I didn't know I needed a modern day Muslim re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, but I did. I really did.

Ayesha has recently completed her teaching credential and got her first job substitute teaching at a local high school. Her large and overly involved Muslim family have decided that if she won't let them arrange a marriage for her, at least teaching is a better career than her true passion as a poet.
Khalid is a devout Muslim man who works with Ayesha's best friend and is anxiously awaiting the day his mother picks his wife. When he and Ayesha meet they hate each other. And then they don't...and then they do again...and then they don't. It's better than I'm making it sound, I swear.

Setting aside the fact that I spent way too much money ordering copious amounts of Indian take-out while reading Ayesha at Last (because the cravings were real) this was easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

I really enjoyed this one. Muslim rom-com with clear hints at feminism and the tensions caused by expectations of religion and culture, and how that intersects with current Millenial life. I appreciated that it wasn't too mushy, and I appreciated that it didn't resort to physicality that normal romance does. Strong female characters don't bend the knee to the men in their lives, and by extension, the men in the story interact and learn from the women. I was pleasantly drawn in and would absolutely love to recommend this to any reader, whether a romance lover, fellow Muslim, and anyone wanting humorous insight into a version of Islam that is beautiful and relevant.

I haven't read it yet but I was so excited about it that I purchased the UK version of it from Book Depository!

An enjoyable retelling of a classic. The story was familiar, but the characters and setting were brand new.

Ah! So good! This is something you will not want to put down! I'm loving how diverse these books are getting, it's so refreshing. Being from Canada, this has already been published, but for one reason or another, I have never picked it up. When I was available here, I knew I needed to read it and it did not disappoint!

Great take on pride and prejudice without having to stick to the original in ways that would confine current story. Funny and insightful. Great for non-romance readers.

If you love Pride and Prejudice, this is the book for you! A familiar, nostalgic feeling story with a modern twist. 6/10 stars

A lovely, diverse retelling of Pride and Prejudice that Jane Austen would be proud of. What I love about this retelling is that it has the romance, but addresses gender, class, racism, and religion in a sharp and clever way. It's modern and contemporary, but matches the old-fashioned feel of Austen style courtship, which was totally refreshing. Jalaluddin is definitely one to watch.

Ayesha at Last is a Muslim own-voices retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and begins with a clever restatement of Austen’s famous opening line: "Because while it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single Muslim man must be in want of a wife, there's an even greater truth:To his Indian mother, his own inclinations are of secondary importance.”

This P&P re-telling is set in Scarborough, ON in a South Asian Muslim community. In a rare turn of events in Islamophobic modern times, the hero, Khalid is a practicing conversation Muslim. It’s nice to see those who faithfully practice their religion faithfully viewed in a favorable light rather than as token Muslims or terrorists. Khalid wears a thobe and a skullcap and hasn’t cut his beard in years. He believes in chastity and believes his mother will find him an appropriate wife. Ayesha, the heroine, is aging out of the marriage market at age 27. Her mother has encouraged to be independent, so she isn’t certain she wants an arranged marriage—or marriage at all. These two butt heads immediately as they each make snap decisions about the other.

As this is a retelling, there’s no need to summarize the plot or to worry about spoilers—everyone P&P knows the story. The hero and heroine eventually redeem their impulsive first opinions about each other and fall in love.

I enjoyed Uzma Jalaluddin’s deft way at revealing Islamophobic sentiments and anti-Muslim discrimination in the work place and in schools. Overall, a cute book that also provides an important service: reinforcing that humans are more alike than different.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many adaptations of Pride and Prejudice I've read. I'm a complete sucker for them. From the superficial where Darcy is a pole dance teacher to the time traveling and more. Lately, I've seen this trend of Pride and Prejudice being adapted to different cultures and it's fascinating to see how each author works the elements around.
This book? This is the top of the pile. This is the example of how to take the most important elements of a classic story, update them, and weave your own culture into the story. I have not read many books involving Muslim culture and these days, most entertainment does not give it a fair chance. This story gives it more than a fair chance. It is rich in tradition with arranged marriages, faith, family loyalty, and more. We're given different sides to the culture with Khalid being more extreme and to the letter and Ayesha being more relaxed about it all. Plus, how often are Muslims portrayed in romantic comedies with happy endings?
When I first started this book, I was in the 3 star range because it takes its time to build its foundation. Khalid has a lot on his place and his new boss, Sheila, is out to make it worse with her racist views. I was ready to slap her within 2 pages of meeting her. That's when I knew I was hitting 4 star territory. Khalid is meek and afraid to step out of line in the beginning. His growth throughout the book is one of my favorite parts. He's able to experience so much with the help of friends. Ayesha is a great contrast to him and the way they butt heads in the beginning is classic. Their banter and their conversations are top notch. There's a classic misunderstanding that was making me yell at the book so I knew this was going to be good. Everything got better from there. Some characters from Pride and Prejudice are not really featured in this and I think that's for the better. Others are just heightened by Uzma's writing, which is incredible. She takes some time to do it but she sucks you in and you start devouring this book halfway through. The drama only got better and better as the story went on. This is a rich adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that will leave nobody disappointed.

