“A delicious treat filled with South Asian fervor and Canadian heart.”
This entertaining rom-com written by a Muslim Canadian high school teacher, is set in the Toronto community of Crescent Town. Long listed for Canada Reads this year, it’s a funny romantic comedy in the traditional sense–all the usual rom-com elements including a predictable ending, but delightfully so. The novel has substance and the characters are entertaining and well drawn. There were some twists and turns that I didn’t expect and lots of clever one-line banter in a love story that also seeks to give a nuanced first hand insight into a Muslim family and community.
Hana Khan, a young podcaster and intern at a radio station, also waitresses part-time in the family business–the only halal restaurant in the neighbourhood. Of course into her life walks a good looking new competition restaurant owner named Aydin, who becomes her nemesis. Family secrets and struggles abound to complicate the rivalry/attraction between the two but of course we all know how this story will end–and we enjoy the ride anyway. That is the nature of rom-com.
What I appreciate about this novel, in addition to the lighthearted tone and familiar setting in Toronto, was how the author raises serious questions about tough issues of our time around diversity and immigration. She uses those platforms to talk honestly about hate crimes and stereotyping and seeks to share an experience of diversity. She said it was hard for her to find novels about people who looked like her, so she decided to write one.
This second book from the author is in development for a film starring Mindy Kaling. Her first book was published a few years ago called Ayesha at Last which has been compared to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I have not read it yet, but definitely want to now.
Joanne's Reading Blog 