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The Big Day
A funny, heartwarming and page-turning novel about a British-Asian mother and daughter, who clash over the plans for the bride's Big Day.
Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love.
Soon, Noor's engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can't understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people's dreams, Noor is determined not to back down.
As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women's bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?
Praise for Aliya Ali-Afzal:
'Uplifting and joyous... A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction' Cosmopolitan
'Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end' Sophie Kinsella
'A fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma' Clare Mackintosh
'I devoured this book' Sarah Pearse
'Tense, funny, poignant and very clever' Claire Douglas
Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love.
Soon, Noor's engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can't understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people's dreams, Noor is determined not to back down.
As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women's bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?
Praise for Aliya Ali-Afzal:
'Uplifting and joyous... A refreshing new voice in commercial fiction' Cosmopolitan
'Warm, intelligent [...] and keeps up the tension right till the end' Sophie Kinsella
'A fresh take on domestic dynamics and moral dilemma' Clare Mackintosh
'I devoured this book' Sarah Pearse
'Tense, funny, poignant and very clever' Claire Douglas
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2024
9 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Aliya Ali-Afzal
2 books75 followersAliya Ali-Afzal grew up in London, where she still lives. Aliya has a degree in Russian and German from University College London and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London.
While working as an MBA Career Coach for business schools in London, helping people pursue their dream careers, one day, Aliya decided to take her own advice and pursue her secret dream of becoming a writer.
Her debut novel Would I Lie To You was selected for World Book Night 2022, was a Summer Reads Pick by Penguin Books UK, picked for Summer Must Reads by Adele Parks, a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick and featured in The New York Post as a 'fab British export'. It has also been translated into Arabic and published in the UAE in 2023. Aliya's writing has been longlisted for the Bath Novel Award, the Mslexia Novel Competition, the Mo Siewcharran Prize, and the Primadonna Prize.
Aliya loves hearing from readers and you can connect with Aliya on Instagram @aliyaaliafzalauthor
While working as an MBA Career Coach for business schools in London, helping people pursue their dream careers, one day, Aliya decided to take her own advice and pursue her secret dream of becoming a writer.
Her debut novel Would I Lie To You was selected for World Book Night 2022, was a Summer Reads Pick by Penguin Books UK, picked for Summer Must Reads by Adele Parks, a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick and featured in The New York Post as a 'fab British export'. It has also been translated into Arabic and published in the UAE in 2023. Aliya's writing has been longlisted for the Bath Novel Award, the Mslexia Novel Competition, the Mo Siewcharran Prize, and the Primadonna Prize.
Aliya loves hearing from readers and you can connect with Aliya on Instagram @aliyaaliafzalauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed the read. It is about Noor marrying Dan, and the complex family relationships and culture clash with Leena, her mother, at loggerheads arranging Noors wedding. Leena became a mumzilla, and Noor, a British Asian, clinging to her vision of a semi westernised wedding, and Desi mash up. This element of the book was entirely relateable, balancing family demands against your preferences for your own wedding. Noor was very relateable, and whilst I expected to learn more about Dan, this wasn't developed as well as some of the other characters in the book, but perhaps that was the point. It was accessible easy to read writing style that I loved. I learnt a great deal about Desi weddings and traditions and spent some time reflecting on my own family relationships. It's entirely relateable, packed with emotions, and it's a big, wonderful read. Fantastic
June 14, 2025
3.5 🪷💍
August 11, 2024
I was lucky to win a copy of the big day I'm the Motherload book group on Facebook.thiis is what was picked as the read along.i hadn't heard of Aliya before until I saw rhe admin post her book.This book is beautifully written Noor has no interest in getting married she wants to focus on her career.that is until she falls in love with Dan who's a cardiologist doctor.Dan and Noor get engaged to be married Noor just wants a small intimate wedding but her mum leena has other. Ideas she wants noor to wear a tradional dress.and wants her to have a traditional wedding where they celebrate for days.Leanna seems to be hijacking the plans for Dan and Noors wedding she wants everything to be perfect and for it to be a big celebration.It seems Noors family Have secrets Noor doesn't know her dad he divorced leena whennn Noor was 2 and leanna told Noor her dad died when she was 8.it seems leanna has been keeping secrets and that noors dad isn't dead as leanna told her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
Book review - No spoilers
The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal
.
Noor has never been interested in marriage, even scoffed at the idea of it, no matter what the aunties say; the trauma of her parents divorce has still has a huge hold on her. But then she meets the attractive Dr Dan and her world changes.
.
She is now engaged to Dan and no one is more thrilled than her mother Leena. Twice-divorced herself she becomes the Mumzilla for hell! Where Noor and Leena have always been close this wedding could very well tear them apart!
.
What can I say about this book? I loved this from beginning to end...there was so much I personally related to. Not only is this a story of a South Asian wedding/family, but I recently got married and though I didn't have the hardships Noor did I know the stress and emotion that comes with planning the perfect day.
.
Being stuck between two cultures is also something that can be hard to juggle and Noor is right in the middle of that battle; wanting her own wishes for her dream day against the traditional views of her mothers'.
.
It's also set between two of my favourite places...Richmond and Tooting, so when Aliya describes both places I can literally put myself in the story and walk beside Noor as she goes about her life.
.
Even though Noor and Dan are the ones getting married, the real relationship is between Noor and Leena. The complexities between them is something a lot of South Asian women have to learn to journey through. It really is the heart of this story and this story has a lot of heart 💞
.
