nashwa017's review
3.0
This was a fun, quick read! I really enjoyed the fact that it's a Pakistani book meant for a local audience. It wasn't pretentious or overambitious like any of the other books that I've read!
sarahzaidi's review
5.0
This was my first time reading a book by a Pakistani author and I'm so glad this found it's way into my life! A funny and heartfelt story about arranged/love marriages and the lengths we go to to procure a good suiter. Absolutely loved it!
zoya_ij's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
aasi's review
2.0
While I did enjoy the book in the starting it soon got too repetitive and dadi's humorous attitude soon got irritating. Which I do think aids in the portrayal of how stagnant views and rituals can get frustrating however reading it continuously just felt like a waste of time. The body shaming through out the novel was a tad bit too much and felt unnecessary at times, I understand it showed the superficial society but did we really have to read about how big every aunties stomach was and how bald every uncle was? Moreover while the book tried to be as stemmed in reality as it claimed the way zebas family was convinced for her marriage by Fati phupo felt like a fairytale with Fati phupo being the the fairy godmother of course. In reality traditions aren't just sidelined by an unmarried women forcing a meeting between two families. But for the sake of this story I'll accept it. It's also important to note that by the end Fati phupo and dadi really aren't that different. They both enforce their views on others and make them feel bad about their values. Although Fati phupo's help was needed and was much appropriate than dadi's. I really enjoyed this book in the start and in the rising action however I feel like it was too long for the shortness of the actual story.
ghazalshaykh's review
4.0
.
Ok, First off, I NEED A SEQUEL!!!
I read a page assuming it must be the story of an arranged marriage the way Shazaf Fatima Haider's second book, [b:A Firefly in the Dark|39793906|A Firefly in the Dark|Shazaf Fatima Haider|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523346605l/39793906._SY75_.jpg|61526950] was about Jins. But once I got into reading 'How it Happened', I couldn't put it away. I didn't expect such sort of amusing urdu-ish-english language with the adorable, strict Dadi whose stern babbles and rants could make someone laugh their hearts out with delight and admiration. Even though arrange marriages are a common scenario of everyday pakistani culture, but capturing it in such a genuine yet humorous language is all that is credible to Haider's brilliant writing.
I simply cannot believe it's a debut-shebut! A Firefly in the Dark was another whole experiment of merging south asian fantasies with the realistic pakistani society, but if I compare in reference to the characterization and style of language, 'How it Happened' is much, much better! Every character has a distinct attribute that make them different from each other but in a very predictable manner. Dadi's family political catfights, stories of the ancestors and protective measures taken for her grandchildren to shove of the jealous evil eyes of the intruding relatives are what one should expect in this comical family tale along with the roman english and pakistani version of the english words.
It's written in delightful first person narration of the youngest of siblings, who's a teenager and insecure about her acne and first crush with whom many teenagers, including my teenage self, could relate too. The Bahus of the house don't display much of the frequent aggressive attitude and are adept at ignoring Dadi's usual blabber. However, Zeba's mother kind of supports Zeba in the end by showing relent to her husband and mother in law. The most favorite of mine was Zeba and somewhat Fati Phupps because of her witty, dominating character which everyone seemed to love except Dadi. But well, I loved Zeba for mastering in English Literature and conjuring up the most sarcastic comments in face of everyone's typical attitude. Not only that, she managed to rebel against the ancient traditions by showing the mind and heart of her own.
This tales forms a satire in face of typicality of arrange marriages, ancient values and jealous evil eyes. It supports feminism in attributing women to have a right in choosing their partner. This 'mordren' tale as Dadi puts it not involves one or two social evils but many. It focuses on choosing partner on the basis of personality and neglects the concept of tags (clan, sect, salary, cast, skin complexion) that the spouse must have on their necks. It addresses the societal racism that fair girls are superior to the brown or black in a very ridiculing manner. Gender Stereotypes are everywhere. It comically mirrors the society and how the girls' education do not contribute to the future of girls' career but to the better proposals that will come their way into their drawing room.
Some books end with a satisfaction and some books makes you yearn for more and this is one of them. I consider it one of the best Pakistani English literature and recommend it to every Pakistani who wants to have a look inside socially 'mordren' Pakistan.
'It's so mercantile! It's like we're going shopping for girls!'
'Acha? And what will you do when people come look at you? Put a NOT FOR SALE sign on your head?' Demanded Dadi.
'You know, that's not a bad idea!'
'Haan, haan. Then you can merrily go around dating-shating, bring shame on the family. This process is the only way respectable Muslim girls can get married. Stop behaving like you are above it!'
Ok, First off, I NEED A SEQUEL!!!
I read a page assuming it must be the story of an arranged marriage the way Shazaf Fatima Haider's second book, [b:A Firefly in the Dark|39793906|A Firefly in the Dark|Shazaf Fatima Haider|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523346605l/39793906._SY75_.jpg|61526950] was about Jins. But once I got into reading 'How it Happened', I couldn't put it away. I didn't expect such sort of amusing urdu-ish-english language with the adorable, strict Dadi whose stern babbles and rants could make someone laugh their hearts out with delight and admiration. Even though arrange marriages are a common scenario of everyday pakistani culture, but capturing it in such a genuine yet humorous language is all that is credible to Haider's brilliant writing.
I simply cannot believe it's a debut-shebut! A Firefly in the Dark was another whole experiment of merging south asian fantasies with the realistic pakistani society, but if I compare in reference to the characterization and style of language, 'How it Happened' is much, much better! Every character has a distinct attribute that make them different from each other but in a very predictable manner. Dadi's family political catfights, stories of the ancestors and protective measures taken for her grandchildren to shove of the jealous evil eyes of the intruding relatives are what one should expect in this comical family tale along with the roman english and pakistani version of the english words.
It's written in delightful first person narration of the youngest of siblings, who's a teenager and insecure about her acne and first crush with whom many teenagers, including my teenage self, could relate too. The Bahus of the house don't display much of the frequent aggressive attitude and are adept at ignoring Dadi's usual blabber. However, Zeba's mother kind of supports Zeba in the end by showing relent to her husband and mother in law. The most favorite of mine was Zeba and somewhat Fati Phupps because of her witty, dominating character which everyone seemed to love except Dadi. But well, I loved Zeba for mastering in English Literature and conjuring up the most sarcastic comments in face of everyone's typical attitude. Not only that, she managed to rebel against the ancient traditions by showing the mind and heart of her own.
This tales forms a satire in face of typicality of arrange marriages, ancient values and jealous evil eyes. It supports feminism in attributing women to have a right in choosing their partner. This 'mordren' tale as Dadi puts it not involves one or two social evils but many. It focuses on choosing partner on the basis of personality and neglects the concept of tags (clan, sect, salary, cast, skin complexion) that the spouse must have on their necks. It addresses the societal racism that fair girls are superior to the brown or black in a very ridiculing manner. Gender Stereotypes are everywhere. It comically mirrors the society and how the girls' education do not contribute to the future of girls' career but to the better proposals that will come their way into their drawing room.
Some books end with a satisfaction and some books makes you yearn for more and this is one of them. I consider it one of the best Pakistani English literature and recommend it to every Pakistani who wants to have a look inside socially 'mordren' Pakistan.
nymeria_reads's review
4.0
Wonderful book, relatable characters and interesting story line. Definitely recommend it as a fun and enjoyable read.
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