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New Beginnings: A Modern Reimagining of Pride and Prejudice
A wedding could be a happy ending for some or simply a new beginning for others. While celebrating their cousin’s wedding, sisters Julia and Alisa encounters two different men who are about to turn their worlds upside down. Julia finds herself instantly attracted to accomplished young law graduate Bazli Sulaiman, while Alisa finds herself instantly repulsed by his best friend and superior, Gadafi Wahid. While Bazli courts Julia, Alisa and Gadafi find themselves reluctant chaperones, forced to get to know each other despite their initial dislike toward each other. In this modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, two sisters learn the true meaning of moving forward and that while chasing their own happy endings, they are learning to create new beginnings as well.
- GenresFiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2018
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 17, 2022
I was really excited when my friend (who own the copy of this novel) told me that this book were mainly based on Pride and Prejudice, it get more exciting when the story were written in Islamic narratives.
Hello! Who did not get excited when your favourite classic novel were reimagining in modern settings and in halal way?
I can relate with this story the most when author mention about the Malay adat and the settings which is in Singapore (even I'm from Malaysia, kita kan serumpun).
I got really invested by the first few pages, it was thrilling when the situation and arc of this novel all were based on Pride and Prejudice. When Elizabeth first met with Mr. Darcy, the hand gesture moment and the confession part but it was twisted in halal way between Alisa and Gadafi.
The story does give me a smile while I read it, because I keep connecting all the scene in this novel with the original one. I think, the reimagining part was a succeed for this story.
But, I just wish the author give more attentions for developing the characters of this novel. I really hope Alisa's character was more distiguish. The dialogue between the characters does not seems that smooth and a little bit of 'skema' I think?
I also hope that the author would put her focus on expanding the story by telling why in Islam we did not go on a date? Why in Islam we must have a chaperone when we go out with a man or a woman other than our family member? Just do not touch the halal and haram thing on the surface, eloberate it more since we know that books is one of the media to educate people. Do not expect all readers have the same mind as you.
Also one more thing, I get dissapointed with the ending of the story. It feels underwhelmed and it is not enoughhhhhh. No! I want more 🙂 it does not feels right lah, huhu.
But, as of this is author's debut I could say this book is a good start for her future career in writing.
3.8 ⭐️
Hello! Who did not get excited when your favourite classic novel were reimagining in modern settings and in halal way?
I can relate with this story the most when author mention about the Malay adat and the settings which is in Singapore (even I'm from Malaysia, kita kan serumpun).
I got really invested by the first few pages, it was thrilling when the situation and arc of this novel all were based on Pride and Prejudice. When Elizabeth first met with Mr. Darcy, the hand gesture moment and the confession part but it was twisted in halal way between Alisa and Gadafi.
The story does give me a smile while I read it, because I keep connecting all the scene in this novel with the original one. I think, the reimagining part was a succeed for this story.
But, I just wish the author give more attentions for developing the characters of this novel. I really hope Alisa's character was more distiguish. The dialogue between the characters does not seems that smooth and a little bit of 'skema' I think?
I also hope that the author would put her focus on expanding the story by telling why in Islam we did not go on a date? Why in Islam we must have a chaperone when we go out with a man or a woman other than our family member? Just do not touch the halal and haram thing on the surface, eloberate it more since we know that books is one of the media to educate people. Do not expect all readers have the same mind as you.
Also one more thing, I get dissapointed with the ending of the story. It feels underwhelmed and it is not enoughhhhhh. No! I want more 🙂 it does not feels right lah, huhu.
But, as of this is author's debut I could say this book is a good start for her future career in writing.
3.8 ⭐️
April 9, 2022
I picked up this book knowing nothing at all!
After doing some research about this book, I found out it was a modern Pride And Prejudice story 😍 It just made my curiousity heighten and I couldn't wait to dive in. This book was simple and wholesome. Muslim representation? Local setting? Enemies to lovers? All I want in a book.
But I have to say it was underwhelming. Or maybe, my expectations were too high. Many times, I thought the book was plain and dreading. Too fast-paced, in my opinion too. You can totally expect the exact same storyline as Pride And Prejudice, just a modern retelling.
I did enjoy this, just not as much as I wanted! So cute and wholesome too :D I love the whole idea of it being halal romance because it's so hard especially when it's in a modern timeline. The characters were very likeable, especially Alisa and Julia! The sisters were the best part in this book^^
After doing some research about this book, I found out it was a modern Pride And Prejudice story 😍 It just made my curiousity heighten and I couldn't wait to dive in. This book was simple and wholesome. Muslim representation? Local setting? Enemies to lovers? All I want in a book.
But I have to say it was underwhelming. Or maybe, my expectations were too high. Many times, I thought the book was plain and dreading. Too fast-paced, in my opinion too. You can totally expect the exact same storyline as Pride And Prejudice, just a modern retelling.
