Ayesha at Last

Description

Winner of the 2019 Hearst Big Books Award - Cosmopolitan's Book of the Year A Mirror 'Best Books to Read This Summer' pick ______________ Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been overtaken by a demanding teaching job. Her boisterous Muslim family, and numerous (interfering) aunties, are professional naggers. And her flighty young cousin, about to reject her one hundredth marriage proposal, is a constant reminder that Ayesha is still single. Ayesha might be a little lonely, but the one thing she doesn't want is an arranged marriage. And then she meets Khalid... How could a man so conservative and judgmental (and, yes, smart and annoyingly handsome) have wormed his way into her thoughts so quickly? As for Khalid, he's happy the way he is; his mother will find him a suitable bride. But why can't he get the captivating, outspoken Ayesha out of his mind? They're far too different to be a good match, surely... 'A clever homage to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that you'll love, even if you never got round to reading the original.' - Cosmopolitan

Uzma Jalaluddin grew up in a close knit, diverse neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada, and regularly attended events at her local mosque, even when her parents didn't make her. Today she teaches in a public high school, and writes 'Samosas and Maple Syrup', a parenting and culture column for The Toronto Star, Canada's largest daily newspaper. Ayesha at Last is her first novel. @UzmaWrites

A clever homage to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that you'll love, even if you never got round to reading the original. * Cosmopolitan * Compassionate, warm, and wholly satisfying * The Skinny * It's unpredictable, even if you've read Pride and Prejudice... love -- Jasmine Guillory, author of 'The Proposal' * O, The Oprah Magazine * A sparkling love story... The criss-crossing sub-plots - both gritty and comic - keep the pages turning, and make this a treat for fans of romance with extra bite. * Love Reading * Charming, heartwarming * Dazed * An enthralling adaptation of the classic Pride and Prejudice... This version of the well-loved novel is innovative, relevant and so very relatable... complete with cross-culture nuances, wit, humour and classic romance. A must read for Jane Austen fans. * Asian Image * This is the book I've been waiting for since my long-running Jane Austen obsession. Move over Darcy, Khalid's in town. * S. K. Ali, author of Saints and Misfits * Uzma Jalaluddin blazes a brilliant new trail with Ayesha At Last, a captivating romance set in the Muslim community, brimming with humour and heart. You will fall in love with Ayesha and Khalid - an Elizabeth and Darcy for our times. * Ausma Zehanat Khan, author of A Dangerous Crossing * Ayesha At Last is a cross-cultural pleasure, a romp, a modern, Muslim salute to Pride and Prejudice. The lovely, witty writing is testimony to an excellent eye and ear at work. * Elinor Lipman, author of On Turpentine Lane * Enchanting, achingly funny and uplifting, Ayesha at Last is a must read! * Randa Abdel-Fattah, author of Does My Head Look Big in This? * An excellent modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. With humor and abundant cultural references, Jalaluddin cleverly illustrates the social pressures facing young Indian-Muslim adults. A highly entertaining tale of family, community, and romance. * Publishers Weekly, starred review * A lively and raucous story that mixes a zany cast of characters with a tightly wound plot... Delicious, adorable and entertaining. * Kirkus, starred review * Delightful. Innovative, relevant and so very relatable. * Asian Life Magazine * Interesting family dynamics, diverse characters, and a sweet romance make this a quick yet satisfying read for a winter weekend indoors. * Lake Minnetonka Magazine * This gratifying, big-hearted story seamlessly weaves together Shakespearean comedy, saag paneer, gossipy aunties, pro wrestling, spoken-word poetry, Ikea furniture, Fajr prayer, AA meetings and every variety of love. * Guardian *