Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2019 discussion

I had no less than five people inquire if I knew anything about this book a little while back so I figured it would make a good choice for a group reading endeavor.

For June, our group read will be Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin.

Now, the book does not release until the end of the first week so we will not be starting on June 1st, but the book's release day, June 4th. If you are a reviewer and are able to lay hands on an advanced reader copy (ARC) then feel free to start earlier than the rest. :)


If you are planning to participate, leave a comment below. What's your pre-read impression of the book?

Sophia will post occasional guide questions to get the ball rolling, but feel free to pose your own questions, discussions, or observations as you read.

If you are concerned your comment/question might fall in the spoiler category, please warn at the top of your comment so we are prepared.

I love cross-cultural P&P so I will try to join though it's impossible for me to know what June will look like in my ever-changing life!

Yay! That would be great to have you along for the read, Abigail.
No worries if life gets in the way. I know its hard to plan that far in advance. :)

I received my copy from a GR giveaway late last night and finished a short while ago. Loved it! 4.75-5. I hope everyone likes it! :)

Good to know. :)

I am breaking my own rule for this year that I have to read books that have been on my TBR the longest, but this looks to interesting to pass up. I think I will come along for the ride.

Very glad to have you. I'm hoping that we'll all love it.

Well, this has sparked a new sub genre interest for me. I have just added 3 new books to by TBR. Last year I added . I just added this book, , and .

It's true. There are quite a fair few world lit variations now. :)

It's on my TBR, so I'm in. Really waiting for Sonali Dev's book too.

Super, Michelle! Glad to have you with us. :)

I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway, and somehow I got two copies mailed to me. I'm not sure what the policy is for passing on / sharing ARCs. Is it allowed?

Oh, and I did read it, so looking forward to hearing what other people in this group think of it. I have some commentary that I didn't put in my review because it really wasn't relevant for a casual reader, but die-hard JAFF fans will maybe appreciate / understand.

That's super, Michelle! Congrats on winner. LOL, one for each hand?

Anyway, are you asking if, in general, you can give away a copy (answer's yes) or are you asking, in specific, if you can give one away here (answer is also yes).

Just make sure you put together the details of how you want to go about it (messages to you privately from interested parties and pick randomly or first come/first served), if you are paying shipping or not and where specifically you are willing to ship.

If I misunderstood or you have further questions, feel free to message me. :)

Excited to read this book with the group! Thanks for organizing this group read, Sophia!

Woohoo! Glad to have you along for the ride, Christina.

I enjoy having others reading the same book so we can chat it up if we want. :)

UPDATE: Book has found a new home.

I have an extra copy of the book that I received for free and am willing to pass along. If there is someone out there who is not able to purchase the book but wants to read along, please send me a PM and I'll mail it out this week. US only to keep my shipping costs down. First come, first serve, and I'll try to delete the post when the book has found it's new home.

I looked back in this thread but can't figure out what book you're referring to, Michelle. Could you clarify?

Abigail wrote: "I looked back in this thread but can't figure out what book you're referring to, Michelle. Could you clarify?"

Sorry about that. The group read for June, Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin.

Michele I'm interested. haven't been able to find a copy

Thanks, Michelle! (And duh, Abigail, look at the title of the thread already! Sorry to be so stupid.)

First Discussion Starter Post

Howdy all!
Tomorrow is release day for Ayesha at Last so I wanted to get things started off right for the group read.

A few pre-read questions:
1. What are your early impressions of cover, genre, setting, blurb?
2. Are you eager? Curious? Wary?
3. Have you read books by 'Own Voice authors who write about their own culture before?
4. Ever read or watched an adaption of a story set in the Muslim or Indian culture?

Feel free to toss out your own questions or comments, too!

Happy reading, all! So glad you could join up.

For my responses:

I think the cover is gorgeous, particularly in the print version I have with the gold foil lettering and outline with the colorful silhouette.

I've been curious most of all with a smidge of wariness because modern retellings have the tough job of showcasing a fresh story with the spirit of the original present as well.

