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Much Ado About Nada
By: Uzma Jalaluddin
Publisher: Berkley Pub
Pub Date: 6/13/23

This book is a modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austin. I really struggled with the characters in this one. It almost seemed like a toxic relationship at times. The timeline also was a struggle. The flipping back and forth was just too much and didn’t seem to be giving you any needed information. I did enjoy learning more about the Muslim culture through the story.
Thanks to Berkley, NetGalley and Uzma Jalaluddin for this ARC.

This is the second Persuasion retelling I have tried recently and I think I just don't like the story as much as other Austen stories. I think this would be a great book for fans of the story and retellings as I have read the authors other stories and really liked them.

So much angst with this one! I had the buzzies throughout my body while reading the chemistry between Nada and Baz. It jumped off the pages for me. I enjoyed watching Nada come into her voice throughout the novel. I love when an author gives a woman a strong voice and the backbone to stand up for herself when people take advantage of/wrong them. This was a fun and quick read.

Synopsis:

Nada Syed is still living at home with her brothers & parents ignoring her mother's pleas to get married already. She has a good job as an engineer but the app she developed, Ask Apa, launched with a whimper instead of a bang instead of a double-crossing business partner. Her BFF Haleema is determined to get her out of her rut, via the giant annual Muslim conference run by her fiancé, Zayn's family. And did Haleema mention Zayn's brother Baz will be there? Haleema doesn't know Nada & Baz have a past, some of it good, some bad, but all secret. At the conference, the past all comes hurtling at Nada, bringing new complications and a moment of reckoning.

Review:

I enjoyed the depiction of a Muslim-Canadian family dynamics in the book. The pressure of family expectations can be so real in South Asian families and this book demonstrates that really well. We go between the past and present learning about Nada and it helps to understand her character development. Trying to determine what happened between Nada & Baz in the past kept me interested and reading. I heard Uzma speak at the Eden Mills book event and learning about how she came up with the title of the book before the story and how she kept the title even though it didn't end up being a retelling of "Much Ado About Nothing."

Thank you to Berkley for my digital copy!

I love all books by Uzma but this one fell a little flat for me. Mostly because I couldnt be convinced that the two main characters belonged together. The FMC was cruel over and over (even though she was bullied as a child, she never seemed to learn). Every flashback was worse than the last and I couldnt help wanting the MMC to run and save himself. And because the "present" day took place over a conference weekend, it was hard to buy their renewed connection.

Rating: 4/5

Much Ado About Nada is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The anonymous author brings to life a story that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the search for true happiness.

The novel follows the life of the protagonist, Alex, a young professional who appears to have it all: a successful career, a loving partner, and a comfortable life. However, amidst the glitz and glamor, Alex feels an overwhelming sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This realization prompts an extraordinary chain of events that leads to a quest for meaning and purpose.

One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the author's ability to convey deep emotions and personal growth through their writing. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are portrayed with such authenticity that readers can easily relate and empathize with the challenges faced along the way. It is a reminder that even the seemingly perfect lives may not be as fulfilling as they appear.

The supporting characters in the story are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. They each possess their own flaws and struggles, which serve as catalysts for Alex's introspection and transformation. The dialogue is well-crafted and engaging, with moments of humor and poignancy that keep the reader invested in the storyline.

Furthermore, the exploration of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to a certain image is intelligently woven into the narrative. The author sheds light on the toxicity of perfectionism and the damaging impact of comparing oneself to others. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize one's own happiness over societal norms and expectations.

However, the novel does suffer from occasional pacing issues. Certain sections felt slightly dragged out, and some plot points could have been further developed to maintain a consistently engaging narrative. Nonetheless, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.

In conclusion, Much Ado About Nada is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that delves deep into the complexities of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of true happiness. The nameless author's ability to capture the essence of the human experience through genuine storytelling makes this book an enjoyable and worthwhile read. Whether you're embarking on your own journey of self-discovery or simply seeking a compelling work of fiction, this book will not disappoint.

I've loved all of Uzma Jalaluddin's books, and this one was so exception!

As a huge Jane Austen, this one already had me intrigued, and I really appreciated the Muslim aspect, as well.

