Yes, yes, yes. This Pride and Prejudice retelling has done excellently what so many before have tried to do with less success. It has taken the framework of the story, and instead of forcing a character for character, event by event retelling, has used the main elements of the book to tell its own P&P inspired story. The author found realistic, modern ways for Khalid and Ayesha, the Darcy and Elizabeth inspired characters, to clash- Ayesha's perception of Khalid as a rigid, unkind fundamentalist; his perception of her as an insufficiently observant Muslim engaging in activities he disdained. The additional characters in this story were all excellent as well, and while P&P fans will recognize where parts of the story will go and who inspired certain characters, it's all done in a modern way that is just so engaging and well done. There's humor and heartfelt moments, and I really enjoyed this story.

3.5 or 4 stars. A retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" whose main characters are Muslims living in modern-day Toronto. One is an independent young woman who is trying to follow her dreams in spite of the pressures of everything she "should" be doing. The other is a very traditional Muslim man who can be rather awkward and judgmental of those who are different from him. I liked the look at the culture and religion of the characters as well as the story.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every single bit. So good and layered and complex. Funny and sweet and romantic and serious. There's several different couples and situations, families, and a community. Couldn't put it down, didn't want it end. Hooked by the very first page. Cliche, but all so true!!!

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l0CLT8d8z82zuKqxa/giphy.gif" width="400" height="400" alt="Kathy Bates excited clapping"/>

I haven't read Pride & Prejudice and I have no plans to honestly. I've read a couple P&P retellings and this is my favorite so far BY FAR.

I think it really helps to have that first endearing scene from Khalid and his POV. A lot of the time the LI is just such an ass and the love declaration comes out of left field. Not a problem here!

An HR manager actually stands up for the employees??? FUCK YES. I've never seen it personally but daaamn is it refreshing to have it in fiction at least.

Love how they handle the together forever but he won't propose situation.
And the douchey best friend coworker.
And the bar scene.
And the convention.
And Hafsa.
And the fat lady lingerie people!!

And the guy gets the hot makeover!!!

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/inyqrgp9o3NUA/giphy.gif" width="500" height="200" alt="Linda Belcher from Bob's Burgers happily freaking out"/>

I want more from Jalaluddin and more like this!!

I'd LOVE to see this as movie. Bring back the rom-com and do it right!!

YES all exclamation points are NECESSARY!

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/9VkusmHdKHuAE/giphy.gif" width="500" height="500" alt="Disney cartoon blonde clutching newspaper and freaking out in joy "/>

Once I let go of the idea of the Pride and Prejudice remix pitch, I totally enjoyed the story the writer was showing us. Yes, there are element of Austen’s novel. Still once I stopped trying to figure out who was who and took this journey of two people growing up both within and outside their familial circle, their faith and finding a companion with each other as it was not as it was promoted. I couldn’t stop reading. The poetry, the Shakespeare overtones, the delicate balance between being yourself, being too rigid, fitting in as yourself and staying true to your belief both Ayesha and Khalid experience, Uzma Jalaluddin mixes all of this and offers an very good first novel.

This book started out super strong but lagged a little bit in the middle. I enjoyed all the characters except Hafsa. What a little brat. Truly a Kitty! I liked how Uzma didn’t strictly stick to a straight P & P retelling and that she wrapped characters around. But I think I need a break from these retellings. Too many make them blur together.

I feel like I've been waiting for this book FOREVER because I thought it was going to come out last year, but that was only in Canada. So I was THRILLED to get an ARC to review ahead of the US ebook release in June.

First off, for some reason I thought this was YA (maybe because of the Goodreads shelves?) but it's not. This is an adult contemporary romance with tons of chemistry between the protagonists (but no sexual content or even kissing).