I've not read as many #own voice books as I would like and have a pile on the TBR pile, but I confess that it does lend a certain extra credence for me when I do. Like my most recent read of a Chinese-Filipino author writing about a Chinese heroine.

I've read books set in the Middle East and Indian Sub-continent with Muslim main characters, but this will be my first for North American Muslim and only my third Indian. I have enjoyed all of them and have no doubt that I will learn from and appreciate this one as well.

(full disclosure, my responses are based on my true pre-read thoughts, but I have in fact, read the book by this point and didn't want to do any spoilering for you)

Sorry I can't join in with this. Too much else going on in my RL (friends visiting for most of the coming week) and reading life. Just received a book to beta. It's looking amazing so far! Then I've an ARC ro read and review, but have to reread another first. Busy times!

Anji wrote: "Sorry I can't join in with this. Too much else going on in my RL (friends visiting for most of the coming week) and reading life. Just received a book to beta. It's looking amazing so far! Then I'v..."

Whew, yeah, you are really trotting there, Anji! Enjoy your friends and I know you'll be a great asset as a beta reader. Ayesha will be there when you get a chance besides the author has great letters to use for your Alphabet challenge this year or next. :)

Great discussion questions, Sophia! I haven't started reading yet, so here are my pre-read thoughts:

First, a question for all of you:

What aspect(s) of Pride and Prejudice absolutely must be in this (or any such) adaptation to make it a strong read for you?

Now, on to my rambling answers to Sophia's great questions:

1. What are your early impressions of cover, genre, setting, blurb?
Love this version of the cover! I also saw a different version when I was in Canada last summer. In fact, I took a picture of it as a way of reminding myself to look up this book when I returned home!

I was surprised to find that the was not available in the U.S. till recently -- but that probably says a lot more about my U.S.-centric mode of thinking than anything else! ;) Here's the version of the book I saw in Canada last summer, by the way:

2. Are you eager? Curious? Wary?
Definitely eager! I'm looking forward to seeing how the author adapts the P&P storyline to a modern Muslim family in Toronto. I'm also very curious to see how the author handles the debate within the Muslim community over how best to maintain one's faith and culture, particularly in North America where being Muslim often comes with being misunderstood and feared.

3. Have you read books by 'Own Voice' authors who write about their own culture before?
I haven't yet read an "Own Voice" book within the JAFF/Austenesque genre, but I have several such books on my list, including Unmarriageable, Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors, Pride, and Austenistan.


4. Ever read or watched an adaption of a story set in the Muslim or Indian culture?
I've read and watched several stories set in Muslim and Indian communities, but not necessarily Austenseque adaptations. (Wait, maybe I saw Bride and Prejudice a long time ago?)

Anyway, a favorite author of mine is Jhumpa Lahiri, who writes beautifully about the Indian and Indian-American experience. (My favorite of her works is probably Interpreter of Maladies, followed by The Namesake.)

I've also loved the two books I've read by Mohsin Hamid: The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Exit West. The Reluctant Fundamentalist deals with the experience of being Muslim and Pakistani in the U.S. in the aftermath of 9/11, and Exit West challenges readers to think about war and refugees in a whole new way.

Lots of great books out there...looking forward to adding Ayesha at Last to this list!

Loved reading your responses, Christina!

I get little shockers, too, when I learn that a book has been read and enjoyed for quite some time before the US sees it. But, I'm getting better at it as I reach for non-US authors. Fun to see the Canadian cover!

I've had my eye on Exit West since it released. Thanks for the Ihumpa Lahiri rec.

To answer your question, I do need to have certain things present for optimal enjoyment. I wasn't sure if you were talking about specific milestones or overall requirements so I'll address both.

I need the disastrous meet cute, further disastrous miunderstandings, embarassing family and friends, Hunsford proposal and subsequent letter/pivot point, trouble/action for hero and heroine to shine.

