Why riff on Shakespeare for the title when the book is purportedly based on an Austen novel?
Interesting look into the modern Muslim community for this Eastern European-raised North American reader. The “romance” didn’t grab me. NOT a fan of flashbacks, which were used extensively to move through the story. ( )

Twenty-eight year old Nada has successfully avoided attending a Toronto Muslim convention for years, but this time she’s dragged along by her friend Haleema, who wants to introduce Nada to her fiancé and his brother. Nada hasn’t told Haleema that she’s already met the brother, Baz.

The story alternates between the present (the Islamic Convention and its aftermath) and the past (all the other times Nada and Baz crossed paths). While several plot developments and the banter between Nada and Baz are reminiscent of Much Ado About Nothing, the romance owes much more to Persuasion. Which I would have realised sooner if I hadn’t been distracted by all the Much Ado parallels.

Look, it’s two of my favourite stories being retold simultaneously! (This definitely counts as bringing something new to the table.)

A couple of the flashback chapters were stressful because I don’t enjoy watching things unravel like that, when you can see it coming, but otherwise, this was very entertaining and I was hooked. Towards the end, I couldn’t put it down.

Of the books I have read this year, this is one of my favourites!

He was still annoyed at her. The prudent thing to do would be to get straight to the point. He was a busy man, and she needed a favour.
She decided to tease him instead. “Do you come here often?” she asked. “Nice weather we’re having. How are your parents? Please give them my salams.”
Baz sighed deeply. “You are a very tiny, deeply irritating human being,” he said.
Affronted, she put her hand on her heart. “You’re too tall, and you frown too much.”
“What do you want?” Baz asked.
“Frowning gives you wrinkles,” she added helpfully, causing him to glower. Her heart gave a lurch. She had forgotten how easy it was to tease him. “You were such a happy child. What happened to you?”
“You happened,” he said. “Get to the point.”

( )

The title led me to think it was based on the Shakespeare play but halfway through I realized it was using my fave Austen novel, Persuasion as its model. Incredibly well done, too. Near the end of the book, she manages to be able to use some of its most famous lines and have it work in a Muslim community in Toronto. The tweaks to Austen's story really works in the context and Nada herself has a lot of complexity that makes her situation relatable to the modern day. Jalaluddin just keeps getting better and better. ( )

I think all I wanted to write was done so much better here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5197874379#comment_list

Uzma J truly has a talent for writing initially unlikeable, flawed humans and making one root for them so much by the end. In as much as I do NOT like second chance romances, I was completely invested about halfway through the book in the HEA between our leads. And while I have my dings, e.g. I do think I would have liked to have seen more interactions between Nada and Baz before the climax, this was so well written that I didn't care.

A love story that remains authentic to the author's religious beliefs while not being preachy and still retaining romantic tension? Brava!!!


( )

I absolutely adored Uzma Jalaluddin's last book - Hana Khan Carries On. I couldn't wait to read her newest novel - Much Ado About Nada - and I loved it just as much.

From the publisher: "A sparkling second-chance romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion." Perfect!

Nada Seyd is still living with her parents and brothers in the Golden Crescent neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada. Her mother is bemoaning Nada's single status at the ripe old age of 28. Her bestie, Haleema, convinces her to attend a "giant annual Muslim conference downtown, where Nada can finally meet Haleema's fiancé." She reluctantly agrees to go...and what she didn't want to happen....does. She meets up (again) with Baz...

Jalaluddin has created a wonderful lead in Nada. I loved her inner dialogue, her friendships and her family. Now, the book is told in a now and then timeframe. I have to say, I was surprised and a bit disappointed by young Nada. The past chapters end on some cliffhangers, which only had me staying up late to find out what's next. And as the past and present get closer and closer, everything falls into place. Did not see that coming!

The supporting cast is just as endearing. (I had a soft spot for Nada's younger brother) Most of these players have their own struggles, issues, changes and revelations as well. I cared about each and everyone of them. Except for that one guy....you'll know who I mean!

South Asian/Muslim culture plays a large part in Much Ado About Nada. Parental expectations, traditions and moreis woven into the narrative.

And yes, last, but not least - romance and the sometimes rocky road to love are the driving forces behind Much Ado About Nada. Loved every bit of this book. Uzma Jalaluddin is such a talented storyteller. An easy five stars. ( )