The switches in the story gave fresh breath to a classic, but there were many nods and actually passages which reflected the original story well. Ayesha did not have a bunch of sisters in her family, but she did have a bunch of female cousins (it was the cousins family acting as the Bennet surrogates, complete with a Muslim mother full of nerves and hopes for good marriages for her daughters). Khalid does not have an over imposing dowager aunt, instead he has a devout Muslim mother who wishes to control all aspects of Khalid's life and of the Mosque they frequent. Ayesha and Khalid were such perfectly crafted characters to represent Elizabeth and Darcy. Ayesha defies Khalid's outdate views on modest, meek Muslim women. While, Khalid seems to be on the extreme side of Muslim culture, but in fact uses his faith as a way to hide (as he suffers from social anxiety). Both of them challenge each other, but they also help each other to understand themselves and their faith. Whether it be Ayesha learning to once again turn to prayer, or Khalid shedding the traditional clothing he was using as a shield. Ayesha's Grandparents, Nana and Nani, were my favourite characters. Her Grandfather, Nana, uses Shakespearean quotes as sage knowledge in any situation. Her Grandmother, Nani, is an aspiring detective. She discovers truths about things happening around the family and tries to help Ayesha and Khalid in her own way. Both are comedic, but also a shoulder for Ayesha to cry on. They do not hold their tongues when something needs to be said, but are also quiet when needed. They are clearly the glue that holds together the family, making sure each of their grandchildren is cared for, fed, and loved. The side characters all worked against Ayesha and Khalid, whether meaning to or by accident. Khalid must deal with workplace discrimination, Ayesha must deal with the misplaced jealousy of her younger cousin, and both Ayesha and Khalid must deal with a smooth talking Muslim man who is hosting a youth conference at their Mosque. There are moments of anger for both Ayesha and Khalid's situations (wanting to pummel Khalid's clearly racist boss, or wanting to slap some sense into Ayesha's self-centered and selfish cousin), but there are also moments of pure happiness and joy (when Ayesha and Khalid are able to be themselves). There is also heartbreak, and the perspective of how family shapes our lives, both for good and bad, and how loss can ultimately change who we become (for better or worse). The novel was a quick read and I found it very hard to put down. It was full of family drama, romance, comedy, and justice. It was such a fun way to pay homage to a favourite classic. Even better, I was able to read it with others for a buddy read, which made gushing all the more entertaining. Thank you for the book selection Hayley and Donna!
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