This story gave me all the feels and I can't recommend it enough to everyone. Meddling aunties who comment about our bodies, family secrets, sweet romance, supportive gal pals, the closeness of a mother and daughter; this story has it all. Even if you are not of South Asian descent or of the Muslim faith, there are so many things that unite our experiences...love and family 🫶🏽
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I want to thank Netgalley for approving me to read the arc. I also want to say Happy birthday to the author Aliya who is celebrating today...thank you for sharing this story with us all. The Big Day is out 6th June!
.
Favourite Quote
"I'm not afraid of what might happen, I am going to enjoy what is happening."
.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal
.
Noor has never been interested in marriage, even scoffed at the idea of it, no matter what the aunties say; the trauma of her parents divorce has still has a huge hold on her. But then she meets the attractive Dr Dan and her world changes.
.
She is now engaged to Dan and no one is more thrilled than her mother Leena. Twice-divorced herself she becomes the Mumzilla for hell! Where Noor and Leena have always been close this wedding could very well tear them apart!
.
What can I say about this book? I loved this from beginning to end...there was so much I personally related to. Not only is this a story of a South Asian wedding/family, but I recently got married and though I didn't have the hardships Noor did I know the stress and emotion that comes with planning the perfect day.
.
Being stuck between two cultures is also something that can be hard to juggle and Noor is right in the middle of that battle; wanting her own wishes for her dream day against the traditional views of her mothers'.
.
It's also set between two of my favourite places...Richmond and Tooting, so when Aliya describes both places I can literally put myself in the story and walk beside Noor as she goes about her life.
.
Even though Noor and Dan are the ones getting married, the real relationship is between Noor and Leena. The complexities between them is something a lot of South Asian women have to learn to journey through. It really is the heart of this story and this story has a lot of heart 💞
.
This story gave me all the feels and I can't recommend it enough to everyone. Meddling aunties who comment about our bodies, family secrets, sweet romance, supportive gal pals, the closeness of a mother and daughter; this story has it all. Even if you are not of South Asian descent or of the Muslim faith, there are so many things that unite our experiences...love and family 🫶🏽
.
I want to thank Netgalley for approving me to read the arc. I also want to say Happy birthday to the author Aliya who is celebrating today...thank you for sharing this story with us all. The Big Day is out 6th June!
.
Favourite Quote
"I'm not afraid of what might happen, I am going to enjoy what is happening."
.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 21, 2024
The pacing of this was pretty good, I breezed through it.
I think it tried to do a little too much which meant Dan and Noor’s relationship felt shallow, and the conclusion at the end felt rushed.
I appreciated the mother x daughter growth but there were so many characters that we really didn’t need and storylines that fizzled out.
The Carlotta/Mimi/Laila storyline really got on my nerves actually. They did awful things that weren’t properly addressed and the whole Mimi is lesbian thing felt forced.
Loads of things that needed more depth for me, but it was nice to read a diverse story with complicated cultural family dynamics in a modern setting.
I think it tried to do a little too much which meant Dan and Noor’s relationship felt shallow, and the conclusion at the end felt rushed.
I appreciated the mother x daughter growth but there were so many characters that we really didn’t need and storylines that fizzled out.
The Carlotta/Mimi/Laila storyline really got on my nerves actually. They did awful things that weren’t properly addressed and the whole Mimi is lesbian thing felt forced.
Loads of things that needed more depth for me, but it was nice to read a diverse story with complicated cultural family dynamics in a modern setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2025
Seamless prose, quality of structure, teases out truths from the banal, funny and gripping.
April 14, 2024
After the incredible writing in 'Would I Lie To You?', I wasn't sure how The Big Day would stack up. Ooohhh how silly was to question Aliya, she absolutely knocked it out of the park again. After two excellent stories, I officially know better.
Meddling aunties are incredibly relatable across so many cultures and The Big Day captures this so perfectly. When two quite intense cultures like Desi and Italian come together (along with influences from living in London), the result is always going to be somewhat tumultuous. To me, Noor is a perfect representation of young women in today's culture, people don't get married as early or even at all compared to even the generation before us.
I remember growing up with a vague expectation of the whole 'fall in love, get married, have children' life plan, and my upbringing was only mildly religious. It was just the 'done' thing.
The intensity of this book is really something else, you can't help but feel every little niggle of anxiety and fear that Noor is going through - but I say this as an absolute positive. It takes incredible skill to put such emotion into writing, so much so that you find yourself fully immersed in the feelings of the characters.
*****SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW!******
I spent almost the entire book waiting for 'the other shoe to drop' so to speak. I was so sure that it would all be ripped away from Noor and Dan right at the last second, even found myself semi holding my breath during the last few chapters. The 11th hour reveal from the PI was absolutely out of nowhere and shook me to my core. There was a hundred ways that it could have played out after that and I'm secretly so pleased that everything worked out the way it did, although I'm a little miffed we didn't get more time in Scotland and more development there.
Maybe Aliya can treat us to a little short story eventually, so we get to know how Noor and her ever extending family are getting on.
Meddling aunties are incredibly relatable across so many cultures and The Big Day captures this so perfectly. When two quite intense cultures like Desi and Italian come together (along with influences from living in London), the result is always going to be somewhat tumultuous. To me, Noor is a perfect representation of young women in today's culture, people don't get married as early or even at all compared to even the generation before us.
