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nancyfletcher's review against another edition
4.0
Per another reviewer:
I was happily surprised by this fun, quirky romantic comedy. The novel is billed as a modern day "Pride and Prejudice" but it is not a derivative retelling. Jalaluddin has created something new, nodding to both Austen and Shakespeare. She examines prejudice and narrow mindedness from several angles. I found myself re-thinking some of my assumptions as the novel progressed. A delightful read that is also thought provoking.
I was happily surprised by this fun, quirky romantic comedy. The novel is billed as a modern day "Pride and Prejudice" but it is not a derivative retelling. Jalaluddin has created something new, nodding to both Austen and Shakespeare. She examines prejudice and narrow mindedness from several angles. I found myself re-thinking some of my assumptions as the novel progressed. A delightful read that is also thought provoking.
ellisaspen's review against another edition
5.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I consider myself to be a hesitant Jane Austen fan, someone who prefers Northanger Abbey and Persuasion to Pride and Prejudice, yet lately I’ve become rather interested in all the P&P retellings that are coming out. Thus I was thrilled to hear about the gem that is Ayesha at Last. Not only is it a modern retelling of a classic novel, but it also takes place in Canada and features a cast of characters who are predominately Muslim. I don’t know a lot about Islam, so part of my desire to read this book also stemmed from an interest in learning more about a religion I’m unfamiliar with and hearing some of the stories of other people.
Almost as soon as I began reading, I was drawn into the story. The characters are all flawed and complex, and they feel like real humans. Ayesha is someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind yet is also strung between the expectations of her family (teach until they find someone for her to marry) and her own desires (write poetry and fall in love on her own). I also really liked Khalid, who is honest, loyal, and quite sweet—once you get past his awkward and somewhat judgmental front, that is. While their stories were the focus, this novel is also filled with marvelous and unforgettable supporting characters whose lives don’t revolve around Ayesha’s and Khalid’s; they have their own personalities and issues to work through, which made the book feel that much more layered.
My two issues of complaint are rather minor: one is that this book is so heavily marketed based on its Pride and Prejudice similarities, and the other is that the author was sometimes a bit too detailed about the clothes characters wore. Regarding the latter, I understand that Jalaluddin was trying to convey the idea that Muslims can look and dress in a variety of ways; for example, Khalid wears the traditional longer tunic/robe, whereas Ayesha sometimes wears yoga pants and a hijab. It just got annoying when I was told that Ayesha was wearing a purple hijab and she changed from her pencil skirt and white blouse into a grey t-shirt and black yoga pants. I love detail, but regarding the clothing, it was a bit much. Going off of the abundance of clothing details, another minor complaint I have is that just about every woman was described as "petite," whereas there were multiple body types for the men. Women come in various heights and shapes, too, and a woman can be beautiful even if she's not petite.
As for the Pride and Prejudice comparison, I think it's kind of loose and more of a marketing technique than an actual description of the story. There was certainly some inspiration and similar plot/character elements, but you could just as easily say it's a modern retelling almost any of Shakespeare's comedies—in fact, Shakespeare is mentioned, alluded to, or quoted way more than Austen is.
Despite these minor criticisms, I really enjoyed this book and had a lot of fun reading it. I also learned so much as the story unfolded: about workplace discrimination, about Muslim culture, about how to properly cook paratha . . . The list goes on. I highly recommend this novel and encourage those even moderately interested in reading it to give it a try.
I consider myself to be a hesitant Jane Austen fan, someone who prefers Northanger Abbey and Persuasion to Pride and Prejudice, yet lately I’ve become rather interested in all the P&P retellings that are coming out. Thus I was thrilled to hear about the gem that is Ayesha at Last. Not only is it a modern retelling of a classic novel, but it also takes place in Canada and features a cast of characters who are predominately Muslim. I don’t know a lot about Islam, so part of my desire to read this book also stemmed from an interest in learning more about a religion I’m unfamiliar with and hearing some of the stories of other people.
