’m happy that was not the case.
I love Khalid getting the opportunity to reconnect with his sister and that in the end we find out that she was happy and fulfilled in her life in India. Especially as the book seemed to be taking a stance against arranged marriage. Whilst in her case also touching on how young girls in her situation can be pressured and forced into unwanted marriages highlighting the darker side of arranged marriages.
Hafsa and Masood are perfect for each other in their own strangely endearing valid way
The food descriptions had me salivating and I loved the descriptions of all the clothing. Also Ayesha’s messy and chaotic family were amazing and really emphasised the juxtaposition with Khalid and his mother.
Many of the issues that I have with this book I think will make Jalaluddin a strong who dunnit/quirky murder mystery writer and I’m excited to read Detective Aunty.
However, you can tell that this is her first novel. Personally I found that there were to many ‘villains’ in the story (
Another issue that I had was the PoV changes - I’m ok with PoV changes mid chapter and you don’t need to spell it out for me but the PoV changed with in the sections of chapters making it disorientating and confusing at points.
Some of the twists seemed cartoonish and over the top
I love Khalid getting the opportunity to reconnect with his sister and that in the end we find out that she was happy and fulfilled in her life in India. Especially as the book seemed to be taking a stance against arranged marriage. Whilst in her case also touching on how young girls in her situation can be pressured and forced into unwanted marriages highlighting the darker side of arranged marriages.
Hafsa and Masood are perfect for each other in their own strangely endearing valid way
The food descriptions had me salivating and I loved the descriptions of all the clothing. Also Ayesha’s messy and chaotic family were amazing and really emphasised the juxtaposition with Khalid and his mother.
Many of the issues that I have with this book I think will make Jalaluddin a strong who dunnit/quirky murder mystery writer and I’m excited to read Detective Aunty.