Loved the story, the writing and how it touched some topics like anxiety, racism, religion. The story is written in different timelines so it shows how some actions were made and why, of course.

Kasim Ali is described as a 'thrilling new voice' and, unusually, this is not hype. He writes with so much skill that I found myself highlighting many passages. This the age-old story of the second generation immigrant child straddling two cultures, but set in contemporary England.

This gives the novel a fresh perspective with characters who aren't stereotypes and are whole people. It's also unflinchingly real in the depiction of South Asian anti-black prejudice which is all too prevalent amongst the older generations of our community. He also doesn't shy away from the visceral anger of a young woman, Saara, who berates a young white man who attends her party. It isn't an example of racial prejudice or racism, but that of someone who's simply had enough and it's a very common emotion amongst people of that age who become activists as they brush up against institutional racism and sexism as they become adults.

Literature is supposed to inform and help us understand and this book really accomplishes this with it's honesty. By framing these issues within a love story, Ali deftly and honestly demonstrates how harmful these views can be within our everyday human interactions.

As a woman of colour, now in my 50s, this is the type of book I have longed to read. It's hard to convey how important it is to see us portrayed as we are rather than tired, one-dimensional stereotypes. To see us love rather than struggle for cultural identity. Ali is an extremely talented writer and I will read anything else that he writes. Bravo to 4th Estate books for signing such a talent. Highly recommend.

It took me a while to get into this book and I found the switching between years a little disconcerting. I think the format of the book that I received made it slightly harder to follow. But I did enjoy the cultural aspects that the book touched on, particularly that of mixed race Muslim relationships particularly those between south East Asian and African individuals and the issues that need to be surpassed. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting but at the same time I was glad it ended in the way that it did

Loving this book which is a very authentic depiction of immigrant families in Britain. It explores themes of racial prejudice and complex family dynamics. I’m enjoying the writing style. The author writes with wry humour and wit.

Nur, from a Pakistani home, is torn between his family and the girl he loves, Yasmina, who is Muslim like him but black Sudanese. He loves Yasmina and moves in with her but four years later, his parents still do not know about her. Is it his family or his own feelings in conflict? This is a heartbreaking story which is told in anecdotes from the past which illuminate their relationships. I found it interesting to contrast white British families; who turn their children out of the nest into universities at the age of 18, and who are left to find their own partners; Nur's strong family ties and customs bind them together. Is it stifling or supportive? I was shocked at one point when Saara chucks a white boy out of her party!! Racism works both ways.

Good Intentions follows Nur as he counts down to telling his parents/family about his partner (Yasmina) after four years of being together, familial obligations, religion and race are beautifully and honestly discussed in this novel and you cannot help but want to speed your way through the book to find out what happens and how Nur got himself into that position.

The novel is told in a mixed timeline, the reader is dropped in at different points throughout the four years from Nur and Yasmina first meeting to shortly after he has told his family. This narrative style was brilliant for giving teaser amounts of information and building the story but could be a little bit confusing at times (especially if you were to read it more slowly).

An wonderful debut and Kasim Ali is definitely one to watch.

This was such an emotive brilliant read. The storyline was heartbreaking, but also very raw and relatable as I am sure this is a story that many couples have faced and lived through.
I lived the writing, I love the storyline and I lived the characters.
I couldnt put it down and read it quickly, I really enjoyed it.

This book was hard to read in places but that is because the characters are written so well. You understand how they feel about the situation they are in.