What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cult of Romance
When your bestie is marrying a guy she barely knows, can you save her from the cult before it's too late?
Natalie is living proof that love is a scam.
She's traumatised by her parents' failed marriage and overwhelmed by her grandmother's expectations of good Lebanese girls — marriage, motherhood and exceptional tabouli-making skills.
When her best friend decides to get hitched to a guy in the motherland, Nat's not exactly thrilled by the mammoth task before her: juggling cultural traditions, extra bridesmaid dresses and super-judgemental relatives.
And to top it off there's the annoyingly good-looking best man and his constant need to mansplain all of the things.
Natalie is in for the trip of her life. But can she save her friend from the cult of romance, without falling in love herself?
PRAISE
'The Cult of Romance is a vividly realised, dazzling and charming book which made me snort with laughter as much as it compelled me to pause for thought. Ayoub tackles the agonies and joys of in-betweenness, of what, who and where we make and feel homeland and heartland. Her intimacy with the worlds she writes about is obvious in her rich and subtle descriptions. Ayoub has given Australian YA literature a fresh and uniquely cross-generational and cross-border perspective on perennial themes of identity, family, friendship, loyalty and love. A young Australian Lebanese Christian woman grappling with these questions as she navigates her parent's homeland, Lebanon. The story invites readers to think about the many worlds-and worlds within worlds- children of migrants must navigate without losing sight of the humour, lightness and joys in the journey. Ayoub has written something truly original and special.'
- Randa Abdel-Fattah, award-winning author of Does My Head Look Big in This?
Natalie is living proof that love is a scam.
She's traumatised by her parents' failed marriage and overwhelmed by her grandmother's expectations of good Lebanese girls — marriage, motherhood and exceptional tabouli-making skills.
When her best friend decides to get hitched to a guy in the motherland, Nat's not exactly thrilled by the mammoth task before her: juggling cultural traditions, extra bridesmaid dresses and super-judgemental relatives.
And to top it off there's the annoyingly good-looking best man and his constant need to mansplain all of the things.
Natalie is in for the trip of her life. But can she save her friend from the cult of romance, without falling in love herself?
PRAISE
'The Cult of Romance is a vividly realised, dazzling and charming book which made me snort with laughter as much as it compelled me to pause for thought. Ayoub tackles the agonies and joys of in-betweenness, of what, who and where we make and feel homeland and heartland. Her intimacy with the worlds she writes about is obvious in her rich and subtle descriptions. Ayoub has given Australian YA literature a fresh and uniquely cross-generational and cross-border perspective on perennial themes of identity, family, friendship, loyalty and love. A young Australian Lebanese Christian woman grappling with these questions as she navigates her parent's homeland, Lebanon. The story invites readers to think about the many worlds-and worlds within worlds- children of migrants must navigate without losing sight of the humour, lightness and joys in the journey. Ayoub has written something truly original and special.'
- Randa Abdel-Fattah, award-winning author of Does My Head Look Big in This?
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2022
22 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ayoub
7 books133 followersSarah Ayoub is a freelance journalist and author based in Sydney.
Her work has appeared in Marie-Claire, Sunday Style, Cosmopolitan, CLEO, Girlfriend and more, and she has spoken at numerous industry events with The Walkley Foundation, Emerging Writer's Festival, Vibewire, NSW Writer's Centre and more.
Sarah conducts writing workshops at secondary schools around NSW and blogs about her writing, inspirations and wanderlust at www.sarahayoub.com.
She loves cake, handbags, high tea and Paris.
Her work has appeared in Marie-Claire, Sunday Style, Cosmopolitan, CLEO, Girlfriend and more, and she has spoken at numerous industry events with The Walkley Foundation, Emerging Writer's Festival, Vibewire, NSW Writer's Centre and more.
Sarah conducts writing workshops at secondary schools around NSW and blogs about her writing, inspirations and wanderlust at www.sarahayoub.com.
She loves cake, handbags, high tea and Paris.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 10, 2022
This book has been hurt by its own marketing. It's not a romance. It's the story of a young woman who is navigating womanhood and her immigrant and Lebanese identities. Going in, I knew nothing about Lebanon so I have learned a lot.
Ayoub wrote this novel while completing her PhD on the topic. As a result, the story is often clinical and discourse-focused when it should be emotional. Sections of dialogue feel like they've been directly lifted from her PhD thesis.
Ayoub wrote this novel while completing her PhD on the topic. As a result, the story is often clinical and discourse-focused when it should be emotional. Sections of dialogue feel like they've been directly lifted from her PhD thesis.
April 15, 2022
This book was fun!
