Ali, author of Morris Award finalist, Saints and Misfits “This is the book I’ve been waiting for since my long-running Jane Austen obsession. “Jalaluddin cleverly illustrates the social pressures facing young Indian-Muslim adults.a highly entertaining tale of family, community, and romance.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'There’s an overabundance of Pride and Prejudice retellings, but few are as thoughtful and creative as this stellar debut from an author to watch.' - Library Journal (starred review) “An uproarious romp, filled with farcical cases of mistaken identity, disastrous proposals and a big Bollywood wedding.” - Toronto Life “This sweet debut novel ticks all the boxes for one of summer’s best reads: it’s smart, witty, romantic and utterly charming.” - Canadian Living “Come for Darcy reimagined as a hyper-conservative young man and Elizabeth Bennet as a wannabe poet frustrated by family obligation stay for Uzma Jalaluddin’s warm portrait of life for twentysomething Muslims in suburban Toronto struggling to honour their heritage while pursuing their dreams.” - The Globe and Mail 'A delicious and entertaining novel.' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) And he just can't get this beautiful, outspoken woman out of his mind. But Khalid is also wrestling with what he believes and what he wants. When a surprise engagement between Khalid and Hafsa is announced, Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the straightforward Khalid and his family and the truth she realizes about herself. She is irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her choices and dresses like he belongs in the seventh century. Then she meets Khalid who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental.

Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn't want an arranged marriage. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle.

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin