How can you not love Sofia Khan? She’s so honest about her research for her book on her dates, it’s fantastic. I mean she’s honest in general, except when hiding her father’s contraband, and she sticks to her guns. She’s not really expecting her dates to go anywhere, so she doesn’t really try at first. The modern world of Muslim dating is not all that different to mainstream dating; with weird expectations, dashed hopes and a long line of false starts.

In a lot of ways this book reminded me of Bridget Jones. They are both under pressure to marry at a point in their lives where some people think it’s too late. They both work in publishing and know they should probably smoke less. They both write in an informal, diary style with plenty of warmth and realism.

People make snap judgements all the time. In fact, Sofia makes assumptions about her white Irish neighbour, which turn out to be so far from the truth. Even her own mother thinks Sofia is making life harder for herself by wearing a hijab, but it’s what she wants and she sticks to it. Although there is an amazing part where she accidentally ends up with a t-shirt on her head instead. At least is wasn’t pants!

Whilst Sofia is busy dating, she also asks her friends and family about their dating experiences to include in her book. One is a second wife, another divorced and older generations had a different outlook altogether. Her sister is preparing for her own marriage too, less worried about the in-laws than Sofia.

I would love to see more books like this. It’s easy to read and loads of fun, but books like this can only help with the general perception of Muslims, in a time when it’s sadly needed. Sofia could be any of one your friends. Probably the people that need to read it most won’t, but there might also be people that are just a bit unsure of what Islam actually means, and this lovely character shows you can combine religion with the modern world.