That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story - Huda Fahmy

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AUTHOR: Huda Fahmy

GENRE: Graphic Novel
RATING: 5 stars.

This is one of the most hilarious and honest books I've read in recent times.

Huda Fahmy, an American with Egyptian roots, is a popular comic artist with her "Yes, I'm hot in this" series that talks of life as a hijab-wearing Muslim in a light-hearted manner.

"That can be arranged" talks of the universal bane of all girls from traditional families: an arranged marriage. There are so many LOL moments in this book. At the same time, I could relate to most of her personal struggles as the Indian mentality is quite similar towards its daughters. (We're probably a little worse.)

Huda uses her own love story as the basis of this book. The illustrations are cute, and the humour is spot on. She writes about her insecurities before marriage in an endearing and honest way. I also loved her love for my love: Jane Austen. 😁😁

A lot of Muslim #OwnVoice representation in books sounds either extremely defensive or too offensive; this one is a welcome change as it's self-accepting without being self-effacing. I'd love to read more such books that show cultures truthfully without focussing on only the positive or the negative side.

The art panels are quite large and with clear fonts. There is minimal text in between consecutive comics. Go for this for a quick, genuine and entertaining read.

Also available on Scribd.

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