‘Indian women expire at twenty-five.’ ‘We aren’t milk. We can’t be spoiled.’
Tasneem, a 27-year-old psychology student, is determined to rebuild her life after the devastating loss of her newborn and a painful divorce. But in her close-knit Muslim-Indian community in Gauteng, the stigma of divorce weighs heavily, and her mother insists on finding her a new husband – even if it means orchestrating a traditional ‘samoosa run’.
Aadil is a bachelor hiding a life-changing secret. Under pressure from his devoted mother, he agrees to meet Tasneem. When this encounter sparks an unexpected connection, they strike a deal: a pretend engagement to keep their families off their backs. But as make-belief turns to something dangerously real, Tasneem and Aadil must confront old wounds and the truth that could tear their worlds- and hearts- apart.
Nadia Cassim is a writer, artist, and financial advisor. She obtained an honours degree in Town Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand, before pursuing a career in fine art. Her paintings have been exhibited in two solo shows and showcased at the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill. In 2023, her artwork When Blood Ties Become Blood Chains was featured in the Ake Review. In 2012, she founded IRTIQA, a modern Muslim women’s magazine, which she led for eight years before focusing on writing. In 2023, she was selected for the Bosberg Books Writing Residency. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies published by Modjaji Books, Brittle Paper, Umuofia Arts and Books Festival, Mirari Press and in Short. Sharp. Stories. Not Another Samoosa Run is her first novel.
Nadia Cassim’s debut novel is as much about love as it is about survival within the boundaries of tradition, family, and faith. At 27 years old, Tasneem, a psychology student, has already been married, gotten divorced and has been shrouded in grief after losing her newborn. She is labeled as ‘damaged goods’ by her community and this resolves her parents decision to arrange a second marriage.
Then, there is Aadil. He is a debonair bachelor with charm by the bucket-full. However, there is a secret diagnosis that shadows his every move. When they meet at the samoosa run, both Tasneem and Aadil are not ready to get married, but agree to a fake engagement to get their parents off their backs. While this may lead you to the ‘romantic comedy’ conclusion, you would be mistaken. While there are themes of romance, and Cassim is exceptionally funny, that’s not all this book is. Cassim asks us to sit with discomfort. To approach our own prejudices, the way we hold judgement and the deeper questions of faith, and stigma, and what it means to live honestly in our society.
The characters are what makes this novel what it is. Tasneem is written with tenderness, but never pity. She is flawed, yes, but also so resilient. She has a sharp-wit and is incredibly intelligent. She is respectful while maintaining her autonomy. Aadil is written with severe vulnerability. It is not often that we get to deep-dive into the male emotional state when reading a romance, but Cassim provides him the space to explore his feelings, his decisions and the silences he fills with shame and societal pressure. The parents, Fatima and Farouk for Tasneem and Razia for Aadil, are written with honesty and compassion. They are infuriating in parts, but their intentions are always clear. They only want the best for their children, even when they feel like they may know better. On a side note: I would kill for Kit Kat. You will know what I mean when you read the book!
Beyond the relationships, the novel grapples with heavy themes: the way divorced women are perceived within the religious context, the silence and stigma around illness, especially in conservative communities, and the broader weight of the roles assigned to women under tradition.
Stylistically, Cassim is one to watch. Her writing is accessible, but literary. Her descriptions of place and setting, as well as food, are rich and vibrant. She writes with familiarity and ease. Her writing carries humour and emotional heft without becoming overwrought or trite. Nadia Cassim writes words that stick with you long after you turn the final page.
Funny, thought-provoking and empowering, Not Another Samoosa Run! by Nadia Cassim is a must-read.
Lovers of the fried triangular delicatessen with the spicy filling might find themselves running towards these treats, but the title of this debut novel refers to the figurative meaning where tradition requires a chaperoned meeting between a prospective bride and groom to determine compatibility.
Aadil, a bachelor with a secret, and Tasneen, a recent divorcee, find themselves at the mercy of their families’ determination to see them married. The samoosa run results in them conspiring to enter a fake engagement, but fate had a different outcome in store.
The synopsis suggests that the novel is an embodiment of the cliché that the couple would fall in love after overcoming a few obstacles and will walk into the sunset hand in hand. But brace yourself, this is not the case at all. The author chose to employ this socially comical situation as a trigger for a set of events that will not leave the main characters untouched.
Tasneen is 27 years old and unmarried after a painful divorce and the tragic death of her newborn daughter. Her parents are traditionalists, her mother especially so, and thus uphold the Muslim-Indian belief that women’s purpose in life cannot be fulfilled outside of marriage and children. To add insult to injury, she also states that “Indian women expire at twenty-five.” (8) Although Tasneen does not agree and aptly responds that ‘We aren’t milk. We cannot be spoiled”, she does regret allowing her former husband, Shakeel, to control her, as did and do her parents, and yearns for independence and emotional freedom.