Ayesha at Last was a book I just couldn't wait to get my hands on to because:
a) Look at that gorgeous cover!
b) P&P retelling!
c) Brown people falling in love!
d) Did I mention, the gorgeous cover?????
I'm so happy that Ayesha at Last hit all the right notes for me. It was such a gorgeously written debut and I, for one, can't wait to see what Uzma comes up with next!

Ayesha at Last was charming from start to finish, and a lot of it has to do with the characters. I adored each and every one of them. They will seem very familiar to readers who have read or watched Pride & Prejudice, but Uzma Jalaluddin still manages to make them across as fresh and delightful. I adored Ayesha. She was feisty, smart and very bull-headed, exactly like Lizzie Bennett. She had dreams and hopes of being a poet and was very passionate about the art. A misunderstanding at the local mosque pushes Ayesha to take the identity of her colorful cousin, Hafsah, and to be forced in the proximity of Khalid, a man she had previously met at a poetry lounge who had made assumptions about the kind of Muslim girl she was. Khalid, at first glance, may not seem anything like Ayesha. He was very devout and conservative and as a result, seemed a little quiet and stoic. To say that I loved Khalid would be a serious understatement. He may have initially judged Ayesha when he first met her, but he was such a kind soul. There was something very genuine and innocent about his character that I could not resist.

Ayesha and Khalid's romance was one that was developed slowly. I loved watching them gradually connect with each other and become acquainted with each others' real personalities. They meshed beautifully together and there were so many heartwarming and adorable scenes the two shared. These two certainly had my shipper heart very giddy! Admittedly, this isn't a romance novel that has any physical scenes of any kind between the couple, but that does not mean there is no sense of intimacy between the pair. In fact, I think the lack of actual physical scenes made Ayesha and Khalid's romance all the more intense for me. They both had a lot to overcome and their path to a happily ever after was far from without any obstacles. If you know anything about dramatic brown families, then you know exactly the sort of upheavals to expect with this book. I was delighted though so many of the faces were familiar. I especially adored Ayesha's grandparents, who were just breaths of fresh air. I also loved how rich in culture Ayesha at Last was. You see so much of both Ayesha and Khalid's traditions throughout the book. In particular, I was pleased with how Uzma Jalaluddin showed just how diverse and sometimes personal religion and faith can be to people. You see all shades of Muslims in this book and no one is villainized.

Ayesha at Last is definitely a book whose interior is just as lovely as the exterior. It was a beautiful and important tale of love, family, faith, and life, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

This was the sweet Muslim romantic comedy retelling of pride and prejudice I didn’t know i needed!!

Oh my god I loved this so much. I’ve never read anything like this before. I learned so much about Muslim culture and it was so entertaining but also heartbreaking at times with the racial bias from others and even people in their community.

This was just so good. 5/5 would recommend.

I am an Indian, someone whose family is originally from Hyderabad, and who is of marriageable age.

Even I found many, many things to learn while reading this book. I can't speak to the immense value that this book adds in terms of valuing and understanding the spectrum of Islamic beliefs, and how those beliefs tie into society. As a fellow Indian, there were so many beautiful things that overlapped and reminded me of home...and as a Hindu, there was so much to learn.

Uzma Jalaluddin weaves a masterful story of two twenty-somethings who question the way they grew up, their values and who they are as they fall for each other. Each character has depth and logic, and you feel for those who wear a hijab, niqab, or any other religious wear as they're discriminated in society and face microaggressions...and it challenges your own beliefs too.

I wish my rambly review made more sense but I'm still in awe of this book and sorting out how to express what I feel. I'll be writing a review on my blog when I let the greatness sink in.

