This was a nice read, and in the first few chapters I found myself grinning as somethings reminded me of stories I’ve heard from friends, and in all honesty, what some of my older relatives have said to me about working versus getting married. I liked the fact that there wasn’t a judgemental tone in the depictions of what can, sometimes, occur within South Asian families, rather it was depicted with wry amusement and showed that whilst others (family/community etc), can have expectations, choice usually exists.
The two main characters are - performance poet and teacher Ayesha Shamsi and e-commerce manager Khalid Mirza. Ayesha is positioned as a progressive Muslim and Khalid as somewhat more conservative, which is meant to be reflected by his mode of dress – this was for me, a tad problematic, particularly as at the end he sheds his clothing for suit/Western male clothes – the symbolism was a little sticky.
I loved Ayesha’s outspokenness when it came to the views some of the ‘aunties’ shared with her – seriously had me grinning, but I do wish when it came to Khalid, she had been a little less judgmental.
I also feel there are too many strands to the story at present, less may have allowed for more depth and richness when it came to character development and interactions
The two main characters are - performance poet and teacher Ayesha Shamsi and e-commerce manager Khalid Mirza. Ayesha is positioned as a progressive Muslim and Khalid as somewhat more conservative, which is meant to be reflected by his mode of dress – this was for me, a tad problematic, particularly as at the end he sheds his clothing for suit/Western male clothes – the symbolism was a little sticky.
I loved Ayesha’s outspokenness when it came to the views some of the ‘aunties’ shared with her – seriously had me grinning, but I do wish when it came to Khalid, she had been a little less judgmental.
I also feel there are too many strands to the story at present, less may have allowed for more depth and richness when it came to character development and interactions