Aadil is a successful and attractive businessman who seems to be blessed with the proverbial Midas touch. Underneath the golden exterior he is burdened by devastating news that he could not share due to a justified fear of stigmatisation in his community. In addition, he is still mourning the loss of his father and a childhood friend: “For a long time I’ve been afraid of death. Now I’m beginning to wonder if maybe it’s the grief that accompanies death that I am really scared of… It’s like there’s this empty space where they used to be and nothing can fill it up again.” (150)
The text comprises multiple perspectives and provides a bird’s eye view into a closely knit society ruled by customs and traditions but ultimately illustrates the power of the individual dream as opposed to communal expectations, enabling the characters to discover nothing that they had wanted, but everything that they had dared to hope for. It is a gentle exploration of traditions and the transformative power of love in various forms.
Being a local KZN girl who grew up in a multi-cultural family; this book hit close to home. Having both male and female Muslim cousins made Tasneem and Aadil very relatable on a personal level.
Having been raised in a very strict Muslim household rooted in cultural practices and tradition; recently divorced Tasneem is caught between honouring her parents wishes or forging her own path and following her dreams. One might conclude that this is an easy decision to make but; societal acceptance and parental expectations are very heavy burdens to carry…one small mistake can mean a future of disappointment and never ending reminders of “I told you so’s”.
Aadil is a reformed playboy with a life altering secret…determined to change his life and live up to his true potential.
An unlikely partnership is formed when they agree to fake their engagement to appease both their families.
I loved the local authentic nostalgia this book gave me. I have attended a few samoosa runs and appreciated the way it was illustrated in this novel. It might be 2025 but arranged marriages still happen more often than one might think. Whilst results may vary; success and failure are both sides of the same coin depending on both parties (and their families!).
I was pleasantly surprised that my predictions for this novel were incorrect and that Nadia concluded this novel the way she did. This was such a wonderful novel with side characters of great personality that added to all the chaos.
Thank you to Nadia for such an eye-opening and thought provoking novel
3.5 stars A lovely story that isn’t quite a romance. Rich in Indian culture and Muslim religion This book has a hopeful ending. Maybe not the one I “wanted” (that being a happy one after assuming it would be more of a romance book than what it was) but it was a hopeful ending about owning your truth and future
Done reading Not Another Samoosa Run, the debut novel, by my dear friend Nadia Cassim 👏😘👌
What an excellent read 👏. This book navigates through an unconventional love story but is ultimately about the most important kind of love, self-love. Acceptance and grieving are also major themes and readers can place themselves in the same, if not very similar and relatable situations. It also highlights several relatable stereotypes and conventions within South African Indian society - but I believe that it is not limited to one audience as these themes extend to many other conservative cultures as well. Nadia's writing is so descriptive and readers can literally taste, smell and feel different parts of the novel. I don't want to give any part of the plot away, but it definitely left me with a sense of vindication (based on personal experiences) 🤣. #iykyk
Through her writing, Nadia has also inspired me to pursue my own writing. This novel has given me so much of confidence to write about the uncomfortable and controversial issues that plague our society. Thank you Nadia , for a wonderful novel, and inspiring a whole new generation of young female authors to tell their stories... 🥰🧡😘 A job very well done 👏 Looking forward to the next one (no pressure... okay some pressure... LOL) 😉
Not Another Samoosa Run is not your typical love story, it is a mirror held up to the complexities of culture, family and faith. The novel takes readers on a journey through grief, survival, and the courage it takes to face one’s own truths, all while wrapped in humour that softens even the heaviest of moments.
Cassim masterfully explores themes often left unspoken: the stigma surrounding divorce, the superiority complex that lingers within close-knit communities, and the generational clash between modern independence and traditional expectations. Alongside these come reflections on healing from loss, the importance of boundaries, the role of honest communication, and the reminder that real growth begins when we confront our own shadows.
At its heart, the novel challenges us to reframe how we view life’s detours. What may feel like rejection or setback often turns out to be a blessing in disguise and God’s way of protecting us from what we cannot yet see.
What makes the book shine is its ability to weave wisdom into wit. Cassim uses humour not to diminish weighty truths but to give them space to breathe, reminding us that laughter itself is a form of resilience. This balance keeps the story heartfelt yet hopeful, weighty yet never overwhelming.
Not Another Samoosa Run is ultimately about more than love. It is about shedding judgment, finding strength in vulnerability, and trusting that life’s unexpected turns are not accidents, but divine redirections. It is a story that doesn’t just entertain, it lingers, urging us to reflect, heal, and see ourselves, and the world around us, a little differently
Set in Johannesburg, South Africa Not another samoosa run, is a heartfelt and engaging window into the dynamics of traditional Muslim society. Family culture and social reputation are at its core. The book explores the stigma associated with divorce women and the parental pressure in arranging a suitable man for a second marriage. The samoosa run a gathering where light snacks are served while matchmaking takes place. The central character is portrayed with warmth and reliability and her dignity is self-evident in trying to reclaim her position in society after the divorce. The suitor on the other hand having sown his wild oats is seeking redemption. The narrative has some twists and turns and is told in an engaging manner. A tale of family identity and cultural reputation and the stigma often associated with divorced women. Tradition and modern realities collide, and the book illuminates the quiet struggle of women as they seek meaningful connections within the Islamic culture.
This book beautifully captures the many challenges faced by brown women—from being raised to prioritize keeping peace with our parents, even when it means letting our boundaries be crossed, to navigating the invisible stigmas society places on us. It speaks to the pressure of being labeled too old, single, divorced, or childless; to the fear of illness, of not being careful enough or being too careful; and, of course, to the familiar burden of that haunting phrase, “What will everyone else think?”
At its heart, it’s a love story that resonates deeply because of its honesty and relatability. The book also sheds light on an often-ignored conversation in our communities: the role of men in creating and sustaining these unspoken cultural rules and the responsibility they must share for the impact these norms have on future generations.
A story that, while beautifully told, also unpacks the deep-rooted, cringe-worthy cultural ‘norms’ so many brown women are forced to navigate expectations, labels, restrictions, responsibilities, shame… a touch of banter, a hint of spice, and a powerful exploration of serious issues that often go unspoken within the community. A story that leaves you deeply reflecting on how to break free from the things that hold you back rather than lift you up….
Not a Samoosa Run was a fabulous read! Nadia Cassim’s writing is so vividly descriptive that you feel completely transported into the story. The plot and its unexpected twists really keep you on your toes, you just want to keep reading! With the story set in Jozi, the characters and atmosphere feel so familiar and incredibly relatable. Really enjoyed it!
A refreshingly honest and heartfelt debut that explores stigma, identity, and cultural expectations within a South African Muslim Indian community. Nadia Cassim captures the nuances of modern Muslim life with empathy and authenticity, offering realistic characters, heartwarming moments, and deeply relevant themes. I especially appreciated the representation because this was the first novel I’ve read that features a Muslim character living with HIV, handled with incredible sensitivity. The story is bold in its social commentary, yet still tender and emotionally grounded. The ending stood out for me - unexpected, satisfying, and rooted in self-respect rather than convention. A brilliant debut. I’ll definitely be reading whatever Nadia writes next.
Very enjoyable, easy read. Interesting & relatable story written with the most beautiful & detailed descriptions & imagery. This book lays bare the good, the bad & the ugly about the Muslim Indian community in South Africa but also tackles social themes that apply to many other close knit, conservative communities across race & religion.
What a beautifully written story. It encapsulates so well how women in general are treated across societies, not just in the Muslim culture. Funny and serious at the same time. The unexpected twist in the story makes you want to keep reading. I haven't read a book in a looonnnggg time, this read is soooooo worth it though.
**spoiler alert** I absolutely loved the cultural nuances and all the references, particularly the growth of both characters towards the end. Am I sad about them not getting together? Absolutely, but honestly just the depth on the emotions and the way it settled into some huge taboo topics in the community was a breath of fresh air.
Nadia truly knows how to narrate a good story, keeping us guessing about what’s going to happen next. I enjoyed reading her book and the complexities of Indian culture. Thank you for a wonderful read.
An excellent and entertaining light reader which will make you binge read till the end. A true reflection of the Muslim community of South Africa. Congratulations Nadia and may the Almighty bless you with many more fine writing. Lots of love and good wishes your Uncle Gaf.
A book that identifies with cultural belief systems & so resonates with me. It was however a breathtaking detour of these boundaries allowing for an unexpected read! Well written & hard to put down once you start lol!
What a good read. Set in a typical Indian community this book has so many relatable elements of a typical Indian community but with so many different unique twist. This book is a must read. I could not put it down.
Starts off well. But so much cliche in the writing. The book is clearly not well edited. For too much redundancy in the sentences. Story could have been more concise. Too much rambling. Plot is also nonsensical.
A cute book. It’s kind of cool to read a book where the characters feel very familiar. The characters names are literally my family’s names. But at the same time I’m grateful that the story wasn’t relatable. I can’t imagine the pressure of growing up in a conservative Muslim household.
Loved this read - easy to read, relatable characters and a plot that keeps you hooked. "NOT ANOTHER SAMOOSA RUN," explores womanhood, tradition, and finding autonomy.
I truly enjoyed this book , it was incredibly relatable. The way Nadia Cassim explores the complexities of divorce, judgment, and societal expectations really resonated with me. People often talk without understanding, but only those who’ve gone through it truly know the weight of it. The book is a reminder that every marriage, and every ending, has its reasons.
I appreciated the message that parents should listen to their children rather than make life changing decisions for them. Times have changed ,women are more than capable of standing on their own, and marriage is no longer the only path to fulfillment.
The ending was beautiful. It defied the usual expectations of a happily-ever-after through marriage. Instead, it showed the value of friendship, respect, and support even through difficult circumstances. A refreshing, thought-provoking read!