I remember growing up with a vague expectation of the whole 'fall in love, get married, have children' life plan, and my upbringing was only mildly religious. It was just the 'done' thing.
The intensity of this book is really something else, you can't help but feel every little niggle of anxiety and fear that Noor is going through - but I say this as an absolute positive. It takes incredible skill to put such emotion into writing, so much so that you find yourself fully immersed in the feelings of the characters.
*****SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW!******
I spent almost the entire book waiting for 'the other shoe to drop' so to speak. I was so sure that it would all be ripped away from Noor and Dan right at the last second, even found myself semi holding my breath during the last few chapters. The 11th hour reveal from the PI was absolutely out of nowhere and shook me to my core. There was a hundred ways that it could have played out after that and I'm secretly so pleased that everything worked out the way it did, although I'm a little miffed we didn't get more time in Scotland and more development there.
Maybe Aliya can treat us to a little short story eventually, so we get to know how Noor and her ever extending family are getting on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
The Big Day
Are desi weddings overrated? Is small and intimate the new trend? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Aliya’s writing style. With a blend of suspense, laughter, and tears, it’s a page-turner. The story beautifully intertwines family, culture, and romance. I sped through it and highly recommend it.
The novel explores a love story between Noor and Dan while delving into the trauma Noor carries from her parents' divorce. Did she become who she is because of her absent father, a man she believed was dead for most of her life? Noor wanted a simple wedding, but her mother, Leena, insisted on a traditional one, driven by the need to please others and fill her own void.
As a single mother who separated from my daughter’s father when she was very young, I related to this story on many levels. I understood why Leena was so protective of Noor, though I envied their closeness. I hope one day my daughter and I can share that bond.
The humor in Leena’s “momzilla” moments made me smile—who knew wedding planning could be so tedious? Aliya’s writing is easy to read and flows beautifully. Noor’s grandmother reminded me of a modern nan from Lahore, and the book captures the essence of our culture, blending its wonderful flavors together.
Leena sacrificed much for Noor—her life, her dreams. Is this what all mothers do? I’ve tried to hold onto my own identity, and Aliya’s exploration of the mother-daughter relationship is, in my view, the core of the book.
This isn’t just a story about two cultures coming together but also two generations clashing over love and personal desires. As a Generation X mother raising a Gen Z daughter, I see the differences between us. We pass down the beauty of our culture, but ultimately, our children choose what to carry forward.
Without giving away too much, I was glad to see Leena find happiness in the end. As a British Pakistani raised in the USA, I appreciated how the book honors our South Asian roots in England. The beauty of Pakistan shines through in this narrative.
Are desi weddings overrated? Is small and intimate the new trend? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Aliya’s writing style. With a blend of suspense, laughter, and tears, it’s a page-turner. The story beautifully intertwines family, culture, and romance. I sped through it and highly recommend it.
The novel explores a love story between Noor and Dan while delving into the trauma Noor carries from her parents' divorce. Did she become who she is because of her absent father, a man she believed was dead for most of her life? Noor wanted a simple wedding, but her mother, Leena, insisted on a traditional one, driven by the need to please others and fill her own void.
As a single mother who separated from my daughter’s father when she was very young, I related to this story on many levels. I understood why Leena was so protective of Noor, though I envied their closeness. I hope one day my daughter and I can share that bond.
The humor in Leena’s “momzilla” moments made me smile—who knew wedding planning could be so tedious? Aliya’s writing is easy to read and flows beautifully. Noor’s grandmother reminded me of a modern nan from Lahore, and the book captures the essence of our culture, blending its wonderful flavors together.
Leena sacrificed much for Noor—her life, her dreams. Is this what all mothers do? I’ve tried to hold onto my own identity, and Aliya’s exploration of the mother-daughter relationship is, in my view, the core of the book.
This isn’t just a story about two cultures coming together but also two generations clashing over love and personal desires. As a Generation X mother raising a Gen Z daughter, I see the differences between us. We pass down the beauty of our culture, but ultimately, our children choose what to carry forward.
Without giving away too much, I was glad to see Leena find happiness in the end. As a British Pakistani raised in the USA, I appreciated how the book honors our South Asian roots in England. The beauty of Pakistan shines through in this narrative.
July 6, 2024
This is my first read by the author and definitely won't be my last. I absolutely adored this story. The Big Day is about Noor and the build-up to her wedding to Dan.
Noor's idea of the wedding is so different from what her mother had planned. As the story unfolds, we get to know more about her family and her father. She's so intrigued to find out more about her parents' divorce and to reconnect with her father's side of the family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved Ali-Afzal's writing style. With a touch of suspense and plenty of laughter and tears, I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book, and I'm going back to read Would I Lie to You? Can't wait.
Noor's idea of the wedding is so different from what her mother had planned. As the story unfolds, we get to know more about her family and her father. She's so intrigued to find out more about her parents' divorce and to reconnect with her father's side of the family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved Ali-Afzal's writing style. With a touch of suspense and plenty of laughter and tears, I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book, and I'm going back to read Would I Lie to You? Can't wait.
June 22, 2024
The Big Day is a funny and heartwarming novel by Aliya Ali-Afzal.
💓Blurb -
A funny, heartwarming and page-turning novel about a British-Asian mother and daughter, who clash over the plans for the bride's Big Day.
Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love.
Soon, Noor's engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can't understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people's dreams, Noor is determined not to back down.
As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women's bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?
❣️ Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last.