Almost as soon as I began reading, I was drawn into the story. The characters are all flawed and complex, and they feel like real humans. Ayesha is someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind yet is also strung between the expectations of her family (teach until they find someone for her to marry) and her own desires (write poetry and fall in love on her own). I also really liked Khalid, who is honest, loyal, and quite sweet—once you get past his awkward and somewhat judgmental front, that is. While their stories were the focus, this novel is also filled with marvelous and unforgettable supporting characters whose lives don’t revolve around Ayesha’s and Khalid’s; they have their own personalities and issues to work through, which made the book feel that much more layered.
My two issues of complaint are rather minor: one is that this book is so heavily marketed based on its Pride and Prejudice similarities, and the other is that the author was sometimes a bit too detailed about the clothes characters wore. Regarding the latter, I understand that Jalaluddin was trying to convey the idea that Muslims can look and dress in a variety of ways; for example, Khalid wears the traditional longer tunic/robe, whereas Ayesha sometimes wears yoga pants and a hijab. It just got annoying when I was told that Ayesha was wearing a purple hijab and she changed from her pencil skirt and white blouse into a grey t-shirt and black yoga pants. I love detail, but regarding the clothing, it was a bit much. Going off of the abundance of clothing details, another minor complaint I have is that just about every woman was described as "petite," whereas there were multiple body types for the men. Women come in various heights and shapes, too, and a woman can be beautiful even if she's not petite.
As for the Pride and Prejudice comparison, I think it's kind of loose and more of a marketing technique than an actual description of the story. There was certainly some inspiration and similar plot/character elements, but you could just as easily say it's a modern retelling almost any of Shakespeare's comedies—in fact, Shakespeare is mentioned, alluded to, or quoted way more than Austen is.
Despite these minor criticisms, I really enjoyed this book and had a lot of fun reading it. I also learned so much as the story unfolded: about workplace discrimination, about Muslim culture, about how to properly cook paratha . . . The list goes on. I highly recommend this novel and encourage those even moderately interested in reading it to give it a try.
mmmoureau's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe closer to a 3.5 but I feel like that was a me problem so rounded up to a 4. It took me out of the book a bit how many words and terms I didn’t know but the book was still interesting and well written.
wafabw's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gahleeraereads's review
5.0
Go Ayesha, Go Ayesha
At first this book seemed like it was going to be another cheesy, cliche romance with a cultural filter, but by chapter three I was hooked. Ayesha at Last has complex characters, plotlines that were interesting and tied together, and such juicy DRAMA. Ayesha was so relatable and I appreciated Jalaluddin creating such a strong-willed character, even though I wanted to reach in the novel to shake her at times. I was disappointed with the Kindle translation tool, but I still learned a lot about some aspects of South Asian culture and Muslim practices (keeping in mind this is only one small representation of either). I need to taste that parathay Khalid made for Ayesha; I loved the descriptions of food throughout the story and how it was given such importance. Although there were really sad moments and difficult topics in the novel, it was such an engaging, fun read.
At first this book seemed like it was going to be another cheesy, cliche romance with a cultural filter, but by chapter three I was hooked. Ayesha at Last has complex characters, plotlines that were interesting and tied together, and such juicy DRAMA. Ayesha was so relatable and I appreciated Jalaluddin creating such a strong-willed character, even though I wanted to reach in the novel to shake her at times. I was disappointed with the Kindle translation tool, but I still learned a lot about some aspects of South Asian culture and Muslim practices (keeping in mind this is only one small representation of either). I need to taste that parathay Khalid made for Ayesha; I loved the descriptions of food throughout the story and how it was given such importance. Although there were really sad moments and difficult topics in the novel, it was such an engaging, fun read.
trippyhippybluh's review against another edition
5.0
What happens when the pressures of society causes the desire for acceptance and change. Changes that can be the detriment of one’s own worth and sense of self.
When love comes into the picture , when that love isn’t what you really thought you wanted.
