In a dual-narrative first novel, we meet Soraya, in 2014 Brighton and London, just finished university and trying to work out what to do next, and her mother, Neda, growing up in Iran then moving to the UK with her handsome and kind husband … who soon becomes very much less handsome and kind. But first, we meet Soraya’s older sister, Laleh, in 1999, and the beginning of a mystery and secret that will always threaten to burst the family’s view of itself.

I really liked all the details of life in Iran and life as an Iranian in the UK, first and second-generation. It was nice that Soraya had two best friends, gay, Black Oliver and Pakistani-origin Muslim Priya, both on her side and forthright, although Priya was only drawn in quite vaguely. I wasn’t quite so engaged by the central, mismatch, love story between Soraya and the (very) White, rugby playing lad, Magnus – I think mainly because it’s yet another Millennials in London story and although their struggles in life are real, it’s a bit similar to other stuff I’ve read.

There are some good points about micro-aggressions and also context – Soraya gets called “exotic” twice and minds it more on one occasion, though I felt it was a red flag when used the less problematic time.

There are a couple of problems with the book I found: mainly Soraya’s drug-taking – do all young people in London now take drugs, even people with “Muslim guilt” who find it hard to get intimate with people? The word “mismatch” pops up a lot and that sometimes feels a little laboured. There’s also a plot point which is confusing around tagging a photo. It’s a good portrayal of a group of people you don’t see often portrayed and also issues within that community. Being autofiction to an extent I think (the author edits a literary magazine, just as her heroine plans to) I will be interested to see what she writes next.

https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/book-review-sara-jafari-the-mismatch/

The Mismatch follows the dual perspective of Soraya, a newly graduated British-Iranian 21 year old and her mother Neda, It is poignant and emotional , portraying several nuanced and hard-hitting topics such as, identity, love, family dysfunction, abuse, addition and religion.

Soraya is trying to find her way in life, living as a Muslim girl in Western society, she battles everyday between the life she wants to live versus the life she is forced to live. She starts a relationship with Magnus, an outgoing rugby player and typical British lad, not really expecting it to go anywhere other than a kiss but suddenly the relationship becomes much deeper and she is questioning what she should do. There are moments where Soraya has goes through inner-turmoil "Muslim guilt" and I was really able to empathize with her. Neda's storyline follows her in 70's Tehran, Iran, the injustice she faces and her journey marrying and then immigrating. Neda is truly a tenacious and strong-willed character. I really enjoyed the writing style of the book and found it compelling and refreshing, reading the book in one sitting. I thought the portrayal of the experience of immigrants coming to the U.K was original and I wish we had more insight into Hossien's deterioration. There was possibly more there we didn't get to see. There were also aspects shown of the struggles, in particular Muslim women face, for example how Amir was treated differently to the two sisters which was really interesting and how this was also reflected in Neda's timeline as being only expected to cook and clean than further herself/education. I wasn't a fan of how Muslim families and strict were depicted as synonymous and the negative connotations throughout the whole story. It was as if all young Muslims feel imprisoned and want to explore the world, drinking, drugs etc or their parents dictate their every move/do not show them any love. Which is not the case. Not all young Muslims or their families are like this, that could have been characterized better. Neda's father was a glimmer of this. I understand that is Soraya's viewpoint/her story and a lot of reader will resonate with what she went through but I think it should have been portrayed as her own rather than painting everyone with the same brushstroke.

In all, a fantastic debut and I look forward to Sara Jafari's next novel.

Thank you to the author, Sara Jafari and publishers, Arrow/Random House UK for the e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I don't often read a lot of romance-type books, but the synopsis of this caught my eye and I'm glad I picked it up. Jafari's use of multiple timelines cleverly tells a multi-generational story and allows you to contrast the experiences of Soraya and Neda. I also liked that the romance element didn't overpower the message of growing up and finding yourself and your confidence, which both women were able to do eventually. A great summer read.

This was a beautifully written and often thought-provoking family drama but not what I would describe as a rom-com (as originally advertised on NetGalley).

