I really, really liked this one! I got different tropes/story comparison feels as I read the book. Of course there was the Pride and Prejudice as the blurb compares it to, and then the whole grumpy-sunshine trope as well as the underdog hero as well. Another thing I loved about this was the cultural aspect. Learning more about the difference between cultures that so many people like myself don’t know to separate Indian and Bengali, or other cultures as well.

There were a lot of characters in this book. We had our “love triangle” in the Pride and Prejudice scenario. There were also the all the aunties and other community and family members. There were Zhara’s besties and their family and significant others. I love how the gossip line was done through text groups occasionally throughout the book.

When Zhara realizes that maybe she and Nayim aren’t meant to be, the author brings him back later in the book in such a spectacular way, but also a way that you kind of can’t hate him. He doesn’t quite fit the Wickham character from P&P. But that’s okay, I always love the differences created with retellings like this. I loved how Harun and Zhara’s friendship grew through their own schemes and fake dates to try to get their parents to NOT match-make them. And I really enjoyed how all of Zhara’s friends got to have their own relationships and lives that filled in all of the story.

If I had any complaints it is just that it seemed a little long, but overall I really liked this one and will be sharing with my students!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.