“The assumptions he saw in strangers’ eyes as they took in his beard and skullcap were painful to acknowledge. Khalid had considered shaving or changing his wardrobe many times over the years. It would be easier for the people around him, but it wouldn’t feel right. This is who I am, he thought.”
“Oh, honey, nobody knows how this thing works. It just happens. Your heart and gut take over, and your mind has to go along with them, because it’s going to happen no matter what. Sometimes you get a sign, and sometimes the sign gets you.”
When love comes into the picture , when that love isn’t what you really thought you wanted.
“The assumptions he saw in strangers’ eyes as they took in his beard and skullcap were painful to acknowledge. Khalid had considered shaving or changing his wardrobe many times over the years. It would be easier for the people around him, but it wouldn’t feel right. This is who I am, he thought.”
“Oh, honey, nobody knows how this thing works. It just happens. Your heart and gut take over, and your mind has to go along with them, because it’s going to happen no matter what. Sometimes you get a sign, and sometimes the sign gets you.”
yaredastrid's review against another edition
4.0
I really like this book. I honestly forgot this was a pride and prejudice adaptation until the proposal seen. The reason this is not a five is because I just wish they had given an epilogue or just more chapters of the main characters being together. Like “dating” I guess. Getting to know each other more
amandashestokes's review against another edition
3.0
This is an extremely solid and entertaining 3 star book. I read it in one day and was visibly irritated when my husband invited me outside to the patio he had been working so hard on for 4 days to enjoy cocktails and a cheese board. So there's no doubt I found it engaging.
So, why just the 3 stars? Because this is not a Pride and Prejudice retelling. To only take a few elements of what is a beautifully crafted and intelligent story and modernize those while ignoring the rest is doing both books a disservice.
Though Jalaluddin succeeded in writing an entertaining story with characters I enjoyed getting to know, her writing is not on par with Austen's. Not an insult - most people's aren't. However, when a novel is being compared to Austen, I'm expecting so much more than a love story that starts out with 2 people who hate each other, but end up falling in love at the end.
That being said, there are some aspects I loved.
I enjoyed getting the male protagonist's perspective right from the start. Being able to see his inner turmoil while he's always saying the wrong thing got me invested in him more quickly.
I love that it took place in a modern day Muslim community - as a white American woman, I've never struggled to find myself represented in literature, but I know that's not everyone's experience. Note to publishers - WE WANT MORE!
The way Jalaluddin wrote the scenes where Khalid and Ayesha slowly and quietly fell in love were swoon worthy. Specifically, the paratha making lesson. I really believed these two characters developed real feelings and it was done beautifully.
All in all, I enjoyed it. Though I checked it out from the library, I'll buy it because I'll want to revisit it again. What the hell, 3.5 stars.
So, why just the 3 stars? Because this is not a Pride and Prejudice retelling. To only take a few elements of what is a beautifully crafted and intelligent story and modernize those while ignoring the rest is doing both books a disservice.
Though Jalaluddin succeeded in writing an entertaining story with characters I enjoyed getting to know, her writing is not on par with Austen's. Not an insult - most people's aren't. However, when a novel is being compared to Austen, I'm expecting so much more than a love story that starts out with 2 people who hate each other, but end up falling in love at the end.
That being said, there are some aspects I loved.
I enjoyed getting the male protagonist's perspective right from the start. Being able to see his inner turmoil while he's always saying the wrong thing got me invested in him more quickly.
I love that it took place in a modern day Muslim community - as a white American woman, I've never struggled to find myself represented in literature, but I know that's not everyone's experience. Note to publishers - WE WANT MORE!
The way Jalaluddin wrote the scenes where Khalid and Ayesha slowly and quietly fell in love were swoon worthy. Specifically, the paratha making lesson. I really believed these two characters developed real feelings and it was done beautifully.
All in all, I enjoyed it. Though I checked it out from the library, I'll buy it because I'll want to revisit it again. What the hell, 3.5 stars.