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Letters to God #3
Rough Diamond
What is Rough Diamond all about?
Linda is a rich heiress who seems to have it all; beauty, brains, wealth and social standing.
Desired by men and envied by women, Linda’s life seems perfect. But, deep down inside, Linda longs for true love and contentment.
Trapped between the glamorous world that she was brought up in and the overwhelming desire to find solace, Linda finds herself lost. Misery became her companion.
Will Linda continue her pretentious socialite life or will she find the hidden path to happiness?
Linda is a rich heiress who seems to have it all; beauty, brains, wealth and social standing.
Desired by men and envied by women, Linda’s life seems perfect. But, deep down inside, Linda longs for true love and contentment.
Trapped between the glamorous world that she was brought up in and the overwhelming desire to find solace, Linda finds herself lost. Misery became her companion.
Will Linda continue her pretentious socialite life or will she find the hidden path to happiness?
314 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Norhafsah Hamid
18 books615 followersNorhafsah Hamid was born in 1973 and received primary and secondary education in Malaysia. She then proceeded to pursue her studies in United Kingdom until she graduated with a law degree from Reading University, United Kingdom. She completer her Bar in Malaysia and went back to United Kingdom to work for a year. She then came back to Malaysia to commence her practice as an Advocate and Solicitor, specializing in civil litigation matters. She completed her Diploma in Syariah & Legal Practise and has been handling various Syariah matters.
Currently she has taken a break from civil practise and co-founded an NGO called 'Nadi Anissa Muslim Women Organisation. she now dedicates her time to her family and Islam.
Currently she has taken a break from civil practise and co-founded an NGO called 'Nadi Anissa Muslim Women Organisation. she now dedicates her time to her family and Islam.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 24, 2022
tak pernah lagi jumpa muslim yang tak reti jawab salam.
🔹writing-wise- i think it would be interesting to compare the author’s latest work to this book and see how much she has improved over time because ‘rough diamond’ was pretty bland in narration. there was so much telling without showing and most of the sentences were short and felt stoic. rough diamond falls into fiction category, not a non-fiction and by that i mean there were some parts from this book that felt sooo awkward, almost like reading a context from a textbook and not entirely sounding like a real-life conversation.
i’m someone who always puts out my reviews based on writing >>>> plot & this appeared to be so-so.
🔹plot-wise- i appreciated the islamic approach to the book’s structure where the entire story essentially followed linda’s journey to becoming a better muslim. however, on the other hand, my biggest problem about the book is stereotyping!! typical stereotype orang kita terhadap;
-perempuan free hair wearing makeup -> always the bad and bitchy one.
-yang tak pandai cakap english -> kelantanese
i’m sorry but i was feeling rather pissed off and annoyed at how the character’s profilings were being written out throughout rough diamond. plus, i don’t like assumptions being made without knowing the truth as well as sarcastic remarks towards other human being especially when it comes to islamic beliefs (in this case, rashyid & jaws’ downgrading statement/comparing linda to sarah).
linda tak reti jawab salam pun stretching gila, idk if that could truly be happening irl. last time i lived in the uk & practically grew up with a couple of neighbours & friends who are muslims by faith & unfortunately barely practising it, sama lah macam linda; celebrate eid & pergi solat raya sahaja tapi hmm... senipis2 iman pun, belum pernah jumpa lagilah yang jenis tak tahu jawab salam 😭😭😭.
anyway, 2⭐
🔹writing-wise- i think it would be interesting to compare the author’s latest work to this book and see how much she has improved over time because ‘rough diamond’ was pretty bland in narration. there was so much telling without showing and most of the sentences were short and felt stoic. rough diamond falls into fiction category, not a non-fiction and by that i mean there were some parts from this book that felt sooo awkward, almost like reading a context from a textbook and not entirely sounding like a real-life conversation.
i’m someone who always puts out my reviews based on writing >>>> plot & this appeared to be so-so.
🔹plot-wise- i appreciated the islamic approach to the book’s structure where the entire story essentially followed linda’s journey to becoming a better muslim. however, on the other hand, my biggest problem about the book is stereotyping!! typical stereotype orang kita terhadap;
-perempuan free hair wearing makeup -> always the bad and bitchy one.
-yang tak pandai cakap english -> kelantanese
i’m sorry but i was feeling rather pissed off and annoyed at how the character’s profilings were being written out throughout rough diamond. plus, i don’t like assumptions being made without knowing the truth as well as sarcastic remarks towards other human being especially when it comes to islamic beliefs (in this case, rashyid & jaws’ downgrading statement/comparing linda to sarah).
linda tak reti jawab salam pun stretching gila, idk if that could truly be happening irl. last time i lived in the uk & practically grew up with a couple of neighbours & friends who are muslims by faith & unfortunately barely practising it, sama lah macam linda; celebrate eid & pergi solat raya sahaja tapi hmm... senipis2 iman pun, belum pernah jumpa lagilah yang jenis tak tahu jawab salam 😭😭😭.
anyway, 2⭐
May 2, 2019
Rough Diamond is a story about Linda who lived in London and studied there in Reading University. She's very pretty, wealthy and social standing.
I loved that this book talked about the journey of a girl who wants to find herself and make peace with God. Linda has a very social life. She has been drinking, partying and sleeping with men whenever she likes, even though she is a Muslim. One day, she felt very lost. She wants to learn more about Islam and she wants to change.
Linda learned everything about Islam from Siti. She has changed and her friendship with Jaws is growing to something else. I really like Jaws' character. I loved that how he doesn't care about Linda's past and still like her for the person she is.