My biggest non-specific is wit and humor and not just romance. I can like books that don't quite get there with those, but to love them, I need to see the sparkle. And, I need to see that no matter who they are or what circumstances, the author gives them that the characters are essentially true to their natures though I'm not as dyed in the wool about the antagonists. And, I like to get an original story. I like to recognize the tie to the original, but not a carbon copy just with modern setting, dialogue, and values.

Hopefully, that all makes sense. :)

Sophia, that definitely makes sense! I think you’ve articulated what we could henceforth call the P&P standard: wit, tension, character growth, and a touch of originality. Here’s hoping Ayesha at Last meets that high standard! (I won’t be able to read it until the end of June, so I’ll look forward to rejoining in the discussion then.)

Sounds good, Christina!

No worries about needing to wait until time clears. I've done that many times with my reading. :)

My initial impressions before I read the book...
1. Cover, blurb, and concept had me looking forward to reading this book. Loved that the author was going to explore the P&P storyline in a different cultural setting.
2. I was eager and curious. If I was a bit wary, it was because it is a modern retelling, as those are hit-or-miss for me.
3. I'm not familiar with the 'Own Voice' designation (I'll look it up). I enjoy reading authors writing about their cultural (e.g., Sonali Dev, Jasmin Darznik). I really love when authors incorporate food descriptions or food/dining/social rituals into the story. These traditions from cultures not my own fascinate me and help me connect with the stories.
4. Yes, although more of books about the Indian culture.

Loved seeing what you thought of the book when you first picked it up, Michelle.

Oh, sorry, about the poor explanation. Own Voices is anything written by an author who has personal perspective on what they are writing. Like a Muslim Indian writing a book about the Muslim community, etc. Looks like you've already been reading several good ones.

Yes!!! The food descriptions. So much good food was mentioned in this one. And, I love when other books do it, too.

Discussion Post Two Mid-point

I know some were planning a later start so it might not exactly be mid-point for everyone, but I thought I'd toss out there some more questions to see how the book is striking you so far.

1. Did the beginning grab your attention?
2. Do you like having the alternating points of view? Have a preference for first or third person in this sort of story?
3. What is your early impressions of Khalid and Ayesha? The surrounding characters?
4. How is the story working with the original P&P storyline for you? Seeing any parallels in plot or familiarity with characters?
5. Any new impressions that strike you with the multicultural element added in?


Again, toss any of your own questions and comments in at any time. Happy Reading, all!

I had no trouble slipping into this story and smiled over the early introductions to Khalid and his mom, Ayesha's family and the community aunties.
I was really glad to have both perspectives so I could know what they were thinking as they encountered each other the first time and also to see what was going on in their own lives and motivating their words and actions.
I could see the conflict rising nicely when this pair first encountered each other and was looking forward to seeing the entanglements and the later resolutions. Her cousin's plot to have Ayesha pretend was an early warning sign to me. Love Ayesha's grandparents and am already giving Khalid's mom the stink eye.
I can feel the flavoring of the original in this one, but also the author's own originality. Fun picking out what characters are versions of the originals, but I can see that some don't translate back and forth and I'm glad the author didn't push to make it so.
I was very startled about Khalid's boss at the workplace being so obvious in her targeting, but I suppose some people are like that. I got a kick out of the marriage negotiation interviews as that was new to me.
Definitely the book is holding my attention and making me anticipate what is to come.

I didn't formally join the read-in, but find myself reading the book at the same time as all of you!

I'll add that what I appreciate most about this retelling is Ayesha's intelligence, quiet strength, and wittiness. I like the fact that the core elements of Elizabeth's character are present within her, even though this isn't a straightforward beat-by-beat recreation of the original (an approach which I very much prefer, as will probably be obvious to people who have read my own Austen-inspired work). Khalid is very believable as a fundamentally good but misunderstood man, and even though he's not quite my type, romantically speaking, he's the type of person I'd like to be friends with in real life.

It's interesting that both Ayesha and the heroine of Zoboi's Pride are both poets. Perhaps because the profession is seen as so impractical nowadays, financially speaking! I enjoyed Ayesha's struggles as a substitute teacher, too.

I'm not reading this one on a Kindle, and for those of you debating what format to select, I rather wish I was so I could look up photos of the foods with which I'm not familiar. But there are quite a few great food descriptions of things I am very familiar with, including maple doughnuts, pizza, hot wings, gummi bears, and Twinkies.

*spoiler alert*

I'm not quite finished, but I did like the unpredictability of the plot, although the fact that the mistaken identity was taken so far--resulting in a possible marriage--did seem a bit OTT. I'm willing to go with it, but it seemed more Heyer-level absurdity versus Austen's realism. Especially in a modern context, and in a relatively small community where social media is still a presence. I think it's something that will work better as a rom-com on screen, though, with the actors to "sell" it (and I remember reading somewhere that the book had been optioned for the screen). And I'm not the type of reader who gets terribly upset if she has to suspend disbelief a bit for a novel to work, so long as the characters are consistent.

I'll echo Sophia on my love the refreshing non-stereotypical nature of Ayesha's grandparents, and their gentle and loving guidance of the main character.

Yay! Glad you could drop in on the discussion and share your thoughts on the book, Mary. Always appreciative of having the pro perspective.

I do agree some over the top stuff slide if major things like character development are nicely done.

Sophia wrote: "Yay! Glad you could drop in on the discussion and share your thoughts on the book, Mary. Always appreciative of having the pro perspective.

I do agree some over the top stuff slide if major thing..."

Ha! Thanks for the ego boost regarding the "pro" perspective--as I'm sure you know, starting every new writing project makes me feel like a helpless beginner.

I'll also add I admire the author's restraint in not trying to stuff the book with too many sisters (or exact, parallel characters in general). Although the five work so beautifully in the original, in many of the variations I've read that have all five, one or two of them tend to feel a bit forced in.

It's always amazing to me how finely detailed and realistic even the tiniest of characters in Austen are--even Mrs. Reynolds, the servant, is so respectfully drawn and comes to life as a real person. When authors try too hard to match Austen beat-by-beat, they sometimes actually end up missing out on that aspect. This book's much more squarely concentrated on Ayesha-Khalid, which I like.

Yes, it takes a deft hand to make the story her own while preserving the original story.
And, that includes knowing which characters to keep as essential in the new story and which will only serve as a distraction at best.
Or, maybe not just about including, but I should say the consideration might be- to what capacity are they included. I've read a few where the five Bennets are there, but maybe get little scene time or that some are friends, co-workers or extended family and that works well in a modern, too, particularly in a story set in an insular community of people.

In the case of Ayesha At Last, I was perfectly happy with fewer original Austen characters so that I could get some original Jalaluddin characters. :) I'd be interested to see her tackle Emma in this community, too.

Ooh, yes, I'd love to see an Emma variation in this setting!

Sophia wrote: "Discussion Post Two Mid-point...

Sophia, thanks for the questions! I'm looking forward to reading the responses after I've attempted to answer these questions myself. Just finished reading the book, so my thoughts are sure to be jumbled, but here we go:

1.) 1. Did the beginning grab your attention?
2. Do you like having the alternating points of view? Have a preference for first or third person in this sort of story?
3. What is your early impressions of Khalid and Ayesha? The surrounding characters?

The beginning definitely captured my attention (indeed, the entire book held my attention; I read it in a day!). I loved that the opening was from Khalid's point of view -- and that we were able to be in his head for a good portion of the book. Considering this book was so much about how others viewed and misunderstood him because of his choices in dress and religious observance, I thought it was essential that we were exposed to his thoughts. I also appreciate the third-person approach. First person is very difficult to do well, in my opinion, especially when there are multiple points of view (it's hard to keep the first person voices distinctive). I also enjoyed Ayesya's point of view, but I admit that Khalid was most interesting to me. Perhaps I felt the heart of the book -- the self-discovery that is also at the heart of P&P -- was really with Khalid.

What do you all think? Am I not giving Ayesha's change in perspective its rightful due? I certainly appreciated her struggle to discover herself as a writer versus a teacher, but the struggle I found most interesting was Khalid's.