There were many relatable moments, both as a mother myself, and from memories of what it felt like dating a seemingly 'unsuitable' match, and that post-university struggle of 'what now?'. As such, it made an interesting but not always enjoyable read. There are big themes explored, and these are dealt with sensitively, and each character felt well-rounded. I particularly enjoyed that we got a glimpse into both mother and daughter's perspectives. Recommended, but be aware that some parts might be triggering.

(Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*

This book was surprisingly good. I’m not sure what I was expecting.

Soraya is graduating from uni, her life is strongly influenced by her Islamic faith, causing questions and guilt when she begins to fall for an English man.

The book also follows the earlier life of Soraya’s mother and the strong beliefs that have influenced her life and the choices she has made to continue to live with her husband who is a drug addict, verbally and physically abusive. This links to the present day and how home life has affected Soraya and her siblings lives in how they see and manage the world.

A really enlightening book, increasing my understanding of the challenges the multicultural society has in accepting others views and choices in how to live their life.

The parent’s choices and reactions did make me feel uncomfortable at times due to my own beliefs, it is difficult to say what is right and wrong and how far acceptance should go in the view of a person’s faith

I loved this. I struggled a little with the mom’s section as it was so sad but real. I couldn’t stop reading and was very invested.

A fascinating dual point of view debut about the challenges facing Soraya and her mum, Neda. Highlighting the struggles for British Iranian women and girls, this story is emotional and at times hard- hitting. I really enjoyed seeing both Soraya and Neda learn about themselves and eachother as the both found their own way in the world.

A great debut.

Following the stories of Neda and her daughter Soraya was a very moving journey through the streets of Tehran, Liverpool, Brighton...

Addressing issues such as addiction, feminism, religion, principally through the "Muslim guilt", it was an inspiring discovery and I am intrigued to see what Sara writes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Arrow for the opportunity to read.

I enjoyed reading this book which tells the story of Mother and daughter and how they both cope with what life throws at them

with thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for this honest review

Thank you so much to @netgalley, @sarajafari and the publisher for the ARC of 'The Mismatch' ahead of publication on 24th June. As much as I try not to judge a book by its cover, I presumed that this would be a fluffy and rather schmaltzy love story. I was totally wrong. @sarajafari writes beautifully about the experience of the Iranian couple, supremely intelligent Neda and her handsome husband Hossein Nazari. The couple move from Tehran to my home city of Liverpool for Neda to study and complete her PhD. Neda, although immersed in her education, is aware that all is not well with Hossein, who feels like a loser in England; missing his family in Tehran, staying out late and dissatisfied with what the country is failing to offer him. In a mouldy flat and no prospects for her husband, Neda does what she feels will save her husband from his 'moral deterioration' and move to Brighton. Fast forward three decades and Neda and Hossein are trapped in a stalemate of a marriage, with separate bedrooms and some questionable behaviour on Hossein's part. The couple have four children (the eldest of whom has been disowned). @sarajafari alternates chapters between Neda and Hossein's past and the experience of Soraya Nazari, their youngest daughter who is conflicted in her desire to experience love and her overwhelming 'Muslim guilt'. Enter Magnus, the lad about town with many notches on his bed-post but Soraya is attracted to him. Living with the knowledge that her sister Laleh was disowned for not being "a good Muslim girl", Soraya has to decide whether she can cast aside the conservatism of her parents and have the freedom she desperately wants. There are some very tough topics covered from the experience of settling in a new and somewhat alien country, feminism, addiction and religion. I absolutely loved this and highly recommend. It is sad, enlightening and the characterisation was just spot on. 👍🏻

This book really touched me. Many years ago I told an Asian friend that one day if write her story... I still haven't😀. It is clear the author is very knowledgeable about the one and outs of the Muslim want life and the reality of it in today's metropolitan world. Kudos for telling a "true" story. It will stay with me for a long time.