Other characters seemed okay to me, I was quite surprise there is no antagonist in this book. All characters served their own purposes. But it would be good if the author talked more about Jaws background and his life.
The plot was okay. To me the story was a bit cliche and predictable. This book is lack of humour, maybe if the author include some jokes, it would be great. There are a few of grammatical error but that doesn't really disturbing. It was still okay. The ending is quite good not that surprising and it just beautifully ended with beautiful words.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Iman Publication for sending me the copy of Rough Diamond. You can get this book at the nearest bookstores or can order online at www.imanshoppe.com
I loved that this book talked about the journey of a girl who wants to find herself and make peace with God. Linda has a very social life. She has been drinking, partying and sleeping with men whenever she likes, even though she is a Muslim. One day, she felt very lost. She wants to learn more about Islam and she wants to change.
Linda learned everything about Islam from Siti. She has changed and her friendship with Jaws is growing to something else. I really like Jaws' character. I loved that how he doesn't care about Linda's past and still like her for the person she is.
Other characters seemed okay to me, I was quite surprise there is no antagonist in this book. All characters served their own purposes. But it would be good if the author talked more about Jaws background and his life.
The plot was okay. To me the story was a bit cliche and predictable. This book is lack of humour, maybe if the author include some jokes, it would be great. There are a few of grammatical error but that doesn't really disturbing. It was still okay. The ending is quite good not that surprising and it just beautifully ended with beautiful words.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Iman Publication for sending me the copy of Rough Diamond. You can get this book at the nearest bookstores or can order online at www.imanshoppe.com
June 19, 2020
Roughd Diamond is basically a backstory of Linda, a character from the prequel. Linda is a Muslim, only by named, whose finally found her way back to Allah. So this book tells her wonderful journey of repenting.
I could relate to her on a personal level in some part. Thus, the rating.
Writing this review in Mid-June 2020, which is about maybe a year after reading does not do any justice because I can't remembered any particular part that I strongly like or dislike. But I just love the whole aspects of the story.
For those who have, currently or wanted to read this, I wanted to tell you that in Divine Blessings, the 5th and last instalment of this Letters To God series, Linda's story ended beautifully and it made me cry.
I could relate to her on a personal level in some part. Thus, the rating.
Writing this review in Mid-June 2020, which is about maybe a year after reading does not do any justice because I can't remembered any particular part that I strongly like or dislike. But I just love the whole aspects of the story.
For those who have, currently or wanted to read this, I wanted to tell you that in Divine Blessings, the 5th and last instalment of this Letters To God series, Linda's story ended beautifully and it made me cry.
October 23, 2019
I loved this one. Siapa baca Heaven Sent dan Letters to God kena sambung baca yang ni sebab dalam novel ini ada cerita tentang Linda the rich heiress yang berubah jadi muslimah. Really loved her love story dengan Jaws Kelantanese. Perempuan beragama Islam yang kaya raya, minum arak dan mengamalkan seks bebas akhirnya kahwin dengan Jaws orang Kelantan yang islamik tapi mulut main lepas je.
.
The only thing that I don't like is the stereotype used in this novel. Perempuan free hair kaya mesti perangai tak elok. Orang Kelantan mesti tak fasih BI pastu tak boleh ubah slang.
.
I have met perempuan free hair kaya yang lebih baik drpd yg bertudung. I have met Kelantanese who speaks like an American.
.
The only thing that I don't like is the stereotype used in this novel. Perempuan free hair kaya mesti perangai tak elok. Orang Kelantan mesti tak fasih BI pastu tak boleh ubah slang.
.
I have met perempuan free hair kaya yang lebih baik drpd yg bertudung. I have met Kelantanese who speaks like an American.
June 14, 2022
"𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖. 𝙂𝙤𝙙 𝘼𝙡𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡. 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙧," 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮.
This time, we got to read about Linda from her own pov. In this book too we can see how Linda thought about Sarah and the lifestyle of Muslim that she found it too 'kampungan' and lame.
If you already read the first two books or just Letters To God, you will know her character, her too Westernized lifestyle, but in Rough Diamond, you will read more about her.
Linda came from a freaking wealthy family. She's mixed blood too. Her mother is a Malaysian and her father is a British. They are Muslims too, but the only problem was they didn't live the way a Muslim suppose and should to be. In other easy word, liberal Muslim (you know what I mean, right?)
Rough Diamond tells readers of Linda's journey to embrace back her religion and the struggles in her way to learn about Islam. And there's Jaws, a Kelantan and religious man who always bickered with her every time they met. He helped her to know more about Islam. Oh well, I love them so much!
When I read it, I put myself in Linda's shoes and felt her. Not gonna lie, my eyes kept welling with tears while reading this book. It's such a beautiful written book about a servant finding her way back to her Creator.
The ending? Oh my! So sweet!!!
Will I recommend this book? Yes. Yes I do! Please do yourself a favor by reading this one!
I can't wait to buy the next volume (I bought the abridged version of volume I which contains Letters To God, Heaven Sent and Rough Diamond only) and read it! Gonna buy it soon after my exam hehe!
Rate: 5🌟
—Feyssa.
This time, we got to read about Linda from her own pov. In this book too we can see how Linda thought about Sarah and the lifestyle of Muslim that she found it too 'kampungan' and lame.
If you already read the first two books or just Letters To God, you will know her character, her too Westernized lifestyle, but in Rough Diamond, you will read more about her.
Linda came from a freaking wealthy family. She's mixed blood too. Her mother is a Malaysian and her father is a British. They are Muslims too, but the only problem was they didn't live the way a Muslim suppose and should to be. In other easy word, liberal Muslim (you know what I mean, right?)