To describe it in three keywords:
- Romance
- Culture
- Expectations
*received an ARC through work*
To describe it in three keywords:
- Romance
- Culture
- Expectations
*received an ARC through work*
August 7, 2022
kinda disappointed. was just a very average book, although i did love the ideals and conversations surrounding identity
April 1, 2023
Pacy, pithy and with great descriptions of Sydney and parts of Lebanon. I read it after hearing a talk by this author.
July 19, 2022
Natalie and George are delicious! I fell into this story so easily and I loved all the keyhole glimpses into Lebanese culture. I had a great time googling locations, landmarks and food. Such a heart warming, authentic exploration of love and family, generational differences, culture shocks and joys. Sarah Ayoub writes with such integrity and heart. This book left me smiling ear to ear.
August 31, 2023
I wasn’t ready for it to end! A wonderful book. And enjoyable story.
August 20, 2024
توجه: این یک ریویو طولانیه و من بلد نیستم تو گودریدز از راست به چپ بنویسم؛ شرمنده اگر عجیب شده.
اول میخواستم ریویو این کتاب رو به انگلیسی بنویسم مثل بقیهی کتابهام. ولی خوندن این کتاب به قدری خشمگینم کرده که نمیتونم حرفهام رو با زبانی غیر از فارسی بیان کنم.
اول یه توضیح در مورد خودم میدم. اعتراف میکنم که چیز زیادی راجع به بیشتر کشورها نمیدونم. لبنان یکی از اون کشورهاییه که من هرگز درموردش کنجکاوی نکردم. نه موقعیت جغرافیاییش رو میدونستم نه فرهنگشون رو؛ هیچی رو. ایدهی من از لبنان این بود: یک کشور عرب زبان، جنگ زده و فقیر.
نویسندهی این کتاب اصالتا لبنانیه و در استرالیا زندگی میکنه.
وقتی این کتاب رو میخوندم، هر صفحهش بیشتر و بیشتر اعصابم رو بهم میریخت. مردم ایران به خاطر لبنان دارن سختی میکشن در حالی که اونا تو کشورشون مشروب، بار و کلاب دارن و دخترا آزادی برای انتخاب نوع پوششون (تا حدی که میتونن برن ساحل و در کنار مردها لباس شنا بپوشن). اونوقت تو ایران دخترا دارن به خاطر چهارلاخ مو کشته میشن، کور میشن و کتک میخورن!
وقتی این چیزا رو میخوندم... برای اولین بار فهمیدم شعار نه غزه، نه لبنان چقدر شعار سنگین و تلخیه. الان که دارم اینا رو مینویسم، گریهم گرفته و حالم خرابه از موقعیتی که داریم توش زندگی که چه عرض کنم، مردگی میکنیم!
اونوقت همین خانوم نویسنده که تو استرالیا جا خوش کرده اومده یه سری ایدهآلهاش رو از نظر شخصیت اولش با خواننده به اشتراک گذاشته.
مثلا یه جا هست که دختره ناراحت میشه و میگه استرالیا دیوار ساخته بین خودش و مهاجرها در حالی که لبنان آغوشش رو باز کرده و پناهندهها رو میپذیره. عزیزم اگر استرالیا کار لبنان رو میکرد، تو الان میتونستی تو یه کشور جهان اول واسه خودت راحت بخوری و بخوابی؟ نه گلم. همین الانش هم تو استرالیا مردم دارن به خاطر مهاجرها، از کمبود کار و اجارههای بالا دیوونه میشن! اگر لبنان درش رو باز کرده... خندم ننداز ماها که میدونیم بودجه از جیب کی داره خارج میشه!!
یه تیکه از کتاب میگه انگلیسیها اومدن سرزمین استرالیاییهای اصیل رو گرفتن و این سرزمین اشغال شده هستش. همینطور میگه که هرگز احساس نکرده کاملا استرالیاییه چون با سفیدپوستها فرق داره! یعنی اگر میتونستم برم جفت پا تو صورتش، باور کنید میرفتم!
دختره از آرزوهاش این بوده که دور دنیا سفر کنه و یه بخشی از کتاب که برگشته به لبنان، پسره میبرش یه جایی که رستورانهای مختلف با غذای کشورهای مختلف داره و میگه این هم یه مدل دور دنیا گشتنه یا یه همچین چیزی. داداش فکر کردی تو استرالیا غذای کشورهای دیگه وجود نداره؟ به خدا سگم این رو میخوند به جای واق واق، قهقهه میزد!
در حالی که ایرانیها دارن واسه سادهترین حقوق زندگی میجنگن؛ تو مدرسه عربی به عنوان زبان دوم تدریس میشه و مغز بچهها شست و شو داده میشه. اونوقت لبنان جان تو مدرسه فرانسوی و انگلیسی رو به عنوان زبان دوم تدریس میکنه! خوب شد این کتاب رو خوندم واقعا چون به نکات خیلی ظریفی اشاره کرد.
حالا این تیکهها به کنار، خود داستان هم مزخرفترین جفنگی بود که تو زندگیم خوندم. اولین کتابی که از سارا ایوب خوندم
the yearbook committee
بود و واقعا دوستش داشتم اما این چی؟ یه جفنگ مزخرف. یه دخترهی مسخره که فکر کرده خیلی آدمه چون فمنیسته و خیلی خیلی زیاد (ها ها) دلش به حال پناهندهها میسوزه. اوخی اوخی، اشکم دراومد. جیگرم خون شد که انقدر به فکر بقیهای. مریم مقدس تویی اصلا! چقدرم که زندگیت تلخ و سخت بود چون مامانت از بابات طلاق گرفت و مادربزرگت مثل نوکرت واست غذا درست میکرد. اوه البته مادربزرگت وقتی تمام کارهای خونه رو انجام میداد از نظر تو بردگی بود ولی اگر به تو دوکلام میگفت غلط اضافه نکنی، میشد شمر و یزید. دخترهی مسخره!
یه تیکه از کتاب دختره از مادربزگش میپرسه خوشت میاد واسه بابام فلان غذای خاص رو درست میکنی؟ وقتی میتونستی به جاش بری درس بخونی و غیره و غیره؟ مادربزرگش میگه من دوست دارم چون اینجوری پسرم خوشحال میشه بعد دختره یه جوری نگاهش میکنه انگار مادربزرگش احمقه. گلم تو خوبی. تو واسه هیچ احدی غذا نپز. تو برو درست رو بخون البته فکر میکنم عارت بیاد زیردست انگلیسیهای غاصب کار کنی ها! نظرت چیه بری لبنان واسه پناهندههای سوری اونجا کار کنی؟ آخه استرالیا که دیوار کشیده ولی لبنان دراش بازه اونجا کارت بهتر میگیره. حالا خوبه درسی هم نمیخونه از صبح تا شب فقط دنبال تفریحه؛ هه! بعد یهویی تو دو فصل آخر دختره میفهمه که چه اشتباهی کرده و نباید انقدر راحت همه رو با ایدهآلهای مزخرفش قضاوت میکرده. بالاخره معلوم نبود تکلیف نویسنده با خودش چیه؟ میخواست زنها ازدواج کنن یا نکن؛ بچه دار بشن یا نشن؛ سنتی باشن یا نباشن. و جالبترین بخش کتاب این بود که یه دختر نوزده ساله ازدواج میکنه به همین راحتی و خوشمزگی بدون اینکه پدر و مادرش ذرهای مخالفت نشون بدن.عملا از اون دختره و افکارش ما هیچی نمیبینیم. انگار عروسی اون بدبخت فقط واسهی این وجود داشت که خانم شخصیت اول با یار و دلدارش آشنا بشه.
تنها دلیلی که دراپش نکردم این بود که میخواستم بدونم لبنان دقیقا چقدر با تصوراتم فاصله داره. عمرا اگر از این نویسنده دیگه چیزی بخونم. تف به این زندگی و تف به سیاستهای کثیف.
پی نوشت: خودم میدونم الان خیلی عصبانیم و یکم بگذره و آرومتر بشم ریویوی بهتر و منطقیتری مینویسم ولی باید خودم رو تخلیهی روحی میکردم.
اول میخواستم ریویو این کتاب رو به انگلیسی بنویسم مثل بقیهی کتابهام. ولی خوندن این کتاب به قدری خشمگینم کرده که نمیتونم حرفهام رو با زبانی غیر از فارسی بیان کنم.
اول یه توضیح در مورد خودم میدم. اعتراف میکنم که چیز زیادی راجع به بیشتر کشورها نمیدونم. لبنان یکی از اون کشورهاییه که من هرگز درموردش کنجکاوی نکردم. نه موقعیت جغرافیاییش رو میدونستم نه فرهنگشون رو؛ هیچی رو. ایدهی من از لبنان این بود: یک کشور عرب زبان، جنگ زده و فقیر.
نویسندهی این کتاب اصالتا لبنانیه و در استرالیا زندگی میکنه.
وقتی این کتاب رو میخوندم، هر صفحهش بیشتر و بیشتر اعصابم رو بهم میریخت. مردم ایران به خاطر لبنان دارن سختی میکشن در حالی که اونا تو کشورشون مشروب، بار و کلاب دارن و دخترا آزادی برای انتخاب نوع پوششون (تا حدی که میتونن برن ساحل و در کنار مردها لباس شنا بپوشن). اونوقت تو ایران دخترا دارن به خاطر چهارلاخ مو کشته میشن، کور میشن و کتک میخورن!