The Mismatch is a compelling and original - if somewhat predictable - take on the opposites attract / taming of the shrew model, with bildungsroman vibes to boot. British Iranian protagonist Soraya's struggles with 'Muslim guilt' centre, inevitably, upon her white opposite, Magnus. But are they as mismatched as would seem? The answer, as every reader can imagine, following suitable numbers of twist and turn, settles finally in the negative.
Thankfully, though, the book does not portray Muslim or specifically Iranian culture wholly in the negative.. Whilst a far cry from celebrating either, or indeed any, belief system or tradition, there is enough subtlety and nuance to prevent the reader from feeling complicit in any major prejudice of that sort. In fact, the passages centring on Soraya's more immediate Iranian family are among the most compelling, if sometimes uncomfortable, in the book.
All in all, whilst not groundbreaking, there is certainly enough to enjoy and rate in Sara Jafari's novel debut.

The Mismatch - Sara Jafari

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Now that Soraya Nazari has graduated from university, she thinks it's time she get some of the life experience that she feels she's still lacking, partly due to her upbringing--and Magnus Evans seems like the perfect way to get it.

Whereas she's the somewhat timid, artistic daughter of Iranian immigrants, Magnus is the quintessential British lad. Because they have so little in common, Soraya knows there's no way she could ever fall for him, so what's the harm in having a little fun as she navigates her postgrad life? Besides, the more she discovers about her mother's past and the strain between her parents, the less appealing marriage becomes.

This story switches between Soraya and her mother Neda, both women face challenges and heartbreak. I requested this book thinking that it would be more of a rom-com, but it is far from it.

This book is ultimately a coming of age story, as Soraya struggles growing up in a dysfunctional household with tight constraints.

Rating 3/5

Thank you Netgalley & publisher for this advanced copy of this book.

Unfortunately I was hoping for an audio version as I am visually impaired and the version of this pdf means I am struggling to increase font to read

Therefore sadly I am unable to provide a review in this instance. So frustrated!

I look forward to an audio version as i was very excited as it looks great!

Sorry and thank you once again for the opportunity.

Two stories have been told here. Soraya and her mother Neda's; the mismatch applies to both of them.

By telling both their stories, Sara Jafari brings out the vulnerability of both of these women. We witness them falling in love, their challenges and struggles, their approach to religion, balancing their Iranian culture in Britain and living in a dysfunctional family. They bear the brunt of living with a drug addict and force themselves to keep it a secret. We see Soraya struggle with life after university. Jafari also brings out Soraya's inner-conflict with her identity as a non-practicing Muslim in today's society and the weight of the guilt she carries with her whenever she is with Magnus.

I found Neda's story intriguing and I would have loved to have read more. The epitome of resilience; her character was praise-worthy.

One downside, however, was the lack of character development of some of the characters. Magnus showed a sensitive side but that was all. He showed no interest in Soraya's cultural background or religion which I found to be quite odd. I would have also liked to have read about Neda's feelings towards after her eldest daughter left.

First of all thankyou to the publisher the Author and netgalley for letting me read and review.
This book is everything I loved it the raw emotions and feelings of the chractures were powerful. I am not Muslim myself so learning about a different culture for me was eye opening and it must be tough for real life Soryas to find a place in this ever changing world. I loved the chractures of Neda and Sorya they are both powerful woman and inspirational for Neda to do what she did throughout the book and towards the book takes bravery Neda goes through a painful journey from leaving her country to living in Englsnd to abandoning a child and finding out her husband is a addict and cheating to come out of all that strong and not be a victim is powerful for any woman to read. Sorya is also pretty awsome to standing up for what she believes in to question her familys morals is brave and I loved her through out this book. Tbe writing style was great. This book deserves all the praise and awards.
5 stars from me
Powerful Emotional breathtaking

Rating is a 2.5.

The Mismatch tells the stories of Neda and her daughter, Soraya, in dual timeline. Neda deals with her coming of age in Tehran in the 70s while Soraya's story is set in 2014. The book discusses the effects that the convergence of faith and patriarchy can create in a culture, how addiction can destroy a family, and the inherited trauma and guilt of coming from that environment.

I found Neda's story to be extremely compelling - she is a strong, complex character that has had to make her share of tough choices. Her relationship with her children, especially Soraya in that one scene in Marks and Spencer made me cry.

That being said, I think this book does itself a disservice in calling itself a romance. Really, that is the least interesting aspect of the book. I found Soraya's character to be a bit of an indie-artsy kid cliche; the whole storyline with her and Magnus was very predictable and at times unbelievable. Also, there's times where the book just contradicts itself, for example, when Soraya sees the photo of her and Magnus, she is relieved that she is not tagged in it. The events following simply don't make sense then. Are we supposed to assume she was mistaken?

I think this book tries to do a lot of different things and talk about a number of really heavy subjects. I wish it had been a little bit more interior, focusing more on Soraya and not her relationship with Magnus. I also feel the supporting characters in her life could have been further developed and those relationships could have been explored instead of a trying to force some romantic spin.

I thought this book would be a fluffy story about a young woman falling in love but wheeew nope, its so much more.

The book has 2 perspectives, a mother and daughter of an Iranian family who have come to live in the UK. It follows the mum and her new husbands move to the UK in the 70s and then the 21 year old daughter who has just graduated and doesn't know what to do next.

The book tackles abuse, addiction, feminism, religion and just generally finding your place in the world. Both main characters explore what being a 'good' muslim means to them but also how to be themselves and carve out their own paths while upholding their beliefs. I found it heartbreaking and informative, but also uplifting and fun to read.

The author is British-Iranian and she did a great job portraying the new generation of Muslim living in England and the older generation in Iran.

Like most readers, I approached this book thinking that it would be a romantic comedy. Instead, it was written in two POVs, Neda and her daughter Soraya. Both told the story from their sides and the men in their lives. The differences between the two generations and the hardships that they had to face living in England.
Within these pages is a story about family and how other’s actions can deeply affect and shape how others see and experience the world around them. We explore how family, good or bad, can shape your ideas about what a relationship is. I feel like a lot of people joke about how we bring baggage into new relationships but never really explore the effect their own families have on their ability to connect and trust within non-family relationships.

I read most of this book in one sitting… I felt so invested in both Soraya and Neda’s stories that I needed to see what all unfolded. From the blurb, I thought I was getting a sweet fun contemporary romance, instead, I got a book that had me analysing my upbringing to seeing how my past still affects how I see and feel about, others.
BOOK TRIGGER WARNINGS:
-Alcohol and drug abuse/addiction
-Physical and mental abuse and manipulation

This book is such an important read, as it deeply discusses family relationships. We get to see how hard it was and still is, to be Persian and Muslim in England. If you’re ready to explore this great book (when it releases) I suggest grabbing a comfy spot, a warm blanket, and a box of tissues.
Thank you to Random House UK and Netgalley for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.

A dual timeline story exlores the challenges facing two Iranian women - Neda, brought up in Iran under the Shah's rule, and Soraya, her youngest daughter, born and raised in the UK. A traditional Iranian women, Neda embraces the hijab, and marries Hossein, a fellow Muslim. They move to the UK to further Neda's studies and have four children, but their rebellious eldest daughter Laleh is banished from the family aged 17. Now it seems Soraya must pay for her sister's sins by following her parents' strict rules, but she falls for Magnus, a fellow graduate. The narrative explores and contrasts their "unsuitable" relationship against Neda's and Hossein's more "suitable" one, and challenges readers to questions the different values applied to the males and females of the story. I thought this was a really interesting story on all levels - Soraya and Magnus are both interesting, well-rounded characters, struggling with society's expectations of them. Neda and Hossein's marriage is complicated, and the author does a great job in exploring and explaining the factors that brought and keep the couple together despite all the challenges they have faced. Love, duty, responsibility and family relationships are all highlighted in a strong story that gives readers a glimpse into ta culture that may be different to theirs, but where, in the end, all the players just want the same from life as everyone else - the right to fall in love and be happy.