Rough Diamond tells readers of Linda's journey to embrace back her religion and the struggles in her way to learn about Islam. And there's Jaws, a Kelantan and religious man who always bickered with her every time they met. He helped her to know more about Islam. Oh well, I love them so much!
When I read it, I put myself in Linda's shoes and felt her. Not gonna lie, my eyes kept welling with tears while reading this book. It's such a beautiful written book about a servant finding her way back to her Creator.
The ending? Oh my! So sweet!!!
Will I recommend this book? Yes. Yes I do! Please do yourself a favor by reading this one!
I can't wait to buy the next volume (I bought the abridged version of volume I which contains Letters To God, Heaven Sent and Rough Diamond only) and read it! Gonna buy it soon after my exam hehe!
Rate: 5🌟
—Feyssa.
August 1, 2022
Full rant review: https://youtu.be/RK0J6FrgdNc
Again, surprised by the 4-star ratings. At least Linda's journey was slightly more interesting than Jonah but don't be fooled. It's almost the exact same formula just with different people. The author should just combine the stories into one novel because as I read LTG, DG and this one, it feels like cash grab. The blurb talks about how life-changing and refreshing everything is when it feels like drama pukul 7 but from the antagonist perspective. Linda's character is your cliche bad girl without the proper guidance of her parents. Her character in the beginning was cliche, her journey was cliche, everything was cliche. And I'm not angry for it being a cliche. I love a lot of cliche stuff. But I'm angry when you write something so cliche and dare to promote it as something "new" and "refreshing", yeah I feel cheated. But what angers me is the unrealistic depiction of Malaysian society for the sake of drama in the third act. Better read The Tudung Anthology. At least it has more variety, nuance and complexity.
Everything that I've read from Norhafsah Hamid so far feels like my writing in school. I'm sorry for being so harsh but this is my most honest opinion. I think she need to polish her writing style because the sentence lack variations in structure and a lot of technical errors. She need to do more exploration in complex characters and realistic conflicts.
SPOILER ALERT!
Linda is a high-society girl from Malaysia so when she returned home a changed woman with her hijab her parents who lived in Malaysia all along was shocked to the bone. Nothing wrong with them feeling shocked and a bit of hate there since they've strayed from Islamic teaching for a long time. But for the mother to say she will be shunned by the high society because Linda return home a hijabi is so unrealistic. If you're living abroad it might make more sense but in Malaysia, it's trendy to be a hijabi hence her mom's fear is ungrounded. What kind of society did she hang out with that would turn her into an outcast for having a hijabi daughter???? I am 100% convinced that the author have not read any other Islamic novels.
Again, surprised by the 4-star ratings. At least Linda's journey was slightly more interesting than Jonah but don't be fooled. It's almost the exact same formula just with different people. The author should just combine the stories into one novel because as I read LTG, DG and this one, it feels like cash grab. The blurb talks about how life-changing and refreshing everything is when it feels like drama pukul 7 but from the antagonist perspective. Linda's character is your cliche bad girl without the proper guidance of her parents. Her character in the beginning was cliche, her journey was cliche, everything was cliche. And I'm not angry for it being a cliche. I love a lot of cliche stuff. But I'm angry when you write something so cliche and dare to promote it as something "new" and "refreshing", yeah I feel cheated. But what angers me is the unrealistic depiction of Malaysian society for the sake of drama in the third act. Better read The Tudung Anthology. At least it has more variety, nuance and complexity.
Everything that I've read from Norhafsah Hamid so far feels like my writing in school. I'm sorry for being so harsh but this is my most honest opinion. I think she need to polish her writing style because the sentence lack variations in structure and a lot of technical errors. She need to do more exploration in complex characters and realistic conflicts.
SPOILER ALERT!
Linda is a high-society girl from Malaysia so when she returned home a changed woman with her hijab her parents who lived in Malaysia all along was shocked to the bone. Nothing wrong with them feeling shocked and a bit of hate there since they've strayed from Islamic teaching for a long time. But for the mother to say she will be shunned by the high society because Linda return home a hijabi is so unrealistic. If you're living abroad it might make more sense but in Malaysia, it's trendy to be a hijabi hence her mom's fear is ungrounded. What kind of society did she hang out with that would turn her into an outcast for having a hijabi daughter???? I am 100% convinced that the author have not read any other Islamic novels.
August 2, 2020
The story is about a westernised woman's journey to understand Islam. The characters are plain & boring. Too much telling rather than showing. Info dumping is everywhere. The plot are glaringly biased & the conflict is stereotypical i.e. bad Muslim woman facing some difficulties then turn to better Muslim. Other conflicts include rivalries, bullying, racism & craving for love.
I dislike how woman is objectified each & every time in the story. Also, accented dialogues and the sheer effort to transliterate every single line is extremely annoying to read.
I speed read from second half of the book, skipping nonsensical rants, unnecessary subplots & back stories. The main character has so much potential in her. Sadly, the story arc is poorly developed. Truthfully, with apologies, the story is neither emotional nor inspiring.
I dislike how woman is objectified each & every time in the story. Also, accented dialogues and the sheer effort to transliterate every single line is extremely annoying to read.
I speed read from second half of the book, skipping nonsensical rants, unnecessary subplots & back stories. The main character has so much potential in her. Sadly, the story arc is poorly developed. Truthfully, with apologies, the story is neither emotional nor inspiring.