وقتی این چیزا رو میخوندم... برای اولین بار فهمیدم شعار نه غزه، نه لبنان چقدر شعار سنگین و تلخیه. الان که دارم اینا رو مینویسم، گریهم گرفته و حالم خرابه از موقعیتی که داریم توش زندگی که چه عرض کنم، مردگی میکنیم!
اونوقت همین خانوم نویسنده که تو استرالیا جا خوش کرده اومده یه سری ایدهآلهاش رو از نظر شخصیت اولش با خواننده به اشتراک گذاشته.
مثلا یه جا هست که دختره ناراحت میشه و میگه استرالیا دیوار ساخته بین خودش و مهاجرها در حالی که لبنان آغوشش رو باز کرده و پناهندهها رو میپذیره. عزیزم اگر استرالیا کار لبنان رو میکرد، تو الان میتونستی تو یه کشور جهان اول واسه خودت راحت بخوری و بخوابی؟ نه گلم. همین الانش هم تو استرالیا مردم دارن به خاطر مهاجرها، از کمبود کار و اجارههای بالا دیوونه میشن! اگر لبنان درش رو باز کرده... خندم ننداز ماها که میدونیم بودجه از جیب کی داره خارج میشه!!
یه تیکه از کتاب میگه انگلیسیها اومدن سرزمین استرالیاییهای اصیل رو گرفتن و این سرزمین اشغال شده هستش. همینطور میگه که هرگز احساس نکرده کاملا استرالیاییه چون با سفیدپوستها فرق داره! یعنی اگر میتونستم برم جفت پا تو صورتش، باور کنید میرفتم!
دختره از آرزوهاش این بوده که دور دنیا سفر کنه و یه بخشی از کتاب که برگشته به لبنان، پسره میبرش یه جایی که رستورانهای مختلف با غذای کشورهای مختلف داره و میگه این هم یه مدل دور دنیا گشتنه یا یه همچین چیزی. داداش فکر کردی تو استرالیا غذای کشورهای دیگه وجود نداره؟ به خدا سگم این رو میخوند به جای واق واق، قهقهه میزد!
در حالی که ایرانیها دارن واسه سادهترین حقوق زندگی میجنگن؛ تو مدرسه عربی به عنوان زبان دوم تدریس میشه و مغز بچهها شست و شو داده میشه. اونوقت لبنان جان تو مدرسه فرانسوی و انگلیسی رو به عنوان زبان دوم تدریس میکنه! خوب شد این کتاب رو خوندم واقعا چون به نکات خیلی ظریفی اشاره کرد.
حالا این تیکهها به کنار، خود داستان هم مزخرفترین جفنگی بود که تو زندگیم خوندم. اولین کتابی که از سارا ایوب خوندم
the yearbook committee
بود و واقعا دوستش داشتم اما این چی؟ یه جفنگ مزخرف. یه دخترهی مسخره که فکر کرده خیلی آدمه چون فمنیسته و خیلی خیلی زیاد (ها ها) دلش به حال پناهندهها میسوزه. اوخی اوخی، اشکم دراومد. جیگرم خون شد که انقدر به فکر بقیهای. مریم مقدس تویی اصلا! چقدرم که زندگیت تلخ و سخت بود چون مامانت از بابات طلاق گرفت و مادربزرگت مثل نوکرت واست غذا درست میکرد. اوه البته مادربزرگت وقتی تمام کارهای خونه رو انجام میداد از نظر تو بردگی بود ولی اگر به تو دوکلام میگفت غلط اضافه نکنی، میشد شمر و یزید. دخترهی مسخره!
یه تیکه از کتاب دختره از مادربزگش میپرسه خوشت میاد واسه بابام فلان غذای خاص رو درست میکنی؟ وقتی میتونستی به جاش بری درس بخونی و غیره و غیره؟ مادربزرگش میگه من دوست دارم چون اینجوری پسرم خوشحال میشه بعد دختره یه جوری نگاهش میکنه انگار مادربزرگش احمقه. گلم تو خوبی. تو واسه هیچ احدی غذا نپز. تو برو درست رو بخون البته فکر میکنم عارت بیاد زیردست انگلیسیهای غاصب کار کنی ها! نظرت چیه بری لبنان واسه پناهندههای سوری اونجا کار کنی؟ آخه استرالیا که دیوار کشیده ولی لبنان دراش بازه اونجا کارت بهتر میگیره. حالا خوبه درسی هم نمیخونه از صبح تا شب فقط دنبال تفریحه؛ هه! بعد یهویی تو دو فصل آخر دختره میفهمه که چه اشتباهی کرده و نباید انقدر راحت همه رو با ایدهآلهای مزخرفش قضاوت میکرده. بالاخره معلوم نبود تکلیف نویسنده با خودش چیه؟ میخواست زنها ازدواج کنن یا نکن؛ بچه دار بشن یا نشن؛ سنتی باشن یا نباشن. و جالبترین بخش کتاب این بود که یه دختر نوزده ساله ازدواج میکنه به همین راحتی و خوشمزگی بدون اینکه پدر و مادرش ذرهای مخالفت نشون بدن.عملا از اون دختره و افکارش ما هیچی نمیبینیم. انگار عروسی اون بدبخت فقط واسهی این وجود داشت که خانم شخصیت اول با یار و دلدارش آشنا بشه.