I couldn't put the book down. Aliya's story telling is flawless and the story was easy to follow. I loved the story and the mix of characters. I enjoyed learning about the different cultures and traditions throughout the book. Aliya is a brilliant writer and I will definitely be reading more by her. I can't recommend the book enough.
💖 Thank you Tandem collective, head of Zeus and the author, Aliya Ali-Afzal for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💓Blurb -
A funny, heartwarming and page-turning novel about a British-Asian mother and daughter, who clash over the plans for the bride's Big Day.
Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love.
Soon, Noor's engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can't understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people's dreams, Noor is determined not to back down.
As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women's bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?
❣️ Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last.
I couldn't put the book down. Aliya's story telling is flawless and the story was easy to follow. I loved the story and the mix of characters. I enjoyed learning about the different cultures and traditions throughout the book. Aliya is a brilliant writer and I will definitely be reading more by her. I can't recommend the book enough.
💖 Thank you Tandem collective, head of Zeus and the author, Aliya Ali-Afzal for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
What a beautiful story❤️love how it unfolded to that fairytale ending ✨ also how did she find a guy like Dan😭need tips
May 9, 2024
Вιg Day ιѕ тнe ѕтory lιĸe any oтнer weddιng ѕтory. Noor ιѕ ιn a perғecт relaтιonѕнιp wιтн нer career нowever ladιeѕ ιn нer Aммι'ѕ (мoтнer) cιrcle нave cнιldren wнo are мarrιed already, мaĸιng everyone looĸ aт нer wιтн a doυвт. Вυт wнen an Ιтalιan-Paĸιѕтanι ғaмιly joιnѕ тнeм aт a weddιng, neιтнer Noor nor тнe gυy - ĸnew тнaт тнey woυld вe plannιng тнeιr weddιng 8 мonтнѕ laтer.
Тнe ѕтory тaĸeѕ υѕ тo a ѕcene тнaт ιѕ alмoѕт ѕιмιlar тo wнaт norмally нappenѕ on an engageмenт day, only тнaт Noor geтѕ a ѕнocĸ wнen нer ѕιngle мoтнer annoυnceѕ тнeιr weddιng wιтн alмoѕт 500 gυeѕтѕ ιn тнe мoѕт eхpenѕιve нall. Noor нad ѕoмe oтнer planѕ and vιѕιonѕ ғor нer weddιng - вe ιт тнe venυe, тнe dreѕѕ, тнe gυeѕтѕ eтc. Вυт нer Aммι decιdeѕ everyтнιng already wнιcн мaĸeѕ тнeм drιғт.
Ѕo тнere are тwo weddιngѕ and one вrιde!?
Ι lιĸed тo read тнroυgн тнe weddιng proceѕѕ aѕ ιт тooĸ мe вacĸ тo мy weddιng dayѕ 5 yearѕ ago doιng all тнe prepѕ. Ι coυld тoтally relaтe нow parenтѕ & elderѕ ιn oυr coммυnιтg are тнe oneѕ тo decιde everyтнιng вυт Noor ѕeeмed тo вe ιrrιтaтed вy нer мoтнer вυт alѕo noт вreaĸ нer нearт. Ι lιĸed тo dιѕlιĸe нer мoтнer ғor вeιng ѕo мυcн ιnvolved ιn тaĸιng decιѕιonѕ ғor нer daυgнтer, eѕpecιally нer weddιng dreѕѕ.
Тнere ιѕ a мιѕѕιng pιece ιn Noor'ѕ lιғe- нer ғaтнer and wнen ѕнe overнearѕ people тalĸιng aвoυт тнe aвѕence oғ нer ғaтнer'ѕ ѕιde oғ тнe ғaмιly, ѕнe ιѕ deтerмιned тo looĸ ғor тнeм.
Ѕo тнere ιѕ a weddιng, noт one вυт тwo and a loт oғ cнaoѕ🤪 Ι lιĸed тнe concepт and ιdea вυт only ѕoмe parтѕ oғ тнe ѕтory тнaт Ι ғelт were noт reqυιred and υnrelaтed.
Тнe ѕтory тaĸeѕ υѕ тo a ѕcene тнaт ιѕ alмoѕт ѕιмιlar тo wнaт norмally нappenѕ on an engageмenт day, only тнaт Noor geтѕ a ѕнocĸ wнen нer ѕιngle мoтнer annoυnceѕ тнeιr weddιng wιтн alмoѕт 500 gυeѕтѕ ιn тнe мoѕт eхpenѕιve нall. Noor нad ѕoмe oтнer planѕ and vιѕιonѕ ғor нer weddιng - вe ιт тнe venυe, тнe dreѕѕ, тнe gυeѕтѕ eтc. Вυт нer Aммι decιdeѕ everyтнιng already wнιcн мaĸeѕ тнeм drιғт.
Ѕo тнere are тwo weddιngѕ and one вrιde!?
Ι lιĸed тo read тнroυgн тнe weddιng proceѕѕ aѕ ιт тooĸ мe вacĸ тo мy weddιng dayѕ 5 yearѕ ago doιng all тнe prepѕ. Ι coυld тoтally relaтe нow parenтѕ & elderѕ ιn oυr coммυnιтg are тнe oneѕ тo decιde everyтнιng вυт Noor ѕeeмed тo вe ιrrιтaтed вy нer мoтнer вυт alѕo noт вreaĸ нer нearт. Ι lιĸed тo dιѕlιĸe нer мoтнer ғor вeιng ѕo мυcн ιnvolved ιn тaĸιng decιѕιonѕ ғor нer daυgнтer, eѕpecιally нer weddιng dreѕѕ.