June 2, 2022
While Heaven Sent is a continuation about Sarah, Rough Diamond is from Linda’s point of view. Now we can see how she views Sarah and how she started the rumors. In this story, I know from which point she grows the hatred on Sarah and learning her journey to become a better Muslim. Before this, Linda is a westernized woman at Reading University but when life starts to throw the hard ball, she finds her way and repents back to Allah. It touched me seeing how she tries to be better and I felt bad for judging her in the previous book as we should not judge others and better leave the judgment to God.
As much as I loved Linda’s POV, this story felt dry as there are only several dialogues and it focused more on describing what happens around her. I know some people find it cliche as Linda went from being a bad character to a good one. Other than that, in Rough Diamond, we see how Linda and Jaws (my new favorite) rely on each other as Linda seeks forgiveness and finds her way back. With a heavy heart, I say this is my least favorite story in this series. However, I still loved how easy it is to understand this story and it is great for a quick read because of the fast paced.
Thank you Iman Publication for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.
As much as I loved Linda’s POV, this story felt dry as there are only several dialogues and it focused more on describing what happens around her. I know some people find it cliche as Linda went from being a bad character to a good one. Other than that, in Rough Diamond, we see how Linda and Jaws (my new favorite) rely on each other as Linda seeks forgiveness and finds her way back. With a heavy heart, I say this is my least favorite story in this series. However, I still loved how easy it is to understand this story and it is great for a quick read because of the fast paced.
Thank you Iman Publication for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
Rough Diamond
Huge thanks for Iman Publication in providing me a free copy in exchange with a honest review.
For all the bad things that we keep talking to ourselves, why does it stung more than ever when it comes from someone elses mouth?
RD is about Linda, mentioned before as a high class going overseas Malay in Heaven Sent & Letters to God by Norhafsah Hamid. I love how the author potraits Linda, and the title itself was actually straight forward regarding Linda's character development in this book.
This was also I think a mini version pulled out from the two previous novel as it follow the life of the previous antagonist as the protagonist instead. There are somehow major spoiler in the novel, so I advice please read it according to the series stack.
I enjoy the sense of humor from Jaws and also all of the characters actually. Especially Jaws and Siti.
This pieces was beautifully written and how can you give a review for such a contemporary yet lovingly pieces? After a bit of thinking I decide to put up four stars as it has all the values but not the one that I'll come back to reread (ugh, because simply I just got tons of TBR? 😂).
But I'll of course recommend this book to other whom:
~ love the touch of light and contemporary read - everyone have their problem and it takes a lot of energy to fix'em up.
~ who read to enjoy
~ A muslim revert or someone to seek guidance in the form of books (not complete but a good starter)
~ Also can be a self help and motivational book in the form of fiction ❤️
Thank you author for the wonderful pieces, I may check the others books about Sarah. 😁
Huge thanks for Iman Publication in providing me a free copy in exchange with a honest review.
For all the bad things that we keep talking to ourselves, why does it stung more than ever when it comes from someone elses mouth?
RD is about Linda, mentioned before as a high class going overseas Malay in Heaven Sent & Letters to God by Norhafsah Hamid. I love how the author potraits Linda, and the title itself was actually straight forward regarding Linda's character development in this book.
This was also I think a mini version pulled out from the two previous novel as it follow the life of the previous antagonist as the protagonist instead. There are somehow major spoiler in the novel, so I advice please read it according to the series stack.
I enjoy the sense of humor from Jaws and also all of the characters actually. Especially Jaws and Siti.
This pieces was beautifully written and how can you give a review for such a contemporary yet lovingly pieces? After a bit of thinking I decide to put up four stars as it has all the values but not the one that I'll come back to reread (ugh, because simply I just got tons of TBR? 😂).
But I'll of course recommend this book to other whom:
~ love the touch of light and contemporary read - everyone have their problem and it takes a lot of energy to fix'em up.
~ who read to enjoy
~ A muslim revert or someone to seek guidance in the form of books (not complete but a good starter)
~ Also can be a self help and motivational book in the form of fiction ❤️
Thank you author for the wonderful pieces, I may check the others books about Sarah. 😁
April 5, 2019
I've read Letters to God and Heaven Sent too, and I have to say all three books made me emotional, especially rough diamond. From all 3 books I learned that we are all a work in progress. Doesn't matter if you are already a hafizah or a ustaz, at the end of the day we are all struggling to be a better muslim everyday. Being a good muslim doesn't happen overnight, it takes a lifetime. It also taught me that when we look after our relationship with Allah SWT, He will look after ours with others. Sometime, in order to find our way back to Him, we need to feel lost.
All 3 books explained so well through all the characters!
All 3 books explained so well through all the characters!
August 27, 2021
I really wanted this novel to be good, but I was disappointed.
The storyline is monotonous, the descriptions are sometimes tacky (sorry if this harsh 😅), and the dialogues felt a bit dry. There were a few spelling errors too...sigh.
Some parts of the book attempted to explain what Islam is, but I feel like the sentences were copied straight from a textbook.
Good attempt though.
All in all, my rating was actually 0.5 stars...but I'm rounding it up.
The storyline is monotonous, the descriptions are sometimes tacky (sorry if this harsh 😅), and the dialogues felt a bit dry. There were a few spelling errors too...sigh.
Some parts of the book attempted to explain what Islam is, but I feel like the sentences were copied straight from a textbook.
Good attempt though.
All in all, my rating was actually 0.5 stars...but I'm rounding it up.
March 31, 2019
Rough Diamond is a story about Linda, a socialite in her journey in searching the love of God and accepting the past and finding peace with oneself. This is the new series after Heaven Sent and Letters to God. Romantic series are my favourite type of genre. There are lessons to be learnt in every event of life as we all are rough diamonds too with polishing in progress. Background of the storyline is mostly in Reading and London.
