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A review by booksandprosecco
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
Book Review • Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin • 4.75 stars
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Thank you HarperCollins Canada for sending me this to read/review.
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Hana Khan works at her family’s restaurant, is an intern at a radio station, and runs an anonymous podcast. Difficulties ensue when a competing restaurant pops up nearby and her coworkers’ racism becomes less subtle. The one good thing is the guy Hana’s been talking to, even though she doesn’t even know his real name. Then her aunt and cousin visit from India and shake things up even more.
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The best characters were definitely Kawkab Khala and Rashid! Kawkab Khala is Hana’s aunt and she’s the fiery, loyal, feminist aunt everyone needs in their life. I love the wisdom she gives and the reminder that you never know what someone has been through.
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Rashid is Hana’s cousin and he’s such a genuine and entertaining person. One of my favourite things about him is the way he challenges the “foreigner” stereotype. Someone treats Rashid like he is “less than” because he’s from India, but Rashid shows he is kind, understanding and smart.
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Hana was a good character, as was Aydin, but I didn’t love the relationship between them. It was certainly not the only focus of the book though.
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There are many big themes, but one of my favourites is learning to let go of things even if it’s been in your life a long time. It’s a good reminder that we can make big changes at any time, we just have to be brave enough to do it.
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This may just be one of my favourite books of the year. Highly recommend!
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TW/CW: Islamophobia, hate crime, brief mention of attempted suicide.
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Thank you HarperCollins Canada for sending me this to read/review.
~
Hana Khan works at her family’s restaurant, is an intern at a radio station, and runs an anonymous podcast. Difficulties ensue when a competing restaurant pops up nearby and her coworkers’ racism becomes less subtle. The one good thing is the guy Hana’s been talking to, even though she doesn’t even know his real name. Then her aunt and cousin visit from India and shake things up even more.
~
The best characters were definitely Kawkab Khala and Rashid! Kawkab Khala is Hana’s aunt and she’s the fiery, loyal, feminist aunt everyone needs in their life. I love the wisdom she gives and the reminder that you never know what someone has been through.
~
Rashid is Hana’s cousin and he’s such a genuine and entertaining person. One of my favourite things about him is the way he challenges the “foreigner” stereotype. Someone treats Rashid like he is “less than” because he’s from India, but Rashid shows he is kind, understanding and smart.
~
Hana was a good character, as was Aydin, but I didn’t love the relationship between them. It was certainly not the only focus of the book though.
~
There are many big themes, but one of my favourites is learning to let go of things even if it’s been in your life a long time. It’s a good reminder that we can make big changes at any time, we just have to be brave enough to do it.
~
This may just be one of my favourite books of the year. Highly recommend!
~
TW/CW: Islamophobia, hate crime, brief mention of attempted suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Mental illness and Suicide attempt