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A review by saarahnina
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar
4.0
I devoured this utterly charming romantic comedy, and It’s a breath of fresh air, infusing the genre with a much-needed dose of cultural diversity and representation. This is a delightful tale, that appreciates the beauty of different cultures and backgrounds.
We meet Said (pronounced Saa-eed), a funny and spirited Bengali-American boy struggling to find his identity amidst his family's expectations and desires. Perhaps an ex-friend, Tiwa, is the answer to reconnecting him to his old self. Tiwa, is the beautiful, smart-mouthed girl aspiring to be a lawyer one day. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and their banter is simply witty.
The authors’ thoughtful representation of diverse cultures will not go unnoticed by readers. They have done an incredible job of showcasing the richness of Bengali, Muslim, and African (Nigerian) cultures, making them feel authentic and integral to the story. The characters' faith, traditions, and values are woven seamlessly, adding depth and nuance to the story.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with memorable characters like Said’s quirky family members and Tiwa’s wise and witty best friend. The authors' writing is engaging, humorous, and relatable, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives.
If I'm being nitpicky, there were a few moments when the pacing or dialogue felt a tad forced. However, these minor quibbles didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
So… If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good read with a strong emphasis on cultural diversity. If you want to see yourself reflected in the characters.... this is the one.
I received this book from Netgalley UK for review consideration. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
For fans of: Rom-coms, diverse representation, Bengali/Muslim/African culture, banter, and lovable characters.
We meet Said (pronounced Saa-eed), a funny and spirited Bengali-American boy struggling to find his identity amidst his family's expectations and desires. Perhaps an ex-friend, Tiwa, is the answer to reconnecting him to his old self. Tiwa, is the beautiful, smart-mouthed girl aspiring to be a lawyer one day. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and their banter is simply witty.
The authors’ thoughtful representation of diverse cultures will not go unnoticed by readers. They have done an incredible job of showcasing the richness of Bengali, Muslim, and African (Nigerian) cultures, making them feel authentic and integral to the story. The characters' faith, traditions, and values are woven seamlessly, adding depth and nuance to the story.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with memorable characters like Said’s quirky family members and Tiwa’s wise and witty best friend. The authors' writing is engaging, humorous, and relatable, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives.
If I'm being nitpicky, there were a few moments when the pacing or dialogue felt a tad forced. However, these minor quibbles didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
So… If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good read with a strong emphasis on cultural diversity. If you want to see yourself reflected in the characters.... this is the one.
I received this book from Netgalley UK for review consideration. All opinions are my own and completely honest.
For fans of: Rom-coms, diverse representation, Bengali/Muslim/African culture, banter, and lovable characters.