While I loved both Khalid and Ayesha, I found some of the secondary characters to be more caricatures than characters at times. There was growth for most of the major secondary characters, I suppose -- but I just wasn't as drawn to them like I was with Khalid and Ayesha (understandable, I suppose, since this is their story). I guess I didn't fully buy in to the motivations of some of the secondary characters?

What do you all think of these characters -- particularly Khalid's mother and sister?


4. How is the story working with the original P&P storyline for you? Seeing any parallels in plot or familiarity with characters?
5. Any new impressions that strike you with the multicultural element added in?

I enjoyed the way author Uzma Jalaluddin turned Khalid's mother, Farzana, into a Lady Catherine figure. Indeed, I really enjoyed how un-Darcy Khalid was in some ways (Khalid not the master of his domain) -- for it allowed Khalid to take on one of the most under-appreciated but important Darcy qualities: his utter loyalty to something more than himself. For Darcy, this loyalty is to Pemberley and to his sister. For Khalid, it was to his faith, family and his community. I really appreciated this slant parallel to P&P.

I also liked how Jalaluddin divided aspects of major P&P characters among her main characters. Hafsa could be Lydia and Charlotte all at once; Nana took on some of Mr. Bennet's qualities, while Hafsa's father took on others.

A question for all of you (sorry if this has already been asked): what is it about P&P that encourages so many variations, including "own voice" variations like Ayesha at Last?

As I was reading, I was struck by the wide range of viewpoints within the Austenesque community. I love how there are so many own voice and diverse variations on P&P!

But I must also admit that I've occasionally seen some xenophobic and (what I would label) religiously intolerant posts within the JAFF community (mostly on Facebook, which is unfortunately a breeding ground for such things). There are people out there who love the idea of Darcy (English gentleman) but would absolutely despise Khalid. (Sheila, the racist boss in Ayesha at Last, was a bit of a caricature, but one not too far from reality, unfortunately.)

As I read this book, I kept marveling at how readers with such different understandings of Darcy could all be reading the same original source material. I suppose that's a testament to Jane Austen's brilliance -- as well as to the diversity of viewpoints in the world. Like Khalid, I should learn not to stand in judgement of people based on only a few observations of them (especially not if my judgements are coming from FB posts!).

Sorry for the confused nature of my thoughts (and the typos likely in this post). This is what happens when I start writing immediately after finishing a book! :-) Looking forward to reading your responses (those already posted, and those yet to come). Thanks, Sophia, for starting this discussion. I really enjoyed the read!

Mary wrote: "...And I'm not the type of reader who gets terribly upset if she has to suspend disbelief a bit for a novel to work, so long as the characters are consistent.

I'll echo Sophia on my love the refreshing non-stereotypical nature of Ayesha's grandparents, and their gentle and loving guidance of the main character.

Mary and Sophia -- agree with all your comments here, re: grandparents and accepting OTT plot elements if the main characters are compelling. I definitely found Khalid and Ayesha compelling.

Mary, I was really glad to read your perspective on Ayesha. For some reason, I was less interested in her than in Khalid, though I still very much liked the portrayal of Ayesha. There was a quiet strength about Ayesha, though I sometimes felt as if she was two different characters (the one willing to talk back the Aunties, and the one not willing to speak up in important moments in her life -- though, the more I think about it, perhaps this kind of duality really makes sense, given all that she's been through).

In any case, thanks so much for sharing your perspectives. Sophia, great pick. Thanks!

Christina wrote: "Mary wrote: "...And I'm not the type of reader who gets terribly upset if she has to suspend disbelief a bit for a novel to work, so long as the characters are consistent.

I'll echo Sophia on my l..."

I think you're very right that sometimes there was a bit of inconsistency in Ayesha's character--although I think the book struck a very careful balance overall between the original source material and its own, unique plot, every now and then she could be a bit too deferential (such as not speaking up about the mistaken identity) than seemed consistent or believable. I still appreciated the fact that she seemed to have a sense of self-worth that the Elizabeth characters in some other contemporaries I've read have lacked (or which evaporates after the first couple of chapters, after standing up to Darcy's insult).

I also agree that Khalid was quite a fascinating character to explore, given that I might find it off-putting in real life if someone expressed a very gendered view of women's place in the world. The book helps you appreciate his character in a holistic fashion and understand "where he is coming from," as all great fiction does. I also agree 100% that the author is spot-on about focusing on what I feel are the core elements of Darcy's character (loyalty, humility, kindness) versus anything to do with wealth or property. (This is obviously my subjective impression, of course).

I too felt that some of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit better, and given a clearer character arc, although some, like Khalid's mother, did make up for the one-dimensionality by being very funny.

Glad you loved the book choice, Christina!

It could have been written for a group read the way it is easy to want to discuss it.

Oh, yikes, I missed all that hurdy gurdy FB nonsense about books set in other cultures, genders, and orientations. These just prove how universal Austen's stories are and resonate with so many folks.

I am like you and was probably more understanding of Khalid's side though they both most definitely took their turns putting their foot in it. :)

Good point about how having him the son and not fully in charge made the focus on certain character traits.

Great discussion responses and no worries about any comment edits from me. LOL

Sophia wrote: "I am like you and was probably more understanding of Khalid's side though they both most definitely took their turns putting their foot in it. :)"

Thanks for your response, Sophia! Actually, I think I was more understanding of Ayesha (even with unwillingness to speak openly about her name), but I enjoyed Khalid's point of view more, perhaps because there was so much conflict within him. But yes, they both put their foot in it plenty of times! (I guess that's part of the fun for us as readers. :D)

As for the FB nonsense, I didn't see anything specifically about this book or other books set in different cultures -- just posts more generally about Muslims or other cultures that express the kind of attitude we see from Sheila in the novel.

I guess what I'm thinking is that both Sheila and Ayesha could read and love P&P -- and take completely different ideas from it about Jane Austen's values. Devony Looser writes really well about this in The Making of Jane Austen; she points out that people from every possible point of view tend to claim Jane Austen as their standard bearer.

Thanks again for a great choice, Sophia!

Mary wrote: " I still appreciated the fact that she seemed to have a sense of self-worth that the Elizabeth characters in some other contemporaries I've read have lacked (or which evaporates after the first couple of chapters, after standing up to Darcy's insult)."

Great point, Mary! In fact, I think Ayesha's self worth grew as the novel went on -- just as it should have in terms of character growth. Perhaps Elizabeth Bennet always possessed confidence (and had to learn a little about rushing to judgment), but Ayesha had to develop more self confidence because her circumstances were so different.

And yes, the humor with the secondary characters helped. I have to admit I didn't find Khalid's mom that funny (I was a little scared of her -- and perhaps becoming like her as a controlling mom! ;-D) -- but I did laugh at the wrestling life coach, even though he was pretty darn silly. Thanks for the discussion, Mary!

Ahhh, gotcha, Christina. :)

I finally finished and posted my review! Overall, I think the book did a great job--and is very true to Austen--in its creation of a complex romantic pairing of people who have concerns beyond merely hooking up. I definitely wanted to keep reading once I started, which sounds simple, but really is ultimately the highest praise for any author. The descriptions of food were particularly fantastic!

I have to confess, though, that I felt during the last quarter, when the Wickham unmasking part of the plot kicked in, the book lost its character-driven focus. It seemed more about plot machinations than character development. I also was a bit uncomfortable with how Khalid's sister's marriage was sort of skimmed over. Although it's stated she's happy now, I wasn't convinced--if more attention could have been devoted to her, I might be more open-minded, but it seemed like too serious a subject given the brevity with which it is addressed. I have a high level of skepticism about traditional gender roles in any context, I have to admit.

Now that I fully understand the awfulness of Khalid's mother, I'm also a bit less on-board with the one-dimensional character, however funny. Of course, in Pride and Prejudice, Lady Catherine has no power of Darcy (she only thinks she does), but in this situation. Ayesha is still yoking herself to a potentially bad situation IMHO with such a mother-in-law, even though Khalid has wrested himself away from his mother's influence.