I did enjoy this, just not as much as I wanted! So cute and wholesome too :D I love the whole idea of it being halal romance because it's so hard especially when it's in a modern timeline. The characters were very likeable, especially Alisa and Julia! The sisters were the best part in this book^^
September 13, 2021
I love this! I love the fact that it was written in a Singaporean context and that it stayed true to the Islamic rulings of dating. Especially because my family follows with the same mindset, and it's something I don't see much of in books or in real life, so it was definitely refreshing to read about it.
I also loved trying to match the characters and the plot to the actual pride and prejudice plot. Even though I roughly knew how the plot was going to flow, it was interesting to see how the author managed to put her own modern, Singaporean, Islamic twist to it.
I rarely write reviews but I had to show my support for this book. Loved it!
I also loved trying to match the characters and the plot to the actual pride and prejudice plot. Even though I roughly knew how the plot was going to flow, it was interesting to see how the author managed to put her own modern, Singaporean, Islamic twist to it.
I rarely write reviews but I had to show my support for this book. Loved it!
December 20, 2022
The beginning of the story showcased the traditional Malay wedding, which is quite rare to be found in any English books. Although it was her cousin’s wedding, Alisa enjoyed the wedding ceremonies alongside her sister, Julia. While her sister met one of the groomsmen, Bazli, in the wedding ceremony, this is also where she met Gadafi. However, her impression of Gadafi was not good once she overheard him talking about her in an offended way.
Being a nursery teacher as well as the youngest daughter in the family, the storylines of this book were interesting and fascinating as it contain Muslim context in every chapters. Throughout the chapter, Alisa constantly met Gadafi when she escorted her sister, Lia and Bazli on a date, when she was on vacation in Indonesia and also at her workplace. Eventhough there was a misunderstanding between Alisa and Gadafi in one of the chapter, they began to slowly developed friendship, which led for Alisa to develop feeling toward the man once their fell apart due to work.
Being a nursery teacher as well as the youngest daughter in the family, the storylines of this book were interesting and fascinating as it contain Muslim context in every chapters. Throughout the chapter, Alisa constantly met Gadafi when she escorted her sister, Lia and Bazli on a date, when she was on vacation in Indonesia and also at her workplace. Eventhough there was a misunderstanding between Alisa and Gadafi in one of the chapter, they began to slowly developed friendship, which led for Alisa to develop feeling toward the man once their fell apart due to work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2022
#BookReview: New Beginnings by Khairun Atika Kamsan
🔸In this modern reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, two sisters learn the true meaning of moving forward and that while chasing their own happy endings, they are learning to create new beginnings as well.
✭ I was surprised that I found this book enjoyable to the point that I finished it in less than a day! It was an easy read for sure.
✫ New Beginnings is written by a Singaporean Muslim author and it was my first entry for #RamadanReadathon #RamadanReads.
✭ It’s family centred with the main plot being romance for marriage. It was refreshing to read romance within Islamic compliance. It’s been so long since I read Malay romance books but I can still remember the cliche plotlines New Beginnings has that cliche dynamics but surprisingly it didn’t annoy me.
✫ We have Alisa who hated this one guy she met at a wedding ceremony. But fates decided to make them cross each other’s path every now and then. He’s a CEO, while she’s a kindergarten teacher, yes a cliche dynamic I tell you.
✭ All the men Alisa encountered in this book seems to have a crush on her and all of them are successful. Although, this specific trope usually threw me off the roof but I liked how the author wrote them settling down in the end. I know that ‘moving on’ is one of the main message in this book.
✫ Another thing that I liked was the portrayal of supportive parents. I like how Alisa’s mom and dad acknowledged their daughter’s achievement and encouraged her. That was wholesome.
My rating: 4 ⭐️
Thank you so much to @imanpublication for sending me this book in exchange for a review. This book is available on @imanshoppe_official
🔸In this modern reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, two sisters learn the true meaning of moving forward and that while chasing their own happy endings, they are learning to create new beginnings as well.
✭ I was surprised that I found this book enjoyable to the point that I finished it in less than a day! It was an easy read for sure.
✫ New Beginnings is written by a Singaporean Muslim author and it was my first entry for #RamadanReadathon #RamadanReads.
✭ It’s family centred with the main plot being romance for marriage. It was refreshing to read romance within Islamic compliance. It’s been so long since I read Malay romance books but I can still remember the cliche plotlines New Beginnings has that cliche dynamics but surprisingly it didn’t annoy me.
✫ We have Alisa who hated this one guy she met at a wedding ceremony. But fates decided to make them cross each other’s path every now and then. He’s a CEO, while she’s a kindergarten teacher, yes a cliche dynamic I tell you.