This book gave me all the feels....it was a beautiful modern re-telling of "Pride and Prejudice" that I was thrilled to read.
Ayesha feels indebted to her uncle, he did pay for her schooling to become a teacher after all, so whenever something is asked of her she has a hard time refusing. Hafsa, her younger cousin, has been receiving, and rejecting, marriage proposals right and left..which is something that their family can't quite stop talking about. While Ayesha doesn't want an arranged marriage she can't help but wonder if maybe that is what is going to happen...how can she meet anyone? Enter Khalid, a smart yet
conservative man that sparks an interest in Ayesha....but is that spark love or hate?!
Jalaluddin has written a lovely book that had me cheering for Ayesha until the last page (even though I knew the ending...to a point). I can't wait to read more from this talented writer.

Modern versions of Pride and Prejudice only succeed if they capture the flavor and intent of the original but offer the reader something new; Jalaluddin's novel succeeds on both accounts. Set in a Muslim community in Toronto, the author skillfully creates a main couple who have their own prejudices about marriage, about religion, about life goals, and need to work them out as they dance around a relationship that stretches the bounds of propriety. This novel has a really strong plot line, as well as humor, and it carefully explores the themes of P&P but without being a retelling. The Muslim life-style was interesting to read about and consider and the Canadian setting added another dimension to this. Highly recommended.

This was such a great Pride and Prejudice retelling!

The perfect blend of sweet and swoony, this modern retelling was everything my P&P obsessed heart needed. I especially loved that this was centered around Muslim characters and family's. It was so great getting to learn about Ayesha and Khalid's culture and different (but also very relatable) perspectives on marriage, life and love.

From nearly the first page, I was completely drawn in and I found myself unable to put this book down for hours. I read this nearly in one sitting and I was stunned when I would pause to drink water or check the time only to realize that I hadn't moved in hours. Ayesha is such a relatable character and I love that throughout this book we get to go on this journey with not only Ayesha but Khalid as well and watch them grow.

So why 4 stars? Around 75% into the book I started to lose my steam a bit and things started to drag a little. Not that it wasn't enjoyable, because I still was having a great time but at the same time I was starting to become impatient to have all the drama end already. I also wish there was a bit more romance in this book. Because of the plot and the characters, I knew that this wasn't going to be a steamy read by any means and the little moments we got made my heart skip a beat a few times but still...I wanted a little more. And finally, my last (and this is a bit silly) complaint is the emphasis the book seemed to put on Ayesha's age and how she's this "old maiden" and too old for the hero even though she's only a year older than him. I do understand it, and understand that it's a cultural thing but after the second time, it became a bit annoying.

Ayesha at Last was a fantastic debut from the author and is the perfect romance to read if you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice and looking for a more modern take, that still sticks to all the things we love most about the classic. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: super adorable, intriguing retelling of a well-beloved classic; LOVELOVELOVE the dual POVs; the humor and snark are real with this one; believable, easy to love characters; I felt there were only a few "forced" moments; gorgeous purple prose

HUGE thanks to Uzma Jalaluddin, Berkley Books Publishing, and Netgalley for sending a complimentary egalley of this title my way! This in no way altered my review of or opinions on this book.


---"If I do not weed my garden, my beloved flowers will die, asphyxiated by vicious forces whose only goal is colonization. If you choose to plant the flowers, you make a choice to be responsible over other living things. Khalid is not a man who takes his responsibilities lightly."---


I know what you all are thinking, Penguins. I can just HEAR you all wondering when I'm going to give up my fanatic obsession with all things Pride and Prejudice and leave you all to enjoy your bookaholicism in peace. I have news for you. The answer is.......... NEVER. Which is how we've found ourselves here, in the midst of yet another post where your Royal Penguin Princess fangirls her little heart over YET ANOTHER P&P retelling/adaptation. I take my bookish duties seriously, y'all. You'll never catch me doing otherwise.

And this retelling might well be a favorite of mine, for several reasons. First and foremost: this is a DIVERSE retelling. The fact that I learned a little about a different culture in the process of reading...I don't think it gets much better than that! The fact that the author is also a WOC...uggggggh, let me die happy now! The subjects tackled in this book were far-ranging and beautifully handled. Uzma Jalaluddin approached this novel with expert crafting and sensitivity, while still ensuring readers came out of the journey looking at the world with freshly-opened eyes. I tip my beak to her, y'all--she helped me see things in a WHOLE new light, which isn't always easy.


---"I admire your bravery. Where will you go? Dreamers need to eat too."

"I was thinking overseas. See the world, write."

