Sure, it's a P&P retelling, and that might be what makes you pick it up in the first place, but it is also its OWN story, which is much more remarkable. I actually really enjoyed Khalid's arc, especially how he tries to maintain his sense of self at work, and the HEA was well earned. I didn't want to put it down!

This story was great. It's the kind of book you can easily devour in a day. Ayesha and her family were lovely, especially Nani and Nana. The romance is wonderful and the best kind of slow burn.

I also enjoyed the allusions to Pride and Prejudice. Many retellings get it wrong and make "Darcy" mean. Here, both Khalid and Ayesha had to grown and change. The both realized they were guilty of making assumptions based on initial impressions.

Even though this is a retelling, the story stands on its own. It would definitely make a great beach read. Highly recommended!

This tale of second generation Indian/Muslim romance in America was an enjoyable read. I found it’s strength was in providing a relatively painless way to learn about another culture and the challenge of respecting one’s family’s/community’s ways while simultaneously integrating into the larger community. The author has a message and there wasn’t anything subtle about it. The writing felt like something aimed at teens, a story with a lesson and not a whole lot of depth. The characters at first did seem pretty one dimensional. Khalid, the male love interest, was particularly dense and, for a really bright guy, lacked the self-awareness most people acquire by their late 20s. Ayesha and Khalid did become more real as time went by. The plot wasn’t very well-developed and many of the accessory characters were stereotypes. But after saying all that, I’m glad I read it. I did learn some of those lessons referred to earlier about inclusivity in the workplace, embracing diversity in our society and having a confident sense of self.

I received this e-book ARC of Ayesha At Last through Net Galley from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for a truthful review.
Contemporary Canadian retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in a Toronto Muslim community with fantastic doses of Shakespeare and a comedy of errors story line woven in.
There are some truly laugh out loud moments, some truly vile villains and of course romance with accompanying heartbreak. Ayesha's adorable Nani and Nana are lovely. I was grateful that this was not a tit-for-tat Pride and Prejudice rehashing, both with plot and characters: this kept the suspense about how this unique story would eventually play out.
I tore through this enjoyable novel in one day. Loved it!

Ayesha Shamsi is a 27 year old who is a substitute teacher and a poet. Khalid is a devout Muslim who is a computer programmer who lives across the road from Ayesha. They meet at a lounge where Ayesha is reciting one of her poems. There is a strong reaction between them that is put to the test, especially when Khalid's mother wants Khalid to marry Ayesha's cousin. Delightful with many references to the Muslim religious practices and expectations.

Ayesha (our Lizzie) is an independent Muslim woman who balks at the idea of an arranged marriage. The way that her younger - and much sought after - cousin boasts about the dozens of rishtas that she plans to reject seems like an antiquated notion. Ayesha is the level-headed, but headstrong member of the family who loves to write and recite poetry at a local lounge.

When her friend, Clara, sees an opportunity to introduce Ayesha to Khalid - a quiet but honorable Muslim colleague whose mother thinks it's time for him to settling down - sparks fly, and heads butt over quick judgments and hasty words.

Khalid - a fundamentalist - is unwavering in his nonconformity, preferring to dress and act traditionally. His mother will select a wife for him, for what does he know about being married. Ayesha challenges Khalid to see that love doesn't necessarily have to come <i> after </i> marriage, and he should play an active role in finding his own wife.

Misunderstandings, mistaken identity, a spoiled cousin, and a controlling mother - this Pride and Prejudice retelling throws a few curve balls into the mix to keep you on your toes.

This was a thoughtful look at pride and prejudice (surprise!) masked as an adorable contemporary romance novel. While the motivation of the antagonists didn't seem fully fleshed out to me, it was appropriately reminiscent of Jane Austen to have a few dramatic reveals and silly characters.

The protagonists were both relatable and interesting, but Khalid's character arc was the most profound for me; he worked hard to become the version of himself that *he* felt was right. I loved Ayesha's sass and feeling of self-worth, and I adored her side hustle as a slam poet superstar.

Best supporting character award goes either to the Hawaiian shirt wearing imam, or the Shakespeare quoting grandpa.

Final thoughts: probably one of my favorite P&P retellings, especially modernizations.

Pride & Prejudice + Muslim Remix = Perfect Romcom!

AYESHA AT LAST was sweet, heartfelt, uplifting, and just perfect. I love the nods to Pride & Prejudice, while staying true to the character’s Muslim heritage. The family interactions were so touching and beautiful, and the slow-burn romance was absolutely adorkable. All in all, this book was a major hit, and I highly recommend it to romance lovers!

Meet Khalid: works a steady job, comes from a wealthy family, and is super devoted to his religion.
Meet Hafsa: started a job she’s not quite sure about, spinster who is said to be too outspoken, and places her thoughts and feelings on paper through poetry.

He first sees her from across the street and is delighted by her clumsiness. She first sees him at a lounge where he is snobbish and judgemental. Despite their rocky start, they end up working together at their local mosque to plan a conference that could possibly save it. Surprisingly enough for both of them, they enjoy the other’s company and a hesitant relationship starts forming.

“Have you ever wondered, Hafsa, what it would be like to spend your life with someone like me? Have you ever wondered, beautiful Hafsa, what it would be like to open your heart to something unexpected, someone wholly unanticipated? Because I am starting to wonder.”

However, obstacles abound in the story. Khalid comes from a wealthy family, but he hasn’t seen his mysterious sister in around twelve years, since she was kicked out of the house. His mother is extremely domineering, and he usually just follows along whatever she commands - including the subject of his wife. Originally, he was content with marrying the girl his mother picked out for him - until he starts developing feelings for Hafsa. Hafsa, on the other hand, is discontent with her own life. She’s starting a teaching job because that’s the good Muslim daughter thing to do, but her passion lies within her poetry. She is too old to be called on for arranged marriages (at a whopping twenty-seven), and finds herself okay with that fact… but maybe a bit dissatisfied with her lack of love life. Of course, this changes when she meets Khalid.

“Because while it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single Muslim man must be in want of a wife, there’s an even greater truth: To his Indian mother, his own inclinations are of secondary importance.”

Throw in a suspicious conference manager, a super pretty yet immature cousin, a racist boss, and family histories that could tear their reputations apart, AYESHA AT LAST makes for a hilarious and moving novel. Both characters were exceptionally flawed, but that was what made them endearing. Khalid was a bit too traditional at times - almost to the point of passivity where his mother was concerned, while Hafsa refused to compromise at times. I adored Khalid’s quiet strength and sensitivity, as well as admired Hafsa’s outspokenness and actions against the status quo of her community. Both learn to meet each other at the middle though, striking a delicate, balanced relationship.

AYESHA AT LAST was just so heart-warming and lovely. I can’t gush enough about it, and I really recommend it to romance lovers. I think the only problem I had was the length - it was a tad long, but every word was worth it! While it is a romcom set in contemporary times, the Pride & Prejudice themes were wrapped expertly into the story. Readers looking for a sweet and fulfilling story with endearing characters should definitely pick this one up!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: discrimination/racism

I throughly enjoyed reading Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin. This modern day retelling of Pride & Prejudice with Sheakspeare sprinkled in since Ayesha loves to write poetry, made for a fun and entertaining story.
I enjoyed watching Khalid and Ayesha’s personal growth as well as the banter, swoon worthy moments and love at last, as the story progressed.
We get a feel of the Muslim community’s traditions, challenges, family drama, life style, and expectations told from different points of view.
The secondary characters really added excitement, drama, wisdom, laughter and some suspense which kept me engaged the whole time. This was a sweet and romantic read. I highly recommend Ayesha At Last and give it 4.5 stars!