تنها دلیلی که دراپش نکردم این بود که میخواستم بدونم لبنان دقیقا چقدر با تصوراتم فاصله داره. عمرا اگر از این نویسنده دیگه چیزی بخونم. تف به این زندگی و تف به سیاستهای کثیف.
پی نوشت: خودم میدونم الان خیلی عصبانیم و یکم بگذره و آرومتر بشم ریویوی بهتر و منطقیتری مینویسم ولی باید خودم رو تخلیهی روحی میکردم.
May 5, 2022
This was such a fun book!
I wish I read it when I was 16-18 and still thinking about my place in the world. That in-betweenness we all feel as immigrants, as we try to keep our roots but also assimilating in our new country is so universal and something we need to keep shining light to.
brb, booking a holiday to Lebanon for the winter break
I wish I read it when I was 16-18 and still thinking about my place in the world. That in-betweenness we all feel as immigrants, as we try to keep our roots but also assimilating in our new country is so universal and something we need to keep shining light to.
brb, booking a holiday to Lebanon for the winter break
May 18, 2024
A little cliche but entertaining nonetheless 🫶
June 9, 2025
I bought this book ages ago without really knowing what it was about - just assumed it was another romance. But I was honestly so surprised by how much depth it had. It dives into love, yes, but also explores family, culture, identity, and the idea of belonging. I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected!
August 17, 2025
i wanted so much more from this plot
October 16, 2022
This is the second Sarah Ayoub read I have read since lockdown, and it was just as amazing as the first one I read. The relatability of "being in the gaps" and someone who is an immigrant in one and an emigrant in another was and is something that I have felt, and it felt so good that there are others who know and recognised that feeling too. I love the book so much as Ayoub focuses on finding your identity, the expectations of women, culture, generational divide and I truly believe that it is a great book to read and to learn from. I rate it 5 stars, and recommend it to just about everyone, especially those who have struggled and struggle to figure out their cultural identity.
January 31, 2023
This book isn’t what I would call a romance novel. The title doesn’t do it justice - it’s about the balancing act of living between two cultural identities, feminism within a conservative heritage and changing friendships.
February 26, 2022
Strong identity novel. Strong friendship novel.
Great grandma.
Great grandma.
December 17, 2022
I feel so culturally seen
May 2, 2024
The book I wish I had in high school
December 7, 2022
This story of a Australian-Lebanese girl going "home" to Lebanon but feeling homesick for Australia is such an important story. I imagine that it describes the migrant experience for many. The author talks about some really tough things in a way that's accessible. I think many YA readers will enjoy Natalie's story.
The main character is 19 years old and her friend is 20. There's partying and drinking but this is very tame. I'd probably 13+, if only because the themes (post natal depression, abandonment, feminism, migration, refugees, and more) in it are a little more mature and younger readers may not comprehend them.
The main character is 19 years old and her friend is 20. There's partying and drinking but this is very tame. I'd probably 13+, if only because the themes (post natal depression, abandonment, feminism, migration, refugees, and more) in it are a little more mature and younger readers may not comprehend them.
December 2, 2022
Started off quite slow but I actually ended up really enjoying this book! The main character at times comes off as over sensitive and not fun at all but she defs grew on me and I feel for her identity struggles of feeling in-between two places.
August 29, 2022
Another book of Sarah's I've really liked.
Pretty funny while putting lots of feminism points across and having the enemy to lovers trope.
Pretty funny while putting lots of feminism points across and having the enemy to lovers trope.
June 28, 2022
This was such a lovely read. I don't usually delve into the YA genre, but it was a refreshing step away from all the heavy content I face on the daily.
July 20, 2022
So, so good, loved it.
October 26, 2022
I’ve seen reviews saying that the marketing of this book hurt it, and I agree.
