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charvi_not_just_fiction's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
Reading this book is like snuggling in a blanket and drinking tea. The author does a beautiful job of creating an atmospheric and rich book that draws you in with lovely cultural portrayal, characters to fall in love with and family dynamics that had me reaching for the tissues.
This is such a desi-core romance and I'm here for it! I don't even know how to review it, except it's not your typical love triangle romance. At front and centre, we have Zahra who is such a beautiful character and I instantly fell in love with her. Through her, the author captures the family dynamics and conflicts of Asian families so well, especially in immigrant families. The push and pull and the choice between family and following your heart were woven throughout the narrative.
Coming to the romance, we have two wonderful candidates - Harun the rich Bangladeshi boy and Nayim the romantic orphan peasant. I shall not spoil anything but this book absolutely surprised me by the direction it took in the romance section. Well, I should say pleasantly surprised.
The ending was a bit cheesy, it's all well that ends well, but then that's what we usually read YA contemporary for I guess.
But yeah, I'd highly recommend this book!!
This is such a desi-core romance and I'm here for it! I don't even know how to review it, except it's not your typical love triangle romance. At front and centre, we have Zahra who is such a beautiful character and I instantly fell in love with her. Through her, the author captures the family dynamics and conflicts of Asian families so well, especially in immigrant families. The push and pull and the choice between family and following your heart were woven throughout the narrative.
Coming to the romance, we have two wonderful candidates - Harun the rich Bangladeshi boy and Nayim the romantic orphan peasant. I shall not spoil anything but this book absolutely surprised me by the direction it took in the romance section. Well, I should say pleasantly surprised.
The ending was a bit cheesy, it's all well that ends well, but then that's what we usually read YA contemporary for I guess.
But yeah, I'd highly recommend this book!!
dramagirl2003's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i really enjoyed this! the love triangle was very well written, there was no clear winner to root for until right near the end. i think it was my first time reading a book with a desi background (i buy my books secondhand and scotland does not have much diversity in reading), so i am delighted that simonteen offered this as a free read! i do know a few desi families, and this book reminded me of them
thoughts while reading
18%: yes i was just thinking that. you are definitely behaving pretty ditzy
19%: you’re absolutely right, on the cover page i can see that harun totally looks like he’s from CW
"I can't do this," I grouse to the Zahra in the mirror, releasing the breath I didn't know I was holding.
NO NOT THE BREATH LINE
It would be sweet if I didn't suspect he has a potentially fatal case of gingivitis.
GIRL 💀
43%: nayim is so in love with zahra
44%: NOOO the auntie network is so onto them!!
47%: urmm…no
It is a truth universally acknowledged among Bangladeshis that a guest on one's doorstep must be in want of at least two helpings of curry.
sounds about right by indian standards
49%: 😂 why does every kid like cocomelon
58%: resna is so cool for that, i love when little kids are protective
59%: NO too far zahra!!
63%: bro wrote a song for her 🥹
65%: dammit
"For someone so smart, you can be awfully dense sometimes, Khan."
not the cliche dude confession
88%: imagine if nayim is actually nasrin shah’s kid. he won’t be, but that would be a twist
89%: 😱😱😱
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
sleepyspunstory's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thepearlyjournal's review against another edition
Idk I wasn't feeling it and then she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
lvanher's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A very fun, lighthearted read! I loved the relationships in this.
mehvie's review against another edition
1.0
Yeah I've grown up... couldn't handle the plot line found it repetitive and just overused by debut novels. The dialogue felt kiddish tbh.
I have read much better books with the same plot. Skim read till the very end
I have read much better books with the same plot. Skim read till the very end
caroline_norrish's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
apurva20's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Part of my attempts to read more South Asian authors. Good book but it’s definitely for a younger audience. There were parts of the book that felt very much like the little mermaid and Aladdin - rushed love, lack of freedom, family pressure. It was enjoyable but not something I’d read again. Liked that the author included a lot of Bangla in the book without having to cater to a white audience.
zprh17's review against another edition
5.0
I'm actually really glad I picked this up. I liked reading about how conflicted a girl feels being a brown Muslim barely of age being engulfed in the storm that is the extended brown community and their expectations. I do think while Zahra's halal-to-haram ratio is not quite like mine that the religion aspect was represented pretty well.
The family drift between first gen immigrant parent with different values and daughter was also well shown too. The cultural references really makes this feels so realistic and contemporary and will be a really good snapshot of time I feel.
As for the romance handling, I loved the way the arranged marriage stuff and also the infidelity was handled. The thing is this wasn't really set up as a traditional love triangle with one side towards the beginning clearly established as the typical fake dating just friends but I'll admit I was worried Zahra wouldn't choose the guy I rooted for but all seemed to have worked out - even if the compromise was a little non-halal.
I cannot believe this is the author's debut and I very much look forward to what else she has to offer in the future
The family drift between first gen immigrant parent with different values and daughter was also well shown too. The cultural references really makes this feels so realistic and contemporary and will be a really good snapshot of time I feel.
As for the romance handling, I loved the way the arranged marriage stuff and also the infidelity was handled. The thing is this wasn't really set up as a traditional love triangle with one side towards the beginning clearly established as the typical fake dating just friends but I'll admit I was worried Zahra wouldn't choose the guy I rooted for but all seemed to have worked out - even if the compromise was a little non-halal.
I cannot believe this is the author's debut and I very much look forward to what else she has to offer in the future