✭ All the men Alisa encountered in this book seems to have a crush on her and all of them are successful. Although, this specific trope usually threw me off the roof but I liked how the author wrote them settling down in the end. I know that ‘moving on’ is one of the main message in this book.
✫ Another thing that I liked was the portrayal of supportive parents. I like how Alisa’s mom and dad acknowledged their daughter’s achievement and encouraged her. That was wholesome.
My rating: 4 ⭐️
Thank you so much to @imanpublication for sending me this book in exchange for a review. This book is available on @imanshoppe_official
December 29, 2025
Look, I finished it while on holiday so that must count.
This reads like fan fiction but good quality gan fiction. My biggest problem was that it looks like it wasn't edited. Grammatical mistakes that went further than just Singapore English colloquialisms, dialogue that doesn't seem real.
Because I saw it as fan fiction there isn't much character development but that was OK, we all know how the story ends anyway. The obsession with Perth is interesting, perhaps that reflects what Singaporeans consider 'making it' in life.
If you are looking for an easy read and you're not the kind to be hypercritical then go ahead. If you like Austen or would like this book to say a lot about Islamic identity, maybe skip it.
This reads like fan fiction but good quality gan fiction. My biggest problem was that it looks like it wasn't edited. Grammatical mistakes that went further than just Singapore English colloquialisms, dialogue that doesn't seem real.
Because I saw it as fan fiction there isn't much character development but that was OK, we all know how the story ends anyway. The obsession with Perth is interesting, perhaps that reflects what Singaporeans consider 'making it' in life.
If you are looking for an easy read and you're not the kind to be hypercritical then go ahead. If you like Austen or would like this book to say a lot about Islamic identity, maybe skip it.
December 24, 2018
New Beginnings is a good read! The author’s humour certainly made the reading enjoyable and i could not help giggling while reading this unique piece of literature. The local Singapore context of the story made the read even more refreshing. What i found beautiful was the subtle but classic beauty of practising Islam embedded in the story. Certainly a recommended read!
August 7, 2021
I love this so much ❤❤ I love the humor and how sweet ghadafi is. I love everything about this book.
September 24, 2020
Masha Allah! The book was amazing. It was full of humour. I got to know the book through my cousin who is actually friends with the author. When my cousin told me about how the book is exactly like Pride and prejudice, I was sceptical about it. I didn't want this book to spoilt the whole image of pride and prejudice book itself but then I thought to myself,' why not give it a try?'
and I was glad I did.
I fell in love with this book more than I expected. This is the only book that makes me want to get a man like Gadafi Wahid. It's truly amazing that I read the whole book in just a day.
This book is so unique that it is quite hard to find something similar to it. It's a mixture of comedy, laughter, love and Islam. This book actually tells a story [ to me mostly]: You don't have to be in a relationship to get married. Just trust ALLAH S.W.T. He said in the Qur'an, 'And we created you in pairs [78:8].'
Even after reading this book, I have been constantly flipping through the pages to read my favourite parts [ which is everything].
Therefore, I urge and ask you all to read this wonderful book. You won't regret a single thing.
and I was glad I did.
I fell in love with this book more than I expected. This is the only book that makes me want to get a man like Gadafi Wahid. It's truly amazing that I read the whole book in just a day.
This book is so unique that it is quite hard to find something similar to it. It's a mixture of comedy, laughter, love and Islam. This book actually tells a story [ to me mostly]: You don't have to be in a relationship to get married. Just trust ALLAH S.W.T. He said in the Qur'an, 'And we created you in pairs [78:8].'
Even after reading this book, I have been constantly flipping through the pages to read my favourite parts [ which is everything].
Therefore, I urge and ask you all to read this wonderful book. You won't regret a single thing.
June 25, 2025
Light romance reading, inspired by Pride & Prejudice but the author retelling it in a modern and Muslim society setting. It was an interesting read and I enjoy it.
On character development however, I find it a lil bit lacking in term of the characters' personality depth and motivation - lack of showing. The romance between Alisa and Gadafi in my opinion a bit fast paced and suddenly Gadafi changed from stoic into someone quite chatty with Alisa, and suddenly everyone says Gadafi was into her. I think the story would be much better if the romance progression slowed a bit.
On character development however, I find it a lil bit lacking in term of the characters' personality depth and motivation - lack of showing. The romance between Alisa and Gadafi in my opinion a bit fast paced and suddenly Gadafi changed from stoic into someone quite chatty with Alisa, and suddenly everyone says Gadafi was into her. I think the story would be much better if the romance progression slowed a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
reread this book and it still manages to make my heart flutter again. both men are VERY respectful towards the sisters 🥹 asking their abah's permission first before anything, green-flag men 😍. however, imo the relationship development between Gadafi and Alisa was quite fast 🥲 and the ending didn't satisfy me, quite underwhelming 😔
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews