Review of Yours, Eventually by Huda Fahmy
If you’re like me and find yourself irresistibly drawn to retellings of classic literature, then Yours, Eventually is a treasure you won’t want to miss. Huda Fahmy’s debut is a delightful Muslim Pakistani-American take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion, bringing fresh perspectives and cultural nuances that truly elevate the original. My NetGalley ARC invited me into Asma’s world, and I was instantly captivated by her journey of love, regret, and self-discovery.
At the heart of this retelling is Asma, a character who perfectly embodies a blend of Anne Elliot and Elizabeth Bennet. She’s spunky, sarcastic, and occasionally pricked with an air of superiority. Asma’s complex relationship with her sisters, particularly the evolving dynamic with Iman, adds layers to her character. Rather than being mere supporting players, the sisters are fleshed out into compelling characters who challenge Asma’s worldview, making for a rich exploration of familial bonds in the context of cultural expectations. I loved watching Asma navigate her past with Farooq—her college sweetheart, who returns to her life in an unexpected way after eight years apart.
The pacing of the novel flows smoothly, keeping the reader engaged without overwhelming us with too much at once. Fahmy’s writing is both accessible and evocative; she brings laughter and tension to each scene, especially when the chaotic nature of desi family life bursts forth. The engagement of Asma and Farooq, while filled with promise, also carries the weight of interruption by their lively families, a touch that feels both hilariously authentic and poignant.
One of the most striking elements of the book is the introduction of Fatima, Asma’s best friend. Unlike any character in Persuasion, Fatima is the quintessential desi girl who fulfills familial expectations but also provides a voice of reason, pushing Asma to reconsider her choices and viewpoints. Her presence serves as a reflective lens on cultural pressures, which felt so relevant and personal.
However, I must admit, I found the love declaration somewhat anticlimactic. While I hoped for a swoon-worthy moment akin to Austen’s signature romantic resolutions, it felt muted and overshadowed—perhaps too much familial chaos in the backdrop! But the candid moments that followed showcased Asma and Farooq reconciling their feelings, which added a satisfying conclusion to their tangled romance.
For those interested in exploring the mash-up of contemporary Muslim culture with a classic narrative, Yours, Eventually is a delightful pick. It’s not 100% halal, with flashes of dating and kissing, and the portrayal of Islamic values is subtle, interwoven into the characters’ lives rather than front and center. This aspect could be both a draw and a determent, depending on what readers are expecting.
In closing, Yours, Eventually is an engaging retelling that offers both the familiar yearning of Persuasion and fresh cultural insights. If you love a good second-chance romance peppered with humor and familial love, this book is definitely for you. It reminded me that, sometimes, the road back to love can be as engaging as the love story itself—a reflection that lingered with me long after turning the last page. Happy reading!