Second, I'd categorize this as a loose adaptation of Pride and Prejudice rather than a retelling, which to me usually implies something that more closely aligns with an original work (YMMV about the meaning of that term). If you start reading this book expecting an exact match but with a modern-day setting, you'll be disappointed and you'll drive yourself bananas trying to figure out if a particular character or scene harkens back to the original. There are some very obvious parallels (including the obligatory riff on the opening line at the end of the first chapter and a botched proposal), but I LOVED that the author put her own spin on it. There are SO MANY Austen retellings, and I found it refreshing that this wasn't so literal. It captures the spirit and major themes of the book but places them firmly within the contemporary Toronto Muslim community and the Indian-Canadian families that she writes about.

I don't want to summarize too much about the plot because there are a lot of fun surprises--especially since, as I said, it's a looser adaptation therefore it didn't feel entirely predictable--but I loved the writing, the humor, and the characters. Ayesha is a wonderful protagonist (and hijabi!!! I love hijabi heroines!!). She's by no means a carbon copy of the original Elizabeth Bennet, but she possesses a lot of the hallmarks of that character that I love so much like her loyalty (to friends and to family), her outspokenness (for better or worse), and huge heart.

Khalid is also quite different from Mr. Darcy, but again, with many similarities. He's quiet and reserved, but he loves his family, especially his sister, who lives in India and whom he hasn't seen for 12 years. Her backstory is revealed in bits and it's heartbreaking, but I felt his love for her so much. His desire to please his mother is also a reflection of his love for his family, even though other people ridicule him for letting her "control" him. Khalid is comfortable in his identity but conscious that others do not accept him as he is. He's a devout Muslim who has to deal with Islamophobia in the workplace (this was painful to read about). He comes across as judgmental to others (including Ayesha), and I think his character really grows throughout the book without losing who he is, deep down. He and Ayesha are opposites in a lot of ways, but also perfect for each other, just like Lizzy and Darcy :)

The secondary characters are a mixed bag of villains and best friends. I particularly loved how supportive Clara, Ayesha's best friend, was, as well as Ayesha's relationship to her grandparents.

This book isn't all kittens and rainbows--as mentioned, there's Zareena's backstory (Khalid's sister), Islamophobia, a revolting Wickham-inspired character, and Ayesha's complicated relationship with her mother, whom she hasn't felt close to since the death of her father when she was young. Her father's death is traumatizing and something Ayesha is clearly still coping with in her own way.

I wholeheartedly recommend this debut novel and can't wait to see what else Uzma Jalaluddin writes in the future!

Social sharing link wasn't working, but cross-posted to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2450367966

Title: Ayesha At Last
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Ayesha At Last' by Uzma Jalaluddin

My Rationalization:

I found this novel one that really lets one know what goes on involving culture that was what all goes into the tradition of arranged marriages as it was for Ayesha and Khalid. We find Ayesha who was 'feisty, smart and yes, bull-headed. With dreams of becoming a poet, we find her passionate about that art. However, after a misunderstanding a local mosque she will take on her cousin Hafsah identity only trying to help in that situation that did present quite a bit of drama. This author gives us a read set in a Muslim community in Toronto, creating a heroine and hero who have their very own prejudices about not only marriage but religion, life goals that will need to be worked out.

We find Khalid a devout and conservative being quite. I loved how he seemed to be a very kind person. This author really works magic in Ayesha and Khalid's romance that would definitely take turns back and forth presenting the reader with some adorable and heartwarming scenes putting a smile on your face. However, as the story continues the reader will get where one see that they both had a lot to overcome on their path to the HEA. I enjoyed Ayesha's grandparents who presented the story one of beauty along with a wonderful supporting cast of characters from 'Ayesha's flaky cousin, supportive best friend, grief-stricken mother to Khalid's overbearing mother and the party friends.'

Both Ayesha's and Khalid's traditions were so well presented all through the story. It was simply wonderful seeing all the different shades of Muslims from this novel. What I really enjoyed was the fact I was able to learn so much about Muslim culture. It was also hard at times seeing the racial bias from others and even the people in their own community. I guess this isn't too surprising in the world we live in today!

If you are looking for an intriguing plot, with great characters and just one interesting story you have come to the right place for this author Urza Jalaluddin gives it to you in "Ayesha At Last."

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"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 who 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."