I'm glad the book is doing so well and has been so well-received.

I agree that it is saying a lot when a reader never wants to put the book down. Not, that perfectly wonderful books with difficult parts to which I need a break from aren't as good, but yes, unputdownable isn't as common as one would think. :)

Ah yes, the last section when the story goes into overdrive after the earlier pace. I felt that, too.

His mom was something else. Personally, I was okay with what I learned about the sister's life and didn't have reservations about Ayesha's chances taking on her mother in law. I felt Khalid had his eyes open wide about dear mom and now he has his feisty sister and his friends at work to give him perspective so he'll continue to back Ayesha. But, as swift as that last section blew through, I can see how you would want a few more pages to shore that stuff up.

So glad you could do the group read, Mary. :) Let me know if you have any suggestions for the November read.

Mary wrote: "I also was a bit uncomfortable with how Khalid's sister's marriage was sort of skimmed over."

Yes, absolutely agree with this. On the one hand, I was glad that the sister wasn't in some kind of desperate situation, but I felt the easy resolution of his sister's situation didn't jive with the vibes we were getting earlier in the book. It was a plot twist that didn't sit right with me, and I wonder if Jalaluddin went in that direction for a couple of reasons: 1.) Khalid would have had to take some kind of major, life-altering action, as in fly across the world to help his sister, and that wouldn't have worked with the plot; and 2.) to have an awful example of an arranged marriage, in this context, might have played into stereotypes that Jalaluddin was working to dismantle?

Mary wrote: "Ayesha is still yoking herself to a potentially bad situation IMHO with such a mother-in-law, even though Khalid has wrested himself away from his mother's influence."

Interesting comparison you've made between Khalid and his mother (who could still wield a lot of emotional power over her son) vs. Darcy and Lady Catherine (who never really had power over Darcy, beyond the basic familial obligation Darcy feels for his aunt).

Like Sophia, I'm not as worried about Ayesha's future in this context. Yes, I'm hopeful that Khalid will continue to stand up to his mother when she's awful (Sophia, you make great points about the reasons Khalid will be able to do this) -- but I also have faith that Ayesha can stand up to his mother. Already, she's shown herself to be fairly independent-minded, to have family of her own who will stand by her, and to have friends outside the community who have become Khalid's friends, too. In other words, Khalid has moved outside his mother's orbit, and Ayesha has the emotional resources to keep him outside of that orbit! :-)

Yes, I meant to remark on her insightful comparison-contract for Lady C and his mom. That was interesting and didn't occur to me at the time.

And, you also offer some interesting food for thought of why the author chose to not delve into the sister's story so much.

So glad to have you along on the read and discussion, Christina! If you have any group read book ideas for November, shoot them my way. :)

Sophia wrote: "I agree that it is saying a lot when a reader never wants to put the book down. Not, that perfectly wonderful books with difficult parts to which I need a break from aren't as good, but yes, unputd..."

Interestingly enough, I also felt Zoboi's Pride was similarly rushed in the final quarter of the book. There was a very long introduction to the characters and the early complications of the romance, but the Wickham character and the ensuing misunderstanding was introduced quite late and kind of fast-forwarded through. I liked Pride as well, but Austen paces her book so perfectly--with Darcy's letter exactly in the middle--I think that can be useful to keep in mind for giving a sense of balance to the story's development. *Making mental note for myself for future books of my own.*

I'm sure everyone will have great suggestions for the November read. Possible early suggestions that spring to my mind include The Regency Years: During Which Jane Austen Writes, Napoleon Fights, Byron Makes Love, and Britain Becomes Modern: (a nonfiction book I know some posters have already read, which is supposed to be a light and funny take on the period) and really any Georgette Heyer, since I'm slowly making my way through her canon of Regencies. I haven't read Venetia yet, but the podcast Backlisted did a very interesting segment, so that's on my TBR list.