February 26, 2020
Watak Linda dikembangkan dengan baik oleh penulis. Waktu membaca Letter To God dan Dear God, memang geram juga dengan watak Linda iaitu watak antagonis. Tetapi di sebaliknya adalah sangat berlainan. I was seriously overwhelming to read how Linda who know nothing about Islam since born have very courage to learn about it. It's very hard to start with nothing but I'm so glad Allah send very good friend as Mat Bond and Jaws and the not judgemental Siti. In the end, Linda was married to very loving husband. I don't want to be a spoiler. If you want to know who are Linda's husband, go to buy and read it with the bottom of the heart. Lots of love.
December 25, 2019
Linda was living a life she thought would fulfill her needs, she was a woman whom she thought that no guy would ever resist and was every girls' dream -- until she became the one who was wanting someone, wanting Jonah and only to end up getting rejected by him.
Realization hit even harder when Linda found out that the friends that she thought were her friend had never really seen her as one. And when her one close friend died over cancer without her even had any clue about it, did really bring Linda into a new phase of wanting to live her life the real true way of living; by coming back to whom she was supposed to be -- a muslim.
And life could never been any better after that.
_______
Rough Diamond for me is a typical story of a hijrah. Though it was definitely was written nicely, I can't seem to really find the wow in it. The story was quiet a mediocre in its plot, a light reading. Didn't really make me involved so much with my emotion (which is the thing I trying to find in reading).
The conflict ended too quickly, like it's really a 'too good to be true' for me -- perhaps it's because of the way the story went through with long narrative and direct storytelling. Like I say I couldn't quiet connect my emotion with the characters so much -- I can't become one with the story. Though I admit it's one nice story that we still can take lesson and learn something from.
Realization hit even harder when Linda found out that the friends that she thought were her friend had never really seen her as one. And when her one close friend died over cancer without her even had any clue about it, did really bring Linda into a new phase of wanting to live her life the real true way of living; by coming back to whom she was supposed to be -- a muslim.
And life could never been any better after that.
_______
Rough Diamond for me is a typical story of a hijrah. Though it was definitely was written nicely, I can't seem to really find the wow in it. The story was quiet a mediocre in its plot, a light reading. Didn't really make me involved so much with my emotion (which is the thing I trying to find in reading).
The conflict ended too quickly, like it's really a 'too good to be true' for me -- perhaps it's because of the way the story went through with long narrative and direct storytelling. Like I say I couldn't quiet connect my emotion with the characters so much -- I can't become one with the story. Though I admit it's one nice story that we still can take lesson and learn something from.
July 2, 2022
"Don't judge the books by it's cover" This is how i feel about linda. The way Jaws and Rasyid judged linda & compare linda to Sarah in the previous book is sickening. I love linda journey so much. The best thing ever when linda turned Rasyid down but and then the romantic things between Jaws & Linda is quite cliche but still worth the ending i guess ??
October 6, 2019
Pertama kali baca buku seperti ini. Ada penyampaian ilmu di sebalik kisah linda. Menarik juga kaedah ini. Bukunya tidak terlalu tebal, ringkas dan boleh dihabiskan dalam satu hari jika tiada aktiviti lain. Kesudahan ada untuk semua kecuali ada seorang itu? Buki seterusnya mungkin?
May 16, 2021
It is an interesting read of a Da'wah genre where Norhafsah Abdul Hamid has managed to make me think for a while, immediately reflect on myself and try to improve myself as a Muslim. A relaxing reading, heartwarming and inviting towards goodness. It is a meaningful and rewarding reading.
November 13, 2020
The novel focuses on the story of Linda who is hated in Letters to God. It tells us her story of redemption and LOOOOVE! 😍😍
The book depicts the struggles of a person who decided to return to Allah after commiting series of sins. The hesitation, judgment, and fallback that one can experience when they decided to return to Allah can be seen in the novel.
It also explains Islam in a jovial and simplest way which even a non-muslim can easily understand. It shows how important is good companionship, a friendship built for His sake. It depicts the importance of family in upbringing a child- making him realize what Islam really is.
Lastly, if you're a fan of romance and want that flutters-in-the-stomach feels, this book won't disappoint. Buuuut, this talks about love within Islam- that Halal love! It will disprove the notion that marriage in Islam is bland and prude. Nope, at the end of the novel you'll pray to Allah to give you your own Jaws! That one who'll tell you that you're actually a rough diamond.
There are lots of scenes I want to share that made me reflect on me being a Muslim, on love, on my connection with Allah but I want you guys to see those first-hand. The feeling is different.
The book depicts the struggles of a person who decided to return to Allah after commiting series of sins. The hesitation, judgment, and fallback that one can experience when they decided to return to Allah can be seen in the novel.
It also explains Islam in a jovial and simplest way which even a non-muslim can easily understand. It shows how important is good companionship, a friendship built for His sake. It depicts the importance of family in upbringing a child- making him realize what Islam really is.
Lastly, if you're a fan of romance and want that flutters-in-the-stomach feels, this book won't disappoint. Buuuut, this talks about love within Islam- that Halal love! It will disprove the notion that marriage in Islam is bland and prude. Nope, at the end of the novel you'll pray to Allah to give you your own Jaws! That one who'll tell you that you're actually a rough diamond.
There are lots of scenes I want to share that made me reflect on me being a Muslim, on love, on my connection with Allah but I want you guys to see those first-hand. The feeling is different.