I love how Pride and Prejudice has a universality that has lead to other cultures adapting it into their country's literary tradition.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc. I read this book in two days - it was a fairly quick read. I'm sure I would have appreciated this book more if I was more of the target audience. But overall, it was pretty good. It had clever and strong Pride & Prejudice references. Ayesha was great, and I loved her shy, introverted "Darcy." I think this is a book to look into if you liked Pride, Prejudice, & Other Flavors or Crazy Rich Asians.

first off, don't know why this is YA on goodreads. 100% not YA. i mean that they are adults, though they could have been teenagers and i don't think much would need to be changed.

the problem with retellings is that you go in with certain expectations. i'm all for retellings taking liberties and changing things, otherwise they'd just be copying the original. i'm okay with changes, i love retellings. but i still want the overall feeling to be the same, and i didn't get that with this one. perhaps if it didn't say it was a p&p retelling, i would feel differently. but i went into this wanting and expecting p&p, i wanted to like elizabeth and darcy. instead we got ayesha and khalid and two characters did not meet my expectations. i never thought of them as elizabeth and darcy - yes, i want them to be their own characters but surely there are some things that should translate to a modern setting - like, i never thought of ayesha as spunky or playful. khalid was a snob, but he was a judgmental snob, not a prideful snob. it made it hard to like him, to see him as darcy. again, i know this is my expectations and if it didn't say p&p on it, i wouldn't expect it!

now, because it was a p&p retelling, it had a lot of the conflicts that come with p&p.... but then it had about 17 other conflicts as well. um, calm down. we don't need that much drama. something could have been taken out for sure. a lot of it was over the top and i wish certain things had been taken out so other things could have been developed better. i struggled with other things and perhaps that is because i do not relate to them. i don't know.

while i love that this book exists, i don't think it was for me and that is purely because of my p&p expectations. i almost dnf'd it in the beginning but pushed through and there were some good parts. it wasn't totally horrible, it just wasn't what i wanted. i would not be opposed to picking up another book by this author, just nothing austen related i think.

My Thoughs:

Let's take a journey back in time... Do you remember what it felt like to fall in love for the very first time? It was so exciting! Something as simple as looking in to each others eyes, exchanging a smile, sharing a laugh, or the butterflies that flitted like crazy in your stomach upon seeing that person in a crowded room for the first time....It was about savoring the simple things. It was an exciting adventure that built over time. Love wasn't all about the carnal and physical intimacy that is more of a focus in modern times.

That is what the story, Ayesha at Last reminded me of. It was a breathtakingly beautiful love story, where every little simple thing carried oh so much more meaning. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite classics of all time. That was what initially sparked my interest in this story. However, it stood brilliantly all on its own. Ms. Jalauddin's writing style was effortless. The moment I started reading, I found myself completely immersed in Ayesha and Khalid's love story. The vivid imagery, the connection and love that took the time to grow for these two main characters, and an abundance of feeling, made this read everything I had hoped for and more.

Ayesha at Last, touched a lot on the way that our initial perceptions of people can cause us to be judgemental, and often times we are wrong in those perceptions. It was a story that took the opportunity to speak on Indian Culture, family dynamics, the many facets and negative connotations that come from being a practicing Muslim in the modern world, hypocrisy, having the courage to take charge of one's happiness without letting fear or other people get in your way, and most of all; love.

The secondary cast did an excellent job of supporting the main characters. I especially loved Ayesha's grandparents, her Nana and Nani. They were both very loving and wise. I looked forward to being in these characters presence. Nana had a fondness for quoting Shakespeare whenever he wanted to give advice, and I found myself paying extra close attention to his recitations. Clara was a good friend who helped both Ayesha and Khalid, and I liked her a lot.

There were quite a few characters that I disliked with a vengeance! Khalid's mother, Farzana, tops the list. She was controlling, manipulative, and I couldn't find one redeeming quality about her. Khalid's boss, Sheila, was a prejudice egomaniac, and made my blood boil. Ayesha's cousin, Hafsa, was spoiled and self-centered. Initially, I gave her the benefit of the doubt, because she was young and naive. However, there was something she ends up doing, that made me see her as a narcissist that only cared about herself. The author tries to redeem her in the story, but I just couldn't forgive and forget.

