Winner of the 2019 Hearst Big Books Award - Cosmopolitan's Book of the Year

A Mirror 'Best Books to Read This Summer' pick
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A big-hearted, captivating, modern-day Muslim Pride and Prejudice, with hijabs instead of top hats and kurtas instead of corsets.

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

About the Author

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

Reviews
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 *


Awards
Winner of Hearst Big Book Awards - Cosmopolitan's Book of the Year 2019 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781786497949
Author Uzma Jalaluddin
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Corvus
Publisher Atlantic Books
Weight(grams) 245g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 21mm