January 24, 2022
I love Norhafsah Hamid book series because the phrases and words used are pretty easy to catch up for beginners but what disappoints me is the storyline can easilt be determined. You can spot the spoiler from the beginning and that is kinda boring for some people actually.
Despite of that, everything there is enough to make you feel inspired and you’ll find a better connection led you to be near to Allah. To seek motivation and knowledge, for a newbie, this could be a right book and platform <3
Despite of that, everything there is enough to make you feel inspired and you’ll find a better connection led you to be near to Allah. To seek motivation and knowledge, for a newbie, this could be a right book and platform <3
December 28, 2019
I read this book after Letters to God and i definitely feel that Linda's story feel closer to me than Sarah's story. Maybe because Linda's struggles are more like my own struggles. Love her journey to find herself as a Muslim.
Also this book have kind of fast paced storyline i guess because i basically read this in one sitting.
Definitely recommend to read.
Also this book have kind of fast paced storyline i guess because i basically read this in one sitting.
Definitely recommend to read.
October 12, 2020
I really loathe putting a book down, but just like the rest of life and episodes of The Masked Singer, there are always notable exceptions. Rough Diamond was one of them for me. The book read more like an SMK English Paper 2 essay, and less like a novel with layers of poetic messages as I'm sure it was intended to. I wish the author luck with any future works^
April 1, 2024
0.5/5
This book was a big disappointment and I'm shocked by how well-rated it is on goodreads. Descriptions of characters are very superficial, I feel sorry for the protagonist in this particular book.
A person can't be described in black and white, no solely good or purely bad, everyone comes in spectrums. This book, and the series it is a part of, fails to recognize that. It talks about journey to finding your Imaan, yet there's a lot of highlighting the beginning and the end, while the journey itself feels empty and just a whole lot of information dumping. The book has so much potential to be more introspective but it simply failed to deliver.
The way that the protagonist of the book (or ''villain" of the series) is described is quite insensitive and paints a bad light on how it is justifiable and very much agreeable to have more pious people to easily judge another who are less so. It doesn't send a good message in my opinion. Again, everyone is at a spectrum in their journey..yet it feels like this book is just craving for perfection.
[Slight spoiler warning ahead] Also, one major disappointment is how much this book somehow justify men's role in creating your self-value, even though the protagonist was chastised for doing so in the beginning. Yet, the ending is from the man's POV and not the protagonist? Basically entailing how the man values the woman's role after finally changing for the better - which is fine, but let HER voice or thoughts be the last one to close the book. The whole story was about her, not the partner. I was very much offended, maybe more than I should be.
P.s. This is my fourth book from the author, and I share similar testaments to the other 2 I read from her as well.
This book was a big disappointment and I'm shocked by how well-rated it is on goodreads. Descriptions of characters are very superficial, I feel sorry for the protagonist in this particular book.
A person can't be described in black and white, no solely good or purely bad, everyone comes in spectrums. This book, and the series it is a part of, fails to recognize that. It talks about journey to finding your Imaan, yet there's a lot of highlighting the beginning and the end, while the journey itself feels empty and just a whole lot of information dumping. The book has so much potential to be more introspective but it simply failed to deliver.
The way that the protagonist of the book (or ''villain" of the series) is described is quite insensitive and paints a bad light on how it is justifiable and very much agreeable to have more pious people to easily judge another who are less so. It doesn't send a good message in my opinion. Again, everyone is at a spectrum in their journey..yet it feels like this book is just craving for perfection.
[Slight spoiler warning ahead] Also, one major disappointment is how much this book somehow justify men's role in creating your self-value, even though the protagonist was chastised for doing so in the beginning. Yet, the ending is from the man's POV and not the protagonist? Basically entailing how the man values the woman's role after finally changing for the better - which is fine, but let HER voice or thoughts be the last one to close the book. The whole story was about her, not the partner. I was very much offended, maybe more than I should be.
P.s. This is my fourth book from the author, and I share similar testaments to the other 2 I read from her as well.
May 29, 2019
Linda berasal daripada keluarga yang kaya. Segala keperluan dan kehendaknya dituruti oleh ibu bapanya.
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Sejak kecil lagi, Linda sudah dihantar untuk bersekolah di United Kingdom.
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Oleh itu, Linda sudah lama didedahkan dengan kehidupan yang terlalu bebas.
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Meminum arak dan sebagainya seolah-olah sudah sebati dalam dirinya.
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Setelah cintanya ditolak oleh Jonah dan Rasyid. Dia tertanya-tanya apakah kekurangan yang ada pada dirinya.
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Malah, dia berasa kekosongan dalam dirinya.
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Dengan bantuan Mat Bond dan Jaws (yang pada awalnya musuh Linda), Linda dapat berkenalan dengan Siti untuk mendalami lebih mengenai Islam.
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Saban hari, Linda mulai jatuh cinta dengan keindahan Islam.
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Selepas bergraduasi, Linda mengambil keputusan untuk tinggal di London bagi mengikuti kelas agama di masjid.
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Hari-hari Linda bertambah baik dengan mengamalkan ajaran Islam di dalam kehidupannya.
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Malah, ibu bapanya juga turut terkesan dengan perubahan yang dialami oleh Linda.
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Siapa sangka kehidupan Linda yang begitu liar berubah 360 darjah apabila mendapat sentuhan Islam yang sebenar.
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Buku ini menunjukkan kepada kita bahawa :
1. Pentingnya peranan seorang sahabat dalam membantu sahabatnya yang lain ke jalan yang benar.
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2. Setiap orang mempunyai strugglenya yang tersendiri. Teruskan berdoa supaya diberi kekuatan olehNya.
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3. Allah sentiasa membuka peluang kepada hambaNya untuk bertaubat.
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Kerana Allah adalah Maha Pengampun :)
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#RoughDiamond #NorhafsahHamid #ImanPublication #MalaysiaMembaca #PBAKL #hanifahreads #books #review #pbaklxbbwbemy
May 20, 2019
A beautiful story about how one wants to change for the better, Rough Diamond is about Linda who struggles to find solace and the path to happiness.
I can somewhat relate to Linda's story and struggles, because be it you are already a practicing Muslim, or you are on your path to be one, it is a struggle to be the better version of ourselves every day, to be haunted by our past and to not let it dictate our present and future.
My only slight beef with the story is that it
Also, I feel sorry for Rasyid. To be rejected twice in the same book? Ouchhh!! Though his intention weren't bad, I do think they're somewhat for his own convenience. I mean, I hope that he finds his passion eventually, and doesn't set out to marry someone like a mission to be solved.
Anyway, 10/10 recommended. Also, huge appreciation to the person who designed the cover, love the shades of colours.
I can somewhat relate to Linda's story and struggles, because be it you are already a practicing Muslim, or you are on your path to be one, it is a struggle to be the better version of ourselves every day, to be haunted by our past and to not let it dictate our present and future.
My only slight beef with the story is that it
Also, I feel sorry for Rasyid. To be rejected twice in the same book? Ouchhh!! Though his intention weren't bad, I do think they're somewhat for his own convenience. I mean, I hope that he finds his passion eventually, and doesn't set out to marry someone like a mission to be solved.
Anyway, 10/10 recommended. Also, huge appreciation to the person who designed the cover, love the shades of colours.
January 14, 2020
Bagi pembaca buku Letters to God. Ni sekuel dia.
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Lama dh jugak buku ni, tapi nak letak jugak kat IG ni.hehe.
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Abg beli sbb sebab minat cerita dia. Mesti tertanya-tanya kenapa tajuk dia camtu.🤔❓❔
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Kalau kita pikir logik ya, utk dapatkan sebuah permata yg cantik, mesti kena lalui tekanan😖😥 yg sangat kuat utk boleh kan dia bertukar menjadi permata yg indah cantik. Tak ke begitu? 💎💎.
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Macam tu la digambarkan manusia.
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Watak utama utk sekuel kali ni, adalah Linda, kiranya kisah mengenai penghijrahan si Linda ni yg menang kalau kat dlm buku LtG tu, masya-Allah perangai macam hampeh jugak.
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Dia 👧🤓(Linda ni cantik, stylish, kaya, bijak) tapi ada kekosongan dlm diri dia, dia juga tak suka dengan Sarah sbb nampak acah alim katanya. 😠
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Mengambil latar tempat di United Kingdom, dan sedikit di tanah air Malaysia. 🇬🇧 & 🇲🇾
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Setelah dikhianati oleh kawan2 palsu, yg berkawan hanya utk tumpang senang.
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Kemudian di reject oleh orang yg dia suka.💔
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Beliau akhirnya mendapat kawan baru iaitu Jaws dan Mat Bond. Mereka berdua memperkenalkan Linda kpd Siti.Linda gigih ☪️🕌 mempelajari Islam, dari Siti, dan akhirnya bertemu cinta hati yg boleh membimbingnya.
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#roughdiamond
#ngomelreview
#norhafsahhamid
#imanpublication
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Lama dh jugak buku ni, tapi nak letak jugak kat IG ni.hehe.
_
Abg beli sbb sebab minat cerita dia. Mesti tertanya-tanya kenapa tajuk dia camtu.🤔❓❔
_
Kalau kita pikir logik ya, utk dapatkan sebuah permata yg cantik, mesti kena lalui tekanan😖😥 yg sangat kuat utk boleh kan dia bertukar menjadi permata yg indah cantik. Tak ke begitu? 💎💎.
_
Macam tu la digambarkan manusia.
_
Watak utama utk sekuel kali ni, adalah Linda, kiranya kisah mengenai penghijrahan si Linda ni yg menang kalau kat dlm buku LtG tu, masya-Allah perangai macam hampeh jugak.
_
Dia 👧🤓(Linda ni cantik, stylish, kaya, bijak) tapi ada kekosongan dlm diri dia, dia juga tak suka dengan Sarah sbb nampak acah alim katanya. 😠
_
Mengambil latar tempat di United Kingdom, dan sedikit di tanah air Malaysia. 🇬🇧 & 🇲🇾
_
Setelah dikhianati oleh kawan2 palsu, yg berkawan hanya utk tumpang senang.
_
Kemudian di reject oleh orang yg dia suka.💔
_
Beliau akhirnya mendapat kawan baru iaitu Jaws dan Mat Bond. Mereka berdua memperkenalkan Linda kpd Siti.Linda gigih ☪️🕌 mempelajari Islam, dari Siti, dan akhirnya bertemu cinta hati yg boleh membimbingnya.
_
#roughdiamond
#ngomelreview
#norhafsahhamid
#imanpublication
December 29, 2022
I’ve read this books series when I was in semester break. Which is about 3 months had passed when I’m writing this review.
I read the abridge one. But there is no abridge version yet on good-reads. Hence I’m going to leave the same review through all series.
I like the main character sarah. She obeys to the Islamic laws and recommendations, take good care of herself, she’s an independent girl and respectful to her parents and family. Sarah was not only taking care of her friends, but also her friend’s parents. Which I think is a good character that we should follow.
But I don’t like Sarah’s character of being bad tempered. Whereby, all of her friends know if there is thing that she doesn’t like, she will be mad.