I highly recommend this gorgeous love story! It will completely pull you in, and leave you with a smile on your face, as it comes to its sweet conclusion. If you enjoy reading the classics, retellings, multicultural literature, or beautiful love stories you should pick this one up!

I never underestimate the skill it takes to make something new out of something beloved, and Jalaluddin did it (seeming with ease) with Ayesha at Last. Retellings can be a difficult type of book because something as beloved as Pride and Prejudice comes with the expectations of everyone who loved the book (or zombie book), or the miniseries, or the movie (or zombie movie). As a reader, there’s this hope that all the beats will be there and that all of the characters you love or hate will be there too.

It is never precisely the original book, but the pieces you expect remain and yet are different. (It is also super easy to read as not a Pride and Prejudice retelling, so if you aren’t an Austen fan, you might still enjoy this book.)

Ayesha, a substitute teacher and poet, is strong and willful and considered too old by many in the Muslim community of Toronto to remain unmarried (but also to marry). She is surrounded by a loving family and spoiled cousins. She is also the subject of Khalid’s distant admiration, even if she doesn’t know it. And then, you have Khalid who is a very devout Muslim to the point where he faces workplace harassment from his new boss based on how he dresses and practices his faith. He is also completely accepting of everything his overbearing mother dishes out.

And while Khalid wants a marriage arranged by his mother, Ayesha wants nothing that resembles love because she has grown up seeing how bereft her mother is almost two decades after Ayesha’s father’s death. Except neither gets what they think they want as they meet, disagree, and then meet again and become friends. It is in the friendship, with a tiny lie (Ayesha has been tricked into pretending to be her cousin Hafsa), that a love neither wants blooms. These two gentle people are being manipulated by the people in their lives - except for each other - and find a relief in each other.

Honestly, because of the minor deceit over Ayesha’s name, I was so worried for these two that I had to go do some laundry. There is no room in Khalid’s life for lies, but it is a lie that Ayesha never wanted. She tries to tell him the truth, but the words never come out. And there’s a really lovely scene where they make paratha and another where they drink slushies and eat Twinkies, and the coziness and ease is just so natural. And I loved it. Of course, then hell breaks loose.

I do have a couple of concerns about how the Wickham character is managed in the end (DM me for spoilers if you need). And also how Khalid’s racist boss is dealt with in the end. But neither of these aspects really detracted from the book. They 100% deserve what they got, and Khalid’s boss probably deserved worse (the fact that it isn’t worse is probably a reflection on the fact that she’s a white woman and how the world is unfair).



So, yeah, I totally recommend Ayesha at Last and I hope you enjoy these gentle people just trying to survive some family drama too.





Content warnings: racism, Islamophobia, fat shaming, hostile work environment, parental death, family banishment, alcoholism, ethnic pornography
Spoiler content warnings: abortion, doxxing



Margrethe received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.

When I read the description for Ayesha At Last, by Uzma Jalaluddin, that it was a twist on the classic, Pride and Prejudiced, I immediately requested it from NetGalley. While I wouldn't say this novel stayed exactly true to the Jane Austin book, it did have many similar plot points and situations that made me smile. The author also had lots to say about cultural misunderstandings and intolerance, and included characters I connected with easily. I really enjoyed this book.

What I Liked:
Points of View:

Like S.K. Ali's book, Love From A to Z, Ayesha At Last has points of view from two Muslim young people: Ayesha and Khalid. While Ali's book really focuses on the female's choice to wear a hijab, this book spotlights the male character's traditional choices of attire and his adherence to Islam. The characters, as well as the reader, must confront their own preconceived notions and prejudices about Muslim men.

Characters:

Ayesha and Khalid have a lot in common. Both have lost a father, dress more conservatively, and are quick to make assumptions. But Ayesha is a more modern person. She isn't in a hurry to get married, but she feels the disapproval of her relatives and her community. Khalid feels somewhat out of place as well because he has placed all his faith in having his domineering mother arrange a marriage for him.