Despite the title, I don’t feel like romance was the right genre for this book. It feels more like a contemporary book that explores Natalie’s struggle with her two identities, being Lebanese and being Australian, than it is about the romance.
I picked up this book after hearing Sarah talk at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival. Her passion for her culture was beautiful, so I decided to give the book a chance.
I don’t think it was a bad book at all, I just think it should have been marketed differently.
Despite the title, I don’t feel like romance was the right genre for this book. It feels more like a contemporary book that explores Natalie’s struggle with her two identities, being Lebanese and being Australian, than it is about the romance.
I picked up this book after hearing Sarah talk at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival. Her passion for her culture was beautiful, so I decided to give the book a chance.
I don’t think it was a bad book at all, I just think it should have been marketed differently.
June 2, 2023
This book made me cry. And I don’t know if it was all the stuff about Lebanon or the fact that the story reminded me of something similar that happened with a friend of mine - maybe a combination. But either way, it was unexpected.
So I’m Lebanese and Muslim. In this story, Nat is Lebanese and Catholic. Different religious beliefs but the Lebanese culture is so strong, I literally related to almost everything she spoke about. All the expectations, the traditions, the overbearing adults, and on and on. Couldn’t relate to the Beirut clubbing scene, but I did have the most delicious cheesy schnitzel at a mall in Beirut. The cheese was inside the schnitzel! *drool* I think I wanna visit Lebanon again. But then I think about all the economic and political woes that they’re going through right now and I think… hmm maybe not.
But it really is such a beautiful country, and I remember noticing on the drive from the airport to the village how discordant it all felt. Shiny new buildings next to ruins made by war. It’s a place steeped in history, with a very proud people, and very strong culture. Oh and the best food.
Anyway, this has become an advertisement for Lebanon when the truth is I barely know anything about it really. I learnt a lot about it from this book - the great and the terrible. And it made me feel connected in a way I haven’t for a while. So that was a big plus for the book. Made me cry but in a good way (?).
As for the plot, it was hilarious most of the time. All the Arabic phrases and thinking of the adults made me LOL. Probably more so because it was on audiobook. The narrator was good, and she really sounded the part. Though not sure about her accent for George. Anyway, the plot. Sure, it sounds strange that a girl wouldn’t tell her best friend she got engaged on a holiday to Lebanon. But you’d be surprised… it does happen… It actually brought a lot of memories and feelings to the forefront of my mind that I actually didn’t even realise were in there.
But besides that, I really did not think what’s-her-name and Michael should’ve been getting married. Like actually. I get it kind of but also they kept fighting and weren’t really compatible. It was dumb. Also, George made me want to pull my hair out but then he got better in the end. Nat was good but very self-righteous - and she spoke about how she didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere too often. Literally, she had the same conversation about not belonging in Australia or Lebanon at least three times with the same person! Sure, it’s an important issue and I can definitely relate, but can you talk about something else? So that dropped a star - the repetition.
Another thing that dropped a star was how every character thought Nat was the bad guy where her mum was concerned. I legit thought her mum was dead and then her mum said “I wouldn’t have looked for you” and she only did because she knew she was there already and everyone says Nat should forgive her? Huh?? That is just garbage nonsense. Her mum clearly never cared about her and now Nat has to just forgive her? No thanks. Yeah that annoyed me.
Gosh I wrote an essay but, truly, this made me feel many many things. I kind of loved it even though there were bits I also hated. Idk. It was a good time.
So I’m Lebanese and Muslim. In this story, Nat is Lebanese and Catholic. Different religious beliefs but the Lebanese culture is so strong, I literally related to almost everything she spoke about. All the expectations, the traditions, the overbearing adults, and on and on. Couldn’t relate to the Beirut clubbing scene, but I did have the most delicious cheesy schnitzel at a mall in Beirut. The cheese was inside the schnitzel! *drool* I think I wanna visit Lebanon again. But then I think about all the economic and political woes that they’re going through right now and I think… hmm maybe not.
But it really is such a beautiful country, and I remember noticing on the drive from the airport to the village how discordant it all felt. Shiny new buildings next to ruins made by war. It’s a place steeped in history, with a very proud people, and very strong culture. Oh and the best food.
Anyway, this has become an advertisement for Lebanon when the truth is I barely know anything about it really. I learnt a lot about it from this book - the great and the terrible. And it made me feel connected in a way I haven’t for a while. So that was a big plus for the book. Made me cry but in a good way (?).
As for the plot, it was hilarious most of the time. All the Arabic phrases and thinking of the adults made me LOL. Probably more so because it was on audiobook. The narrator was good, and she really sounded the part. Though not sure about her accent for George. Anyway, the plot. Sure, it sounds strange that a girl wouldn’t tell her best friend she got engaged on a holiday to Lebanon. But you’d be surprised… it does happen… It actually brought a lot of memories and feelings to the forefront of my mind that I actually didn’t even realise were in there.
But besides that, I really did not think what’s-her-name and Michael should’ve been getting married. Like actually. I get it kind of but also they kept fighting and weren’t really compatible. It was dumb. Also, George made me want to pull my hair out but then he got better in the end. Nat was good but very self-righteous - and she spoke about how she didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere too often. Literally, she had the same conversation about not belonging in Australia or Lebanon at least three times with the same person! Sure, it’s an important issue and I can definitely relate, but can you talk about something else? So that dropped a star - the repetition.
Another thing that dropped a star was how every character thought Nat was the bad guy where her mum was concerned. I legit thought her mum was dead and then her mum said “I wouldn’t have looked for you” and she only did because she knew she was there already and everyone says Nat should forgive her? Huh?? That is just garbage nonsense. Her mum clearly never cared about her and now Nat has to just forgive her? No thanks. Yeah that annoyed me.
Gosh I wrote an essay but, truly, this made me feel many many things. I kind of loved it even though there were bits I also hated. Idk. It was a good time.
July 3, 2022
In this book we have Natalie, a cynical child of seperated parents who does not buy in to what she calls 'the cult of romance'.
When her best friend and future business partner comes home to Sudney from a holiday in Lebanon in love and engaged, Natalie's plans to run a dessert business to fund their world travels evaporate.
Not only that but she is now saddled as the Maid of Honour and must travel to her absentee mother's homeland to help with the wedding. Much to her disgust she is forced into working with the groom's best friend who does seem to agree that the wedding is happening to fast.
This book was less about the romance and more about Natalie's identity. She was born in Australia and has lived there her entire life, but because of how she looks she is often treated with prejudice. Then, when she visits Lebanon, she is treated differently for her Australian upbringing. She feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere. In addition to that she has a very strict grandmother who is constantly reminding her what a good Lebanese girl should be doing.
This was another one that turned out to be a different book than what I was expecting from the blurb. But not in a bad way so that was good.
I did find the main character to be a little unlikeable at times, and if I'm honest I felt like she read much older than she was meant to be. A lot of the conversations she had with her peers felt very mature for a freshly turned 19year old.
In saying that, I read this in two sittings so it was definitely not a huge issue.
Overall I enjoyed this one and would read more from the author.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for #gifting me this review copy ❤️
When her best friend and future business partner comes home to Sudney from a holiday in Lebanon in love and engaged, Natalie's plans to run a dessert business to fund their world travels evaporate.
Not only that but she is now saddled as the Maid of Honour and must travel to her absentee mother's homeland to help with the wedding. Much to her disgust she is forced into working with the groom's best friend who does seem to agree that the wedding is happening to fast.
This book was less about the romance and more about Natalie's identity. She was born in Australia and has lived there her entire life, but because of how she looks she is often treated with prejudice. Then, when she visits Lebanon, she is treated differently for her Australian upbringing. She feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere. In addition to that she has a very strict grandmother who is constantly reminding her what a good Lebanese girl should be doing.
This was another one that turned out to be a different book than what I was expecting from the blurb. But not in a bad way so that was good.
I did find the main character to be a little unlikeable at times, and if I'm honest I felt like she read much older than she was meant to be. A lot of the conversations she had with her peers felt very mature for a freshly turned 19year old.
In saying that, I read this in two sittings so it was definitely not a huge issue.
Overall I enjoyed this one and would read more from the author.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for #gifting me this review copy ❤️
July 29, 2022
Trigger warnings: parental abandonment, xenophobia, Islamophobia, racism
3.75 stars.
This was somehow not at all what I expected it to be. It's technically still young adult, and content-wise it feels that way. But in terms of the storyline, it feels much more like new adult - Natalie's best friend and business partner returns from a trip to Lebanon and announces that she's engaged. Natalie thinks she's throwing her life away and decides to try and split them up, with or without the help of the best man.
Having been in a situation where I felt a friend was rushing into a relationship with a man she barely knew, I related to elements of Natalie's story more than I anticipated. I liked the complexities of her relationship with her grandmother and her Lebanese heritage, as well as her mixed feelings about visiting Lebanon and feeling like she's not REALLY experiencing what life is like.
I did find it slow at times, and there were elements of the plot that showed up a little TOO late to be dealt with in as much detail as I would have liked - - but on the whole I enjoyed it. Though I do agree with other reviewers that it perhaps would have worked better for me if it had just been a straight up adult novel.
3.75 stars.
This was somehow not at all what I expected it to be. It's technically still young adult, and content-wise it feels that way. But in terms of the storyline, it feels much more like new adult - Natalie's best friend and business partner returns from a trip to Lebanon and announces that she's engaged. Natalie thinks she's throwing her life away and decides to try and split them up, with or without the help of the best man.
Having been in a situation where I felt a friend was rushing into a relationship with a man she barely knew, I related to elements of Natalie's story more than I anticipated. I liked the complexities of her relationship with her grandmother and her Lebanese heritage, as well as her mixed feelings about visiting Lebanon and feeling like she's not REALLY experiencing what life is like.
I did find it slow at times, and there were elements of the plot that showed up a little TOO late to be dealt with in as much detail as I would have liked - - but on the whole I enjoyed it. Though I do agree with other reviewers that it perhaps would have worked better for me if it had just been a straight up adult novel.
August 24, 2023
2 stars
I enjoyed The Cult of Romance at the start, however, I soon grew annoyed with the characters, Natalie in particuluar was so judgemental and obnoxious that instead of being happy for her friend getting married, she proceeds to upset her.
Natalie basically thinks everyone else is wrong and only her opinions are correct.
I enjoyed learning about Lebanese culture and loved the fact that the book started off set in Australia.
I couldn't connect with the majority of the characters and some of them served to just randomly state political opinions that just felt so out of place to me.
Natalie also was so unsympathetic and selfish, when George talks about his abusive father, she then makes it about herself and how her Mother left her.
Selfish much????
I feel like this book needs better marketing as the plot could have focused more on Natalie discovering her culture and identity and feeling split between Australian and Lebanese instead of the love story, because the book seemed to only put half the effort in the love story aspect and the identity aspect.
Overall, a book that didn't reach its full potential sadly
I enjoyed The Cult of Romance at the start, however, I soon grew annoyed with the characters, Natalie in particuluar was so judgemental and obnoxious that instead of being happy for her friend getting married, she proceeds to upset her.
Natalie basically thinks everyone else is wrong and only her opinions are correct.
I enjoyed learning about Lebanese culture and loved the fact that the book started off set in Australia.
I couldn't connect with the majority of the characters and some of them served to just randomly state political opinions that just felt so out of place to me.
Natalie also was so unsympathetic and selfish, when George talks about his abusive father, she then makes it about herself and how her Mother left her.
Selfish much????
I feel like this book needs better marketing as the plot could have focused more on Natalie discovering her culture and identity and feeling split between Australian and Lebanese instead of the love story, because the book seemed to only put half the effort in the love story aspect and the identity aspect.
Overall, a book that didn't reach its full potential sadly
March 16, 2024
I was glad I listened to this one as an audiobook as there were quite a few Arabic phrases that I wouldn't have known how to pronounce.
This is not a romance story, while there are some elements of a romance, it does not fall into the romance category. It's more a coming of age story with some complex themes around identity, family history, assumptions & expectations, and culture.
This is not a romance story, while there are some elements of a romance, it does not fall into the romance category. It's more a coming of age story with some complex themes around identity, family history, assumptions & expectations, and culture.
September 28, 2025
Listen, I loved it but the ending wasn’t tied in a neat enough bow for me and I need answers!!
The ‘Am I Australian or Arab?’ feeing was illustrated so well. I feel like this book is so valuable for people like me, who are ethnic but born in Australia, so we’re not Australian enough or ethnic enough to fit with either side of people. Also, having an Assyrian character was really cool. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with an Assyrian character, so the opportunity to see myself in a book was awesome (even though I’m not a bisexual boy lol). Good job, Sarah Ayoub!
The ‘Am I Australian or Arab?’ feeing was illustrated so well. I feel like this book is so valuable for people like me, who are ethnic but born in Australia, so we’re not Australian enough or ethnic enough to fit with either side of people. Also, having an Assyrian character was really cool. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with an Assyrian character, so the opportunity to see myself in a book was awesome (even though I’m not a bisexual boy lol). Good job, Sarah Ayoub!
March 21, 2023
This coming-of-age story is satisfying from beginning to end. It is particularly thought-provoking around the issues of identity and belonging. Nat is a smart Australian-Lebanese teen girl growing up in white Australia. When she reluctantly travels to Lebanon to help her best friend prepare for an arranged marriage, she re-connects with her cultural heritage in unexpected ways. This is for anyone tired of the usual YA tropes.
June 4, 2023
trash so trash, the main character was the worst there is no common relatability to her, it’s very hard to care what happens to her when she’s a self centred prick who believes her opinions are the only correct ones, there was no character development for her no growth everyone just catered to her needs and that’s just crap, ugh i hated her and this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews