Book recommendations: top romance novels from Muslim authors

Five recommended romance titles from Muslim authors. Artwork by Hyphen. Book covers courtesy of publishers

From chick lit to stories of forbidden love, our book columnist has selected her top reads from women writers

The first time I picked up Angus, thongs and full-frontal snogging at my local library, I read it in one sitting. Like the book’s protagonist, Georgia Nicolson, I too had never had a boyfriend and wanted to be popular at school. As a young teen, I knew very little about romance, but that’s what made reading about it so tantalising — such books promised a glimpse into a world I hadn’t yet experienced.

I didn’t fall in love with the relationships themselves, but the messy characters fumbling their way through awkward encounters and seemingly unsolvable dilemmas. Their flaws made them real, teaching me that there was no one way to have a perfect relationship. What mattered most was mutual respect, chemistry and the ability to not take yourself too seriously.

While I appreciated the stories I read, I found that my experiences as a young Muslim woman still differed from what was presented in popular literature. That’s why it’s so important that there’s a more diverse range of Muslim romance books being written today. I know that thousands of young girls up and down the country will see themselves in these stories and find comfort in them.

Last week, I attended a Muslim Romance Festival organised in partnership with Orion Books and Hachette. The highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring authors Adiba Jaigirdar, Laila Rafi, Soraya Bouazzaoui and Tahmina Begum, hosted by journalist Shahed Ezaydi. I was heartened by the sheer variety of work that explores different romantic tropes and utilises fresh approaches to Muslim storytelling. It is with that in mind that this month, I’m recommending five romance books written by Muslim women. 

Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik. Book cover courtesy of Zaffre

Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik

Chick Lit

Often compared to the Bridget Jones series, this classic Muslim chick lit follows Sofia, a witty, no-nonsense, hijab-wearing British-Pakistani writer, through the chaos of modern dating. Tasked with writing a book on Muslim relationships (and after receiving a handsome advance), Sofia reluctantly mines her own experiences for material.

First, there’s Imran, whose plans for them to live next door to the in-laws send her running. Then there’s Naim, an American who isn’t quite right for Sofia. And then there’s the unlikely love interest Conall, her tattooed Irish neighbour, who turns up on her doorstep one day.

Alongside the romance, Sofia navigates her family life, colourful friendships and the cultural gulf between her and her colleagues. 

What I loved about Malik’s work is that almost every interaction she writes is laced with humour — even in instances where Sofia experiences discrimination. I initially struggled to keep up with the fast-moving storyline and its many characters, but the whirlwind narrative quickly becomes part of the book’s charm.

The Mismatch by Sara Jafari. Book cover courtesy of Arrow

The Mismatch by Sara Jafari

Forbidden love

Soraya is graduating from university when rugby player Magnus catches her eye. Shy, awkward and never having been kissed, she is confused when he seems to be paying her attention. The two soon hit it off and, slowly but surely, begin to fall in love. 

The problem is that Soraya comes from a very strict and dysfunctional family. She is full of shame, afraid that her family will soon discover her secret relationship.

The Mismatch is so powerful because we follow not only Soraya’s story, but also her mother Neda’s, including her difficult journey from Iran to the UK. As her husband becomes addicted to opioids, Neda feels abandoned and struggles to settle into her new life in a foreign land. 

I loved this story because it was full of unexpected twists. What stood out most was the care the author put into developing each character, even the unlikeable ones, making the reader invested in their personal growth.

Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. Book cover courtesy of Allison & Busby

Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

Adaptation of a classic

Unmarriageable is an outstanding retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Kamal transports the story seamlessly into a modern Pakistani context, weaving in Jane Austen’s pre-existing class and gender commentary with her own layers of post-colonial critique. For those familiar with Austen’s novel, you may find it especially interesting to see how Kamal adapts the characters, some with different ages or personality traits, to better reflect contemporary social issues.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is brilliantly executed. That said, I wish the author had spent more time developing Alys and Darsee’s (Elizabeth and Mr Darcy) connection, as their romance unfolds very quickly towards the end of the book. 

Seven Summers Later by Laila Rafi. Book cover courtesy of Orion Publishing Co

Seven Summers Later by Laila Rafi

Second-chance romance

Safiya’s life is falling apart. Having moved back home after a failed marriage, she is quickly fired from a bartending job after dropping a tray full of drinks. Then a lifeline opens up — an interior design job offered to her by her cousin. The only problem is, she has to work on it with Murad, the ex whose heart she broke all those years ago. As truths unfold, we learn that Safiya was forced to end things, blackmailed by her own prejudiced grandfather who deemed Murad and his family unsuitable. 

The tension between them builds. Will they finally get their second chance? 

I loved Laila Rafi’s expert pacing in Seven Summers Later. She skilfully keeps readers on edge, never certain if Safiya and Murad will reconcile as lovers or friends.

Love from A to Z by S. K. Ali. Book cover courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali

Coming-of-age

Love From A to Z follows the lives of two teenagers during their spring break. Zayneb, a Pakistani-Trinidadian American, is furious at the injustices around her, especially the racism she faces from a teacher at school. Adam, who is half-Chinese and half-Finnish, has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has abandoned his university studies in the UK. Where Zayneb is assertive, Adam is more reserved. Their personalities contrast with each other, but that’s what draws them together.

We follow each character through alternating chapters in the form of journal entries — a key aspect of the book and what they connect over when their paths cross on a flight to Qatar. I enjoyed how down-to-earth and earnest the characters were and how genuine their connection felt. If you like romance where the chemistry builds within faith-based boundaries, this one is for you.