Mr. Evorem nodded. "Just remember to pack light. Dreams tend to shatter if you're carrying other people's hopes around with you."---


I really enjoyed how much snark and witty banter flowed between these pages. It was a blast to see the world through Ayesha's eyes, and experience several POVs that were distinct and easy to tell apart. There were only a few moments that seemed more "forced" for the sake of the original content/story line. I actually REALLY enjoyed how Uzma Jalaluddin managed to play in some of the more prominent characters--she took time to think outside the box in several instances, and caught me by surprise more than once.

This was such a fantastic read, filled with beautifully crafted prose and true-to-life situations. The lessons and growth these characters faced were believable and thought-provoking, if a small bit contrived in certain instances. I would definitely recommend to readers seeking their next diverse, witty retelling--especially those with a soft spot for all things P&P, like me! Are you ready to unveil these pages, Penguins?!

Ayesha At Last is described as a modern Muslim Pride and Prejudice, which is really all it takes to make me want to read a new book. Hardworking first-year teacher and aspiring poet Ayesha is constantly being reminded of all the proposals her pretty younger cousin Hafsa is getting. She lives at home, with her warm, loving and slightly lacking in boundaries family. Fortunately, she has her best friend Clara for support.

The romance is solid, of course, and obviously I loved wealthy Khalid falling in love with spirited Ayesha, but I found Clara and Ayesha's friendship to be the most compelling part of this story. The two young women have different career paths, romantic goals, and values, but they offer each other kind support and real affection, since their school days. Women's friendship can be a rich topic in fiction, and there's a lot to explore in why we chose our besties and how we maintain those friendships with the competing pressures of career and family.  I particularly enjoyed the resolution of Clara and Rob's storyline, because it showed old-fashioned respect for the institution of marriage, crossed with modern respect for women. There was also mutual respect and appreciation for differing marriage traditions.

Now, I don't want to be an arbiter of what counts as Pride and Prej -- wait, no, I absolutely do. That would be a great job, please hire me.  But any Elizabeth Bennet needs sisters, and this Elizabeth only has a little brother and dear cousin. Also, there's no Bingley. This was just as much a modernized P&P as it was any Shakespearean hidden-identity comedy.

I don't mean that I didn't enjoy this book! No, it was a great read, after the misleading description.  It's a Canadian/Indian Muslim romantic comedy, with nods to the bard's twin comedies and Jane Austen. (Which would also have been really compelling logline for me.) The romantic plot hinges less on the classism of P&P and more on a mistaken identity in the style of Comedy of Errors or Twelfth Night. I often get those twin comedies confused, although I love the women-dressed-as-men romance polygons, especially how they straighten out for marriages by the end of the play.  There's another nod to Shakespearean pairoffs in this novel when (the real) cousin Hafsa and self-obsessed "promoter" Collins fall for each other.

My only concern was finding the mean and racist boss Sheila too evil, there was no nuance or motivation here.  To me, a more insidious villain lets you know that they believe all the negative stereotypes of your ethnic group, but don't worry, you're not like the rest of them. Or someone who needs to be educated, over and over, about stereotypes. (Double jerk points for innocently insisting they're just curious.) Meeting Khalid and immediately deciding to fire him seemed a bit flatly villainous to me. Fortunately, it put the more nuanced plot in motion, allowing us to see Khalid under pressure and testing his commitments.

Sadly this book just wasn't for me! The writing style felt stiff and informative, rather than immersive and emotional (like the classic Pride and Prejudice). However, I loved the representation we get with diverse characters and their religion/culture.

Longer review to come on my blog, closer to publication date! :)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ayesha at Last and it is with pleasure that I review it.
This is the best Muslim/ South Asian romantic comedy book I have read, and I can see why it will be made into a film. It is refreshing to read a well-written traditional Muslim romance.
Ayesha at Last has captivating, deep, and likeable characters that consistently grow throughout the novel. The nice surprise was that the male protagonist Khalid was the most complex and interesting character, more so than the (still likeable) female protagonist Ayesha.
Uzma's distinct gift is gently portraying traditional Muslim characters- like Khalid- in an honest, relatable way, rather than the usual stereotypical and judgmental way. For this I applaud Uzma. I found myself rooting for and identifying with Khalid's awkwardness and earnest intentions.
As a rule I dislike the common theme of Pride and Prejudice homages, because the classic is incomparable, but this book is still a standalone hit.
I was sad when the book ended, and I look forward to the sequel- hopefully with another wedding scene.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC!