Lyrics of My Heart

by Maya Mirza

A contemporary-yet-nostalgic tribute to the rom-coms of the 90s and early 00s. With all the quintessential quirks of life as a modern British Pakistani, this novel is the ‘cup of tea and a biscuit’ read that will make you feel lovely-jubbly inside.

Leena Ahmed hides a secret, a guilty shadow that follows her everywhere she goes, but in her small world that consists of her grandmother – Dadi – and her best friend – Avah – there is little time to dwell on anything other than her future dreams.
After a horrifically awful insta-story going viral and Dadi forcing her to meet marriage suitors, life could not be going more downhill. And then she meets Zubaid. A ghost from a past she would rather forget… not only because he teased her.
But then, like any classic Bollywood tale, a mutual wedding forces Leena and Zubaid together, and Leena finds there may be more to Zubaid than she initially thought. Amidst the crazy dholki traditions, sneaking around after dark, and mehndi dance practices, Leena finds her calling.

A voice for the voiceless.

Unknown Binding

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Maya Mirza has always loved storytelling and writing; having given up a career in medicine, she pursued a degree in English Literature, and began writing her own novels.

So far, she has written and self-published a delightfully funny and Bollywood-like coming of age novel, Lyrics of my Heart, the heart-gripping romance book, Before I Blink, and the captivating sci-fi trilogy: Struck, Lost, and Fate.

Since growing up in the countryside of Oxfordshire, Maya has travelled and lived in many different cities. Now nestled in heart of Berkshire, Maya lives with her husband, three boys, and their fluffy cat, Tedi.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and gentle romance between two lost teenagers - both broken in their own ways finding happiness again together. This book is a tender look into the world of dholki wedding traditions, halal romance and coming of age as a British Pakistani teenager. It’s easy to get lost in the nostalgia and romance, but at its heart this book is also a poignant look at grief and an eye opening exploration of prejudices against neurodiverse individuals. Definitely recommend!

[Rabia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a tender but deeply impactful story! Leena and Zubaid were the dream, but all the characters were so intricate - Avah and Dadi especially! A great representation of life as a south Asian and also an important conversation around neurodivergence and the misconceptions in the desi community! Fab read

[Ajla Ceric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story.