I also liked all the secondary characters, and how they fit into the Pride and Prejudice inspired story. There is cousin Hafsa (a combination of Lydia and Charlotte from P & P), Hafsa's hysterical, bragging mom (like Elizabeth Bennett's mother), and my personal favorite, Masood.

Masood has the clueless Mr. Collins role in the story. I found the author's re-imagining of him so fun. He is now a professional wrestling life coach, completely serious, and oblivious to how silly he is. I loved that this character is written with such affection, without making him a buffoon.

Story:

The story matches much of what happens in Pride and Prejudice, but with some added twists. Rather than just some terrible first impressions, the story has Khalid thinking that Ayesha is actually her cousin Hafsa. There are also subplots about the Toronto Muslim community, and Khalid being discriminated at work for his traditional attire. I enjoyed all of it. This was such a fun book that had me rooting for Ayesha, Khalid and their families. I raced through it.

When I saw that I was approved to review Ayesha At Last, I was so excited! Anything remotely related to Jane Austen/Pride & Prejudice, I am there! And to say the least, Ayesha At Last was a delight to read! The novel follows Ayesha Shamsi, Khalid Mirza, their families, and a piece of the Muslim community in Toronto. Besides the romance, Ayesha At Last considers the range that exists in how people practice Islam and also how they view their religion. 

Ayesha At Last is not a play-by-play following of Pride & Prejudice but Muslim; I saw many of the essential elements of the original Pride & Prejudice, but the story is totally new. It does not rely too heavily on plot of P&P. Luckily, I did not come in with the expectation that Ayesha At Last would follow P&P too closely. The famous first line from Pride & Prejudice appears as a rendition, and a fair amount of Shakespeare quotes appears as well as Ayesha's grandfather quotes the Bard a lot!

While I love YA and the stories that come out of it, it is nice to see adult characters weaving around romance and their work lives. Ayesha At Last is an adult romance, so the characters are older--Ayesha is 27-years-old and struggling to find her rhythm within the school she just started teaching at. There are younger characters, of course, such as Ayesha's 20-year-old cousin, Hafsa, who has been given everything she has ever asked for in life; thus, she's a bit naive and thinks that the process of arranged marriage and weddings is just a bunch of fun and games. 

The main difference between Khalid and Ayesha was their view on arranged marriage: Ayesha was kind of over it, while Khalid was fine having his mother choose his bride for him. He liked the tradition aspect of it and the familial stability the marriage would hopefully bring. 

Another thing about Khalid that is known early on is that he is very honest about his faith and how observes as a Muslim man; he also is not willing to compromise over his religion. One thing that I really got (as in I have experienced this but not because of my religion) was when Khalid's new boss asked him "where are you from?" He replied Toronto, but then she asked "but where are you really from." In short, Khalid's boss is extremely Islamophobic, and throughout the book, he has to constantly deal with her. 

Naturally, I cannot speak extensively on the Muslim rep, etc. but I really enjoyed seeing a different kind of (loose) P&P retelling. It felt like it was written from the heart as if the author was probably drawing from her own experiences. I liked being able to see some of the inner politics of a South Asian family (although Ayesha and Khalid's families are by no means the only types of South Asian families out there) and of the mosque that both of the main characters belong to. I'm also glad that I was able to see rishtas for the first time in a story and the complexities of arranging a marriage.  

As for the plot, I really loved the first half of this novel; it was the second half when I became a little more uncertain. I noticed that some of the plot suddenly seemed a bit forced/points were unexpected but not in a good way (some of the plot felt out of the blue like when Tarek really comes into the picture). Since Ayesha At Last is somewhat a modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice, there were certain things I was anticipating happening, but the execution did not seem particularly strong. On another note, Ayesha's Nani deserves all the awe and respect. I truly admire that woman and her strength. 

If the title seems familiar, that's because Ayesha At Last had been previously published in Canada by HarperCollins in 2018. But June 4 marks the story's official publication in the United States by Berkley Books!

Ayesha At Last is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading! It's an honest story where the characters are firm in their beliefs, and there is the fun and lighthearted side of romantic possibility. And, if you read closely, the colors of the cover have an additional meaning.

Ayesha is almost 30, and by her culture’s standards, she should be married. Instead, Ayesha is focused on her career and her poetry. Instead of entertaining marriage for herself, she watches as her cousin, Hafsa, turn down suitor after suitor with some feeling sorry for her but Ayesha is just fine. She does not want the type of marriage her cousin is going to have. Khalid is a conservative muslim working in a corporate environment. The two are thrown together to work on a project for their local mosque, with Ayesha pretending to be Hafsa, who was originally supposed to have a leadership role in the project. Ayesha and Khalid find that they like each other, but it is not so simple. Ayesha is bit progressive and Khalid has conservative views about a muslim marriage.

I like Ayesha and Khalid. I enjoyed the dialogue between the two of them and internal battle they each had with themselves. Some of the supporting characters, Khalid’s coworkers, Ayesha’s friend Clara, Nana & Nani were such good additions to the book. The problem I had with the book is there was too much going on. Khalid’s trouble at work, Tarek, Khalid’s engagement, the spoiled cousin and the numerous sub plots. These can be entertaining, but I found it distracting. Overall, it didn’t take away from the story completely, but I wanted to like this more than I did.

I absolutely enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice retelling that had me from the very start. Fun and witty with a ton of heart.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

This was a satisfying P&P retelling! Ayesha and Khalid are our Elizabeth and Darcy. They are Muslim Canadians with a sprawling (and in the grand tradition of Austen, meddling) South Asian community.

This retelling hit the beats of P&P without translating every character to this story. The central couple felt like Lizzie and Darcy, but the updates (Ayesha's career stuff and the introduction of religion) worked well in the context of this story.

I liked spending time with these characters, and I think anyone who likes an Austen retelling will be satisfied here.

Before I start with my New book Review , I would like to thank @PRHGlobal @prhinternational for Providing me with a free E-galley copy of this book for my Honest Review . Thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to read this novel .
***************
“It’s not enough to find someone you love. You have to be ready for that love, and ready to make changes to welcome it into your life.”
Book : Ayesha At Last
Author : Uzma Jalaluddin
Genre : Fiction , Romance , Contemporary.
Rating : 5/5
Review in one word : Marvellous .
**************
There are Two kinds of books : the books that you can relate to , and others you read , you imagine but you can’t relate to them in any way .
I have been reading Romance for a long time and , as I always say ,I LOVE reading Romance novels , but NEVER , not once I’ve been able to relate to any of those novels or characters , not because there is something wrong with them , but , as a Muslim girl and Hijabi , Love and Romance , although they have the same meaning for me as all people , they take different shapes .
Ayesha At Last , was a book that I could relate to , I could see myself in it’s world , so It will always take a HUGE place in my heart .
Now Let me start talking about the story ( of course without spoilers ) , our love story is a modern- day , Muslim Pride and Prejudice retelling , Our main characters are Ayesha and Khalid ,
Ayesha , Is a headstrong , sweet , unmarried , Working , lonely , poet ,Muslim girl , ( yeah All that at the same time ) , she is trying to decide what she want from this life , of course with all the influences from her family , relatives , friend , religion , and society , she is confused , lost and trying to seek acceptance . For me , Ayesha was so realistic , I can see pieces of her in myself and in almost every Muslim girl , her journey through life , how she reacts in most situations was impressive , her confidence and loyalty , her mixed and confused feelings were real for me , one of my favorite heroines ever.
However , Khalid , Our devout, honest , kind , lonely but highly judgmental Muslim hero , he is trying to make his life as honest and peaceful as possible , starting by his appearance to his marriage through wearing his traditional “Islamic clothes ” with a long and unkept beard , in addition , to getting an arranged marriage to a bride of his mother choosing , “I will find you the perfect wife – modest, not too educated.” Khalid , was also very realistic , you could easily find a lot of his characteristics in every Muslim man .
The Love story between the main couple developed in a good pace , the confliction between their feelings , first impressions , beliefs and situations was really impressive to read about . The talking about Islamophobia and How others misunderstand Muslims and their traditions was important . How new Muslim generations deal with old generations ideas and traditions in modern-day was extremely real .The development of the characters in this story was worth reading about . Diversity , Arranged marriages Prejudice , Anger …. Seriously , this book discussed A LOT of important topics .
To be honest , yes , I could smell Pride and Prejudice in this book , but the story was SO MUCH MORE .
For me , It answered very important questions I keep asking myself and others ask me about , which are CAN MUSLIMS FALL IN LOVE ? or HOW COULD MUSLIMS FALL IN LOVE ? WHAT ABOUT ARRANGED MARRIAGES ?, I mean in our religion there are many limitations to the relations between Men and Women , so Do those limitations affect our feelings? , and how we can deal with love? , I found the answers for all those questions in this book through Khalid and Ayesha journey , so , you can’t blame me when I say this is a Must- read .
The Author’s writing style was Outstanding , I didn’t feel bored for one second and actually couldn’t put the book down until I finished it :D, the plot was really good , I Will definitely Purchase the physical book so I could keep looking at this beautiful shiny cover and keep rereading this novel forever .
“Just remember to pack light. Dreams tend to shatter if you’re carrying other people’s hopes around with you.”
I highly recommend this book for every Rom-com Lover , Jane Auston reader and anyone who would like to understand Muslims better .
P.s : All quotes come from an unedited proof and are subject to change upon publication.