Was it predictable? Yes, but I think that's what I love and find comforting about Jalaluddin's books - they are predictable, but I learn a lot.

I can't wait for more from this author!

I'm a sucker for a book with characters from a different culture and even more so for a second chance romance. And a retelling of a Jane Austen novel. Hello, I was all in.

I liked the characters and thought the author did a good job with the retelling. It may have been the setting of the Muslim community or it could just be me and my moods, but I did think the story was a little detailed for the setup and rushed towards the end. I would have been a bigger fan if that was smoothed out a little.

But ultimately this had great characters in a community I know nothing about.

I love a good Austen adaption, and I thought that this one was well done! Uzma writes interesting and complex characters. There were so many interesting dynamics to this story!

Nada Syed is stuck. On the cusp of thirty, she’s still living at home with her brothers and parents in the Golden Crescent neighbourhood of Toronto, resolutely ignoring her mother’s unsubtle pleas to get married already. While Nada has a good job as an engineer, it’s a far cry from realizing her start-up dreams for her tech baby, Ask Apa, the app that launched with a whimper instead of a bang because of a double-crossing business partner. Nothing in her life has turned out the way it was supposed to, and Nada feels like a failure. Something needs to change, but the past is holding on too tightly to let her move forward.

Nada’s best friend Haleema is determined to pry her from her shell…and what better place than at the giant annual Muslim conference held downtown, where Nada can finally meet Haleema’s fiancé, Zayn. And did Haleema mention Zayn’s brother Baz will be there?

What Haleema doesn’t know is that Nada and Baz have a past—some of it good, some of it bad and all of it secret. At the conference, that past all comes hurtling at Nada, bringing new complications and a moment of reckoning. Can Nada truly say goodbye to once was or should she hold tight to her dreams and find their new beginnings?

Contemporary Austen adaptations are exercises in seeing how far a tradition can be stretched without snapping. That’s a natural fit for a Muslim romance author writing about characters of faith; Uzma Jalaluddin’s debut, “Ayesha at Last,” was one of the most refreshing “Pride and Prejudice” takes in decades, right up there with Joel Kim Booster’s film “Fire Island.” For her third novel, MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA (Berkley, 320 pp., paperback, $16.99), she takes up my favorite of Austen’s books, “Persuasion.” And, honestly, knocks it clean out of the park.

The elements are familiar: The would-be tech engineer Nada encounters her ex, Baz, a musician and conference organizer; they are forced together despite their long-nursed resentments and ultimately come to a more complete understanding of their past and present selves. Jalaluddin translates Austen’s pervasive social restrictions beautifully to the insular, somewhat conservative dating world of first- and second-generation Muslim immigrants, where reputations can be shattered in an afternoon and matchmaking is seen as a competitive sport.

“Persuasion” retellings, like all second-chance romances, have to find a balance between a breakup serious enough to stick for years and a resolution that lets the reader trust those issues have been overcome. It’s hard for me to think of a time I’ve seen it done this elegantly — Sherry Thomas’s “Not Quite a Husband,” perhaps, or Farrah Rochon’s “Cherish Me” — and when the reveal came I actually gasped aloud. It is, in a word, brilliant.

If you were disappointed in last year’s Dakota Johnson adaptation, Jalaluddin will heal the hurt. This book layers a steady strain of melancholy beneath messy and funny top notes — one of those romances where you feel the whole journey, all the little moments piling up into something roaringly powerful, like snowflakes forming an avalanche.

SO GOO!!!! I loved Hana Khan Carries On and knew I’d love this one too. As always, Uzma creates complex characters with complex stories that leave you thinking and wondering behind the words on paper.

Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC in exchange for an honest review

CW: workplace betrayal, misogny

Uzma Jalauddin is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The soft, hug of her writing that just absorbs you right in. The way she uses epistolary to get to the heart of modern romance. This was an audio read for me and I just enjoyed every moment. The dual timelines, figuring out Nada's past, can they make it work again. This was a great second chance romance as Nada also fought for what she wanted in her work life too.

Steam: 1

Persuasion is one of my favorite Austen novels, so, sometimes; recreations are hard for me.

Despite that, miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes, which made this hard in a contemporary setting for me.

I love the fact that stories are expanding to have more representation. In my ideal world, all of Jalaluddin’s future stories would actually include less explanation of the culture. It made me feel as if the book was directed moreso to a white audience than not, I know it may not be possible, but one of my own wishes is to be able to exist without explanation. I think - and this is a note for the industry as a whole - that we can give the audience the same ability to grasp a fantasy as for readers to understand cultures that aren’t their own, though I understand the paradox of that.

I hope that this book has found its right audience, especially for those who want to see themselves in love stories.

Another great lineup from Jalaluddin's backlist. I really enjoyed this and fans of her work will too!

Jane Austen retellings are my favourite -- and I felt really honored to be able to read an ARC of Much Ado About Nada after enjoying Ayesha at Last by the same author. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I liked how flawed and relatable the heroine was -- she was in no way perfect but was given room to grow throughout the story. The second chance romance felt fresh and the chemistry between Baz and Nada was great. The author did a great job with all the flashbacks.

✨ Review ✨ Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin; Narrated by: Farah Kidwai

Nada and Baz re-meet at a giant Muslim conference in downtown Toronto -- Nada is attending with her best friend, who's engaged to Baz's brother; Baz and his family organize the giant conference. We quickly learn they have some type of history but the book uses a dual timeline structure to slowly give us this backstory.

This book was just a delight to read in ways that I can't quite articulate...but
1) it had awesome audio narration
2) I loved the Desi diaspora wedding drama
3) the dual timeline kept me guessing at the past relationship between Nada and Baz
4) I loved all the family and friendship relationships that appeared throughout. It unleashed so much vulnerability especially through Nada's brothers, both of whom were stigmatized in their community -- one is divorced with twins and the other has a degenerative disease that's left him in a wheelchair.
5) this is based on Austen's Persuasion but it didn't feel like it was beating me over the head with the Austen inspiration.

I definitely recommend this one for a great romance read!

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Genre: contemporary f/m romance
Setting: Toronto
Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
Pub Date: June 2023

Thanks to Berkley, PRH Audio and #netgalley for advanced copies of this book!

I enjoyed this next installment by Uzma Jalaluddin! I do feel like I should probably mention a couple of things though. I've never read Persuasion. I traipsed in here with not a clue about the inspiration for this book. I started this book thinking it was enemies to lovers, and slowly realized that maybe (just maybe) it could be a second-chance romance. I'm also not Muslim, or part of the South Asian community, so while I found the discussions raised by Jalaluddin to be interesting and well-executed within the context of the book, I'm not an authority by any stretch of the imagination. If you enjoyed the prior two books in this series, I'm pretty confident you'll like Nada. She's spunky, and grows quite a bit through this book into who she wants to be. Her banter with Baz was exactly what I wanted for the two of them. Where I think this book fell a little short romantically was that I agreed with Nada's decision to listen to the advice she was given. I like to root for the couple the whole way through, and I just couldn't here. All of that love and Baz couldn't even fight for her? All's well that ends well, and I do think they came back together at the right time, but it did keep me from fully immersing myself in their love story.

When Nada’s best friend Haleema forces her to attend the giant annual Muslim convention, she meets Halsema’s fiancé Zayn and his brother Baz. What Haleema didn’t know is that Nada and Bay have a past… and possibly a future?

I really liked this! It was a slow burn, second chance romance, and I really bought into Nada and Bay needing a second chance. I enjoyed the audiobook!

This was very good and also complicated, I liked so much of it but the second chance romance of it all was challenging

I really enjoyed Ayesha at Last, so I knew I wanted to read Much Ado About Nada.

Now, I can’t compare how well it was a classic day telling of Persuasion because I am not a Jane Austin fan; sorry! But it did have the second chance romance themes along with some strong angst and coming of age.

I only wish that we got more of the ‘past’ storyline upfront. I think I would have been more interested in the beginning if I had that twist of a teaser earlier on. Because it didn’t, I felt the first half really lagged. Thankfully once I knew the characters history, I got a lot more into the storyline.

3.5/5