Тнere ιѕ a мιѕѕιng pιece ιn Noor'ѕ lιғe- нer ғaтнer and wнen ѕнe overнearѕ people тalĸιng aвoυт тнe aвѕence oғ нer ғaтнer'ѕ ѕιde oғ тнe ғaмιly, ѕнe ιѕ deтerмιned тo looĸ ғor тнeм.
Ѕo тнere ιѕ a weddιng, noт one вυт тwo and a loт oғ cнaoѕ🤪 Ι lιĸed тнe concepт and ιdea вυт only ѕoмe parтѕ oғ тнe ѕтory тнaт Ι ғelт were noт reqυιred and υnrelaтed.
June 6, 2024
Happy Publication Day!
"Loag kiya kahen gay?" (What will people say?) is a mindset that runs through Asian families. This phrase dictates decisions on just about everything.
Until about half-way through the book, I thought that Aliya Ali-Afzal had written another anxiety- inducing book where the main character digs a hole for herself which becomes deeper and deeper. I thought that the storyline would just be based around Noor trying to pull off the wedding that she had planned for herself rather than giving into to her mother's exuberant plans.
I was proven wrong. The Big Day has so much more to offer than the actual wedding planning storyline. Noor's character development is immense. She eventually uncovers some hidden secrets which she has to make peace with.
I absolutely loved Dan and Noor as a couple and honestly, I was waiting for them to have an argument and call off the wedding but that thankfully didn't happen. Dan was a huge green flag.
There were some parts which I felt to be quite rushed, but overall, The Big Day is a heartwarming and entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Loag kiya kahen gay?" (What will people say?) is a mindset that runs through Asian families. This phrase dictates decisions on just about everything.
Until about half-way through the book, I thought that Aliya Ali-Afzal had written another anxiety- inducing book where the main character digs a hole for herself which becomes deeper and deeper. I thought that the storyline would just be based around Noor trying to pull off the wedding that she had planned for herself rather than giving into to her mother's exuberant plans.
I was proven wrong. The Big Day has so much more to offer than the actual wedding planning storyline. Noor's character development is immense. She eventually uncovers some hidden secrets which she has to make peace with.
I absolutely loved Dan and Noor as a couple and honestly, I was waiting for them to have an argument and call off the wedding but that thankfully didn't happen. Dan was a huge green flag.
There were some parts which I felt to be quite rushed, but overall, The Big Day is a heartwarming and entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
This is such a well written, entertaining and often poignant read. I really enjoyed learning about Noor’s Pakistani heritage, traditions and the familial relations of her culture. I loved the idea that all older women become your aunties, but not so much how honest and nosy they are! It made such a change to read a wedding/romance themed novel with this cultural spin on it.
The relationship between Noor and ‘Ammi’ – her mother- is such a complex one- very much love/hate and depicting very well the relationship many daughters have with their mothers. For most of the book we see her mother as a ‘Mumzilla’ as she tries to take control of Noor’s wedding plans and make it a fully traditional desi celebration, which is completely against Noor’s wishes. And yet Noor loves her, doesn’t want to upset her and they are very close. It makes for very believable (and entertaining!) reading to see this contradiction. I found myself wanting to know what her mother would do next, whose wedding vision would triumph, and if their relationship would survive the process.
There were some more serious sides to the story too as Noor explores her family secrets, and this adds in a lot of poignancy and depth which was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and it is well worth a read!
The relationship between Noor and ‘Ammi’ – her mother- is such a complex one- very much love/hate and depicting very well the relationship many daughters have with their mothers. For most of the book we see her mother as a ‘Mumzilla’ as she tries to take control of Noor’s wedding plans and make it a fully traditional desi celebration, which is completely against Noor’s wishes. And yet Noor loves her, doesn’t want to upset her and they are very close. It makes for very believable (and entertaining!) reading to see this contradiction. I found myself wanting to know what her mother would do next, whose wedding vision would triumph, and if their relationship would survive the process.
There were some more serious sides to the story too as Noor explores her family secrets, and this adds in a lot of poignancy and depth which was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and it is well worth a read!
May 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story revolves around Noor and Dan's wedding, which Noor envisions as an intimate affair with minimal Pakistani traditions. She wants the focus to be on their love, not on meeting societal expectations. However, her mother, Leena, has different ideas and starts to take control of the wedding plans.
I really sided with Noor throughout this, maybe as we may have similar feelings about a big fat Indian wedding! Noor and Dan are an adorable couple, and their relationship is beautifully portrayed. While Leena can be frustrating at times, she also adds depth to the story and is ultimately a great character.
This novel is not just about a wedding; it's about family, finding one's identity, and balancing tradition with modernity. It's a heartwarming read that explores how to honor cultural heritage in a contemporary context.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. This is the perfect book for a summer day!
I really sided with Noor throughout this, maybe as we may have similar feelings about a big fat Indian wedding! Noor and Dan are an adorable couple, and their relationship is beautifully portrayed. While Leena can be frustrating at times, she also adds depth to the story and is ultimately a great character.
This novel is not just about a wedding; it's about family, finding one's identity, and balancing tradition with modernity. It's a heartwarming read that explores how to honor cultural heritage in a contemporary context.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. This is the perfect book for a summer day!
June 10, 2024
While I get that the main focus of the story was Noor and her mother warring over which type of wedding to prepare for, I wish we got some more insight into her relationship with Danyal.
The story started with them being strangers at a wedding and then fast forwarding to eight months later when they got engaged. As a result, I wasn't really invested in their story.
There was also a character introduced in the last quarter of the story that we really didn't get to see develop but by that point the story was already so long. The next time was during the epilogue which was tied up perfectly. I would've loved to see how they all got there.
I did love the cultural elements that made up the story. Getting to see what goes into a Desi wedding and the significance of each part of it was interesting. Noor also did some growing of her own which was lovely.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story started with them being strangers at a wedding and then fast forwarding to eight months later when they got engaged. As a result, I wasn't really invested in their story.
There was also a character introduced in the last quarter of the story that we really didn't get to see develop but by that point the story was already so long. The next time was during the epilogue which was tied up perfectly. I would've loved to see how they all got there.
I did love the cultural elements that made up the story. Getting to see what goes into a Desi wedding and the significance of each part of it was interesting. Noor also did some growing of her own which was lovely.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
“Noor has never cared to get married, so when she gets engaged to Cardiologist Dan she doesn't want the huge celebration that is expected of her. But her mother Lena is determinded to hijack it to impress her friends and family”
My first of Aliyas and certainly won’t be the last! Going back to read her debut 🙊.
The Big Day is exciting and full of surprises, but it also feels really cozy and heartfelt. It’s like a thriller, portraying the real-life stakes and repercussions that unfold.
The characters in this book are truly remarkable, with Noor standing out as a particularly well-crafted protagonist. As she navigates life on her own terms amidst societal pressures, readers can’t help but empathize with her journey.
Ultimately, The Big Day is a profoundly moving novel of familial bonds and romance that deserves a place on every bookshelf.
My first of Aliyas and certainly won’t be the last! Going back to read her debut 🙊.
The Big Day is exciting and full of surprises, but it also feels really cozy and heartfelt. It’s like a thriller, portraying the real-life stakes and repercussions that unfold.
The characters in this book are truly remarkable, with Noor standing out as a particularly well-crafted protagonist. As she navigates life on her own terms amidst societal pressures, readers can’t help but empathize with her journey.
Ultimately, The Big Day is a profoundly moving novel of familial bonds and romance that deserves a place on every bookshelf.
April 8, 2024
Heartwarming romantic fiction.
Noor has grown up in the shadow of her mother's grief over her divorce. So when she falls in love she decides on a simple and personal wedding.
Unfortunately her mother has other ideas and will go to extreme lengths to get what she wants.
The resulting conflict leads to family secrets being revealed and to Noor learning to follow her own heart
Noor has grown up in the shadow of her mother's grief over her divorce. So when she falls in love she decides on a simple and personal wedding.
Unfortunately her mother has other ideas and will go to extreme lengths to get what she wants.
The resulting conflict leads to family secrets being revealed and to Noor learning to follow her own heart
June 23, 2024
I promise you once you start you'll find it very hard to put down. I loved it and had finished by the third day of an eight day readalong.
Rich in colour and culture, The Big Day is one girl's struggle to get her perfect wedding day, whilst her mother/Mumzilla tries every which way to thwart her daughter's plans to make it the wedding SHE wants. I found myself shouting out loud at the pages on several occasions.
Noor was a great character, real, relatable and I found myself going through every emotion with her. Her struggle was real, her character relatable and I was rooting for her all the way, that her wedding was based on her plans and not a lavish facade just to placate her mother.
It's a multifaceted, heartwarming read that's full of family, secrets and a wedding of course!
Enjoyable, entertaining and definitely one to recommend.
Rich in colour and culture, The Big Day is one girl's struggle to get her perfect wedding day, whilst her mother/Mumzilla tries every which way to thwart her daughter's plans to make it the wedding SHE wants. I found myself shouting out loud at the pages on several occasions.
Noor was a great character, real, relatable and I found myself going through every emotion with her. Her struggle was real, her character relatable and I was rooting for her all the way, that her wedding was based on her plans and not a lavish facade just to placate her mother.
It's a multifaceted, heartwarming read that's full of family, secrets and a wedding of course!
Enjoyable, entertaining and definitely one to recommend.
June 25, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's the first book I've read by the author Aliya Ali-Afzal and it definitely won't be the last, I will definitely be looking out for more of Aliya books.
I was hooked right from the beginning, and it just kept on giving, I really love learning about the two different cultures and made for a really interesting read.
The bond and relationship between the characters were both realistic and relatable. This storyline had everything from family secrets to a very meddling mumzilla to close friendships.
The twists that come in the book keep the storyline exciting and keep you wanting to know more.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and beautifully written romance fiction that I highly recommend.
I was hooked right from the beginning, and it just kept on giving, I really love learning about the two different cultures and made for a really interesting read.
The bond and relationship between the characters were both realistic and relatable. This storyline had everything from family secrets to a very meddling mumzilla to close friendships.
The twists that come in the book keep the storyline exciting and keep you wanting to know more.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and beautifully written romance fiction that I highly recommend.
June 22, 2024
What a brilliant, light read. This was just what I needed.
I found Noor to be quite the inspiration. She knew what she wanted, and she went for it.
Her mother was quite the character, however I enjoyed their conversations and banter.
I loved the cultural side of the book, and I learnt a lot. It was so interesting to read about desi weddings and the traditions. I loved that Noor also wanted something a bit different.
It shows just how much the world is always changing. What was perfect 20 years ago is not necessarily perfect now. Noor knew that, and Ammi finally came to terms with it too.
I really enjoyed this one.
I found Noor to be quite the inspiration. She knew what she wanted, and she went for it.
Her mother was quite the character, however I enjoyed their conversations and banter.
I loved the cultural side of the book, and I learnt a lot. It was so interesting to read about desi weddings and the traditions. I loved that Noor also wanted something a bit different.
It shows just how much the world is always changing. What was perfect 20 years ago is not necessarily perfect now. Noor knew that, and Ammi finally came to terms with it too.
I really enjoyed this one.
July 1, 2024
An interesting read!
This book highlights the truth behind weddings, whether thats the family drama involved or the stress that comes with the big day. Aliyah touches on tough topics but adds humour and light heartedness that keeps you wanting to read on. I related to Noor in many ways even if we don't have many similarities, I also felt for this character and what she was going through.
Packed with drama and hilarious moments this is book you want on your TBR! From the scenes and settings to the character growth you see, I was sucked in from the start an unable to put the book down!
This book highlights the truth behind weddings, whether thats the family drama involved or the stress that comes with the big day. Aliyah touches on tough topics but adds humour and light heartedness that keeps you wanting to read on. I related to Noor in many ways even if we don't have many similarities, I also felt for this character and what she was going through.
Packed with drama and hilarious moments this is book you want on your TBR! From the scenes and settings to the character growth you see, I was sucked in from the start an unable to put the book down!
May 29, 2024
Feel good sorbet set around the planning of a British Asian wedding with aunties and friends all getting in on the planning much to the Bride to be's dismay. Good fun read.
August 24, 2024
Entertaining and emotional read.
Wonderfully written characters with humour, cultural insight and a great resolution.An intelligent rom-com that grips you from the first line.
Wonderfully written characters with humour, cultural insight and a great resolution.An intelligent rom-com that grips you from the first line.
September 9, 2024
This was fun, sweet and fairly fast-paced.
May 2, 2025
3.75!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 20, 2024
The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal is a delightful and emotionally resonant exploration of the tensions and ties that bind a British-Asian mother and daughter in the lead-up to a wedding. This novel beautifully captures the clash of cultures, traditions, and personal desires, all set against the backdrop of a significant life event.
Initially, I found myself hesitant to dive into the book, perhaps out of a subconscious fear of confronting familiar cultural expectations and familial pressures. However, as I delved deeper, I found The Big Day to be a compelling and richly layered narrative that resonated deeply with me. Ali-Afzal masterfully balances humour and heartache, providing a story that is as entertaining as it is insightful.
The characterisation is one of the novel's strongest points. Noor is a relatable protagonist, determined to carve out her own path and assert her independence, even as she navigates the complexities of family expectations. Leena, on the other hand, is portrayed with depth and empathy, her desire for a traditional celebration stemming from her own experiences and dreams. Their interactions are genuine and filled with both tension and tenderness, making their relationship dynamic and believable.
The cultural elements of the story are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the rich traditions and sometimes overwhelming expectations of a Desi wedding. The novel does a fantastic job of portraying how these traditions can be both a source of joy and a point of contention, particularly for those caught between two cultures.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it handles the theme of personal identity versus familial duty. Noor's struggle to assert her own vision for her wedding while respecting her mother's wishes mirrors a broader conflict many readers will recognise – the challenge of balancing individual desires with cultural and familial obligations.
The humour in the book is another highlight. Ali-Afzal has a keen eye for the absurdities of wedding planning, particularly when cultural expectations are involved. These lighter moments provide a perfect counterbalance to the more serious themes of the novel, ensuring that the story remains engaging and compelling.
My only qualm is I feel like the final character was not as well developed as they could've been. Perhaps in tying up the loose ends some of the characters were oversimplified.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC.
Initially, I found myself hesitant to dive into the book, perhaps out of a subconscious fear of confronting familiar cultural expectations and familial pressures. However, as I delved deeper, I found The Big Day to be a compelling and richly layered narrative that resonated deeply with me. Ali-Afzal masterfully balances humour and heartache, providing a story that is as entertaining as it is insightful.
The characterisation is one of the novel's strongest points. Noor is a relatable protagonist, determined to carve out her own path and assert her independence, even as she navigates the complexities of family expectations. Leena, on the other hand, is portrayed with depth and empathy, her desire for a traditional celebration stemming from her own experiences and dreams. Their interactions are genuine and filled with both tension and tenderness, making their relationship dynamic and believable.
The cultural elements of the story are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the rich traditions and sometimes overwhelming expectations of a Desi wedding. The novel does a fantastic job of portraying how these traditions can be both a source of joy and a point of contention, particularly for those caught between two cultures.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it handles the theme of personal identity versus familial duty. Noor's struggle to assert her own vision for her wedding while respecting her mother's wishes mirrors a broader conflict many readers will recognise – the challenge of balancing individual desires with cultural and familial obligations.
The humour in the book is another highlight. Ali-Afzal has a keen eye for the absurdities of wedding planning, particularly when cultural expectations are involved. These lighter moments provide a perfect counterbalance to the more serious themes of the novel, ensuring that the story remains engaging and compelling.
My only qualm is I feel like the final character was not as well developed as they could've been. Perhaps in tying up the loose ends some of the characters were oversimplified.