the full review on my blog : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/ayesha-at-last-book-review/
Instagram post : https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx1AyXOA5rf/
Twitter Post : https://twitter.com/bibliomedico/status/1131748231925370881

"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."

Ayesha Shamsi doesn't know what she wants, just what her duties are. Endure being a substitute teacher to pay back her uncle. Try her best to keep her flighty cousin Hafsa out of trouble as the rishtas--offers of marriage--pour in. Nag her brother about his homework. Make sure her grandparents are okay. Shove aside her dreams of writing poetry. Getting closer and closer to thirty, Ayesha is reluctantly content with being the spinster relative and thinks there is no room in her life for love.

Khalid Mirza doesn't know what he wants, but what would it matter if he did? This is his life: Mosque. Go to work. Mosque. Let his mother pick his future bride. Mosque. Read the Quran. Mosque. Send money to his sister in India. Mosque. Let his mother dictate what he wears, eats, and pretty much everything else he does. Mosque. Repeat. Not much fun and excitement there, is it? Khalid is content with his life, with the unfortunate side-effect of coming off as an extremist and judgmental. He firmly believes that love will come after marriage, and apathetically follows his mother's plans for him to be married by the end of the summer.

A case of mistaken identity, a conference that might save the failing mosque, and bad first impressions send Ayesha and Khalid on a collision course that will change their lives--and their hearts.

A brilliant "Pride and Prejudice" inspired debut, "Ayesha At Last" is full of snark, heart, Shakespeare quotes, a well-rounded cast of characters (to include a rishta that makes a living as a life coach for professional wrestlers) and--ultimately--about finding yourself and your happiness, even when it involves making tough choices and deviating off-course. I am eager to see what will come next from the pen of Uzma Jalaluddin, and in the meantime will continue to sing the praises of "Ayesha At Last".

While at first glance this book may appear an exotic exploration of a foreign culture, this romance set in Toronto's Muslim community felt very familiar proving once again that we are more alike than different. I related instantly with both Ayesha's and Khalid's struggles between their dreams and their family's expectations. I felt the pain of the artist giving up her craft and the oppression on an overbearing parent. I felt the frustration of neglect and the humiliation on belittlement. I felt the exasperation of being misunderstood and being unfairly singled out. I felt the aching hollowness of unfulfilled longing. These emotions are not determined by the shade of skin, the country of origin, or the place of worship. They are universal, something that this marvelous story with its heartbreak and humor clearly demonstrates. Kudos to Uzma Jalalddin for an outstanding first novel. I look forward to her next.