To me, being a muslim, we should not getting mad easily. There are things that we can be mad or better be silent, or we can give advice appropriately.
Plot-wise. Some people commented that it was cliche. But personally, it’s fine with me. Because, throughout reading the book, you get the hidden messages the writer trying to convey.
I read the abridge one. But there is no abridge version yet on good-reads. Hence I’m going to leave the same review through all series.
I like the main character sarah. She obeys to the Islamic laws and recommendations, take good care of herself, she’s an independent girl and respectful to her parents and family. Sarah was not only taking care of her friends, but also her friend’s parents. Which I think is a good character that we should follow.
But I don’t like Sarah’s character of being bad tempered. Whereby, all of her friends know if there is thing that she doesn’t like, she will be mad.
To me, being a muslim, we should not getting mad easily. There are things that we can be mad or better be silent, or we can give advice appropriately.
Plot-wise. Some people commented that it was cliche. But personally, it’s fine with me. Because, throughout reading the book, you get the hidden messages the writer trying to convey.
October 24, 2021
It was about Linda and Sarah from Letters To God book but surprisingly I'm in love with this book more than I was supposed to because I didn't give any expectations or high expectations for this book before I read it?
I love the way how this books have more storytelling type of writing more than LTG that was more like was reading a diary before 😅
Anddddddd I would love to gift this book to my friend who is non-Muslim but have interest in Islam or a Muslim but has never exposed to real Islam teachings so that this book can inspire her or him ✅✅✨
Likeeee.... I love this book so much? I love the way this book consoled me to turn back return to Allah and the true teachings of Islam just by through a mere fiction novel??? I'm quite feels so full with this book babe, I'm telling you. I'm just you know. I love this book so much 😂 That's it ! Hahahaha love you and love the people who loves this book too 🤣❤️❤️
I love the way how this books have more storytelling type of writing more than LTG that was more like was reading a diary before 😅
Anddddddd I would love to gift this book to my friend who is non-Muslim but have interest in Islam or a Muslim but has never exposed to real Islam teachings so that this book can inspire her or him ✅✅✨
Likeeee.... I love this book so much? I love the way this book consoled me to turn back return to Allah and the true teachings of Islam just by through a mere fiction novel??? I'm quite feels so full with this book babe, I'm telling you. I'm just you know. I love this book so much 😂 That's it ! Hahahaha love you and love the people who loves this book too 🤣❤️❤️
June 14, 2020
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Rough Diamond by Norhafsah Hamid
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If you’ve read Heavent Sent & Letters to God, you should read this one too!
The previous two books were about Sarah and now this book is putting the spotlight on the second-lead, Linda.
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Everybody deserves a second chance, aren’t they?
Everyone has their one struggles, so does Linda. This book taught us not to be judgemental of others. All of us make mistakes. But, once you realised the mistakes, get back to Allah, seek forgiveness. Repent.
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We also has no right to judge someone’s else past. Let bygones be bygones.
We are not perfect.When we find someone who’s in the dark, we should help them by giving them the light and lead them to the correct path. And not just let them wander around.Feeling lost.
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That’s Linda. Lucky her to meet good people who would want to help her and bring her to the light.
Alhamdulillah...
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May 29, 2022
Rough Diamond is a story about Linda, in her journey to find herself. I feel like I can relate more with Linda’s story compared to Sarah’s. The plot is quite cliché and predictable but it’s bearable compared to Sarah’s story (I’m sorry if you keep finding me comparing these two stories, I just can’t help myself but to compare both)
From this book, I realised that becoming a Muslim means you are on a constant journey in upgrading yourself day by day. I love Linda’s journey and her beautiful transformation.
Another thing that intrigued me is her relationship with Jaws (even though it’s super predictable) but I always love enemies to lovers and these two speak the situation quite well! Oh, I forgot to mention, please, I just hate Rasyid. He seems to propose to anyone who seems suitable to be his wife!!! Glad Sarah and Linda reject him.
From this book, I realised that becoming a Muslim means you are on a constant journey in upgrading yourself day by day. I love Linda’s journey and her beautiful transformation.
Another thing that intrigued me is her relationship with Jaws (even though it’s super predictable) but I always love enemies to lovers and these two speak the situation quite well! Oh, I forgot to mention, please, I just hate Rasyid. He seems to propose to anyone who seems suitable to be his wife!!! Glad Sarah and Linda reject him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
Linda is a rich heiress who seems to have it all; beauty, brains, wealth and social standing.
Desired by men and envied by women. Linda's life seems perfect. But, deep down inside. Linda longs for true love and contentment.
Trapped between the glamorous world that she was brought up in and the overhelming desire to find solace, Linda finds herself lost. Misery became her companion.
In the end, Linda choose the life that could made her smile till her last breath.
You already knew the pattern when reading any books from Norhafsah Hamid. The plot, the storytelling and how we as a readers knew where the story will end, but still we will end up to read until the last page. I really means it.
One of the series in the Letters To God. A journey of a lost women who finally found her way back to God.
Desired by men and envied by women. Linda's life seems perfect. But, deep down inside. Linda longs for true love and contentment.
Trapped between the glamorous world that she was brought up in and the overhelming desire to find solace, Linda finds herself lost. Misery became her companion.
In the end, Linda choose the life that could made her smile till her last breath.
You already knew the pattern when reading any books from Norhafsah Hamid. The plot, the storytelling and how we as a readers knew where the story will end, but still we will end up to read until the last page. I really means it.
One of the series in the Letters To God. A journey of a lost women who finally found her way back to God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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