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC.
April 17, 2024
I was fortunate enough to receive an early proof of The Big Day, the highly anticipated sophomore novel from Aliya Ali-Afzal. As a huge fan of her debut Would I Lie to You?, my expectations were sky-high. We all know second albums are the most difficult - could Ali-Afzal deliver again?
I'm thrilled to report the answer is a resounding YES! The Big Day proves Ali-Afzal is no one-hit wonder. This time around, we follow British-Pakistani lawyer Noor as she navigates family expectations and cultural clashes while planning her dream English garden wedding. Noor's attempts to balance her traditional mother's vision with her own intimate desires had me simultaneously laughing, crying, and nodding in recognition.
While I devoured Would I Lie to You? in one sitting, The Big Day unfolded at a steadier pace for me - though it was no less riveting.
Ali-Afzal's greatest strength lies in crafting characters and relationships that feel utterly authentic and relatable, regardless of one's background. Noor's journey to forge her identity while grappling with family expectations echoes the universal struggle to remain true to oneself in the face of external pressures. Through the lens of one British-Pakistani family, Ali-Afzal illuminates the ties of love and duty that bind us all. She excels at revealing our common humanity through the specific. Noor's journey to forge her identity between tradition and modernity echoes the universal struggle to meet family expectations while remaining true to oneself. The ties of love and culture that bind us together shine through.
The Big Day cements Ali-Afzal's place as a rising star in contemporary British fiction. Her compassionate, witty voice continues to open up the British-Pakistani experience for all readers in the most engaging way possible. I'm already eagerly awaiting her third novel!
I'm thrilled to report the answer is a resounding YES! The Big Day proves Ali-Afzal is no one-hit wonder. This time around, we follow British-Pakistani lawyer Noor as she navigates family expectations and cultural clashes while planning her dream English garden wedding. Noor's attempts to balance her traditional mother's vision with her own intimate desires had me simultaneously laughing, crying, and nodding in recognition.
While I devoured Would I Lie to You? in one sitting, The Big Day unfolded at a steadier pace for me - though it was no less riveting.
Ali-Afzal's greatest strength lies in crafting characters and relationships that feel utterly authentic and relatable, regardless of one's background. Noor's journey to forge her identity while grappling with family expectations echoes the universal struggle to remain true to oneself in the face of external pressures. Through the lens of one British-Pakistani family, Ali-Afzal illuminates the ties of love and duty that bind us all. She excels at revealing our common humanity through the specific. Noor's journey to forge her identity between tradition and modernity echoes the universal struggle to meet family expectations while remaining true to oneself. The ties of love and culture that bind us together shine through.
The Big Day cements Ali-Afzal's place as a rising star in contemporary British fiction. Her compassionate, witty voice continues to open up the British-Pakistani experience for all readers in the most engaging way possible. I'm already eagerly awaiting her third novel!
March 28, 2024
"When your life has not gone according to plan from an early age, you live in fear of it happening again, and because you know things can go wrong, you prepare yourself by mentally always being ready for the next strike."
I have been waiting for Ms Ali-Afzal to grace my life with another masterpiece since I tore through her debut in one sitting and now the Big Day is finally here!
The Big Day has all the all the dramatic intensity and hidden secrets that I’d hoped for but with such a dose of heart and warmth that shine through in her writing. She finds a way to create an almost thriller vibe in daily circumstances by showing the real life stakes and consequences that happen every day and absolutely masters that feeling of being on the ledge before everything falls apart.
Her characters are beautiful - our leading lady was a delight, a woman a little lost and not keeping to societies timeline for her life but trying her best to keep it together. She leads us slowly through her life, her engagement, wedding planning — little snapshots of her daily life that all come together, the crushing pressures, the family traditions and the struggles to succeed as well as the beautiful moments. It moves slowly but at an excellent pace and felt more like a conversation than a a story at times. Noor truly captures the feeling of being pulled between people who have expectations of you and feeling like you’re about to rip.
A stunning emotional story about family and love that absolutely has to be on your shelves.
I have been waiting for Ms Ali-Afzal to grace my life with another masterpiece since I tore through her debut in one sitting and now the Big Day is finally here!
The Big Day has all the all the dramatic intensity and hidden secrets that I’d hoped for but with such a dose of heart and warmth that shine through in her writing. She finds a way to create an almost thriller vibe in daily circumstances by showing the real life stakes and consequences that happen every day and absolutely masters that feeling of being on the ledge before everything falls apart.
Her characters are beautiful - our leading lady was a delight, a woman a little lost and not keeping to societies timeline for her life but trying her best to keep it together. She leads us slowly through her life, her engagement, wedding planning — little snapshots of her daily life that all come together, the crushing pressures, the family traditions and the struggles to succeed as well as the beautiful moments. It moves slowly but at an excellent pace and felt more like a conversation than a a story at times. Noor truly captures the feeling of being pulled between people who have expectations of you and feeling like you’re about to rip.
A stunning emotional story about family and love that absolutely has to be on your shelves.
June 9, 2024
When Noor gets engaged to Dan, she intends to have a small and simple wedding, unlike the usual weddings in her culture. Unfortunately, her mum turns into Mumzilla with lavish ideas of a big desi celebration that takes four days. Thus, begins months of battle to have the wedding she wants.
This was a wonderful story that mixes the clashes of planning a wedding with the various struggles in life. Noor works as a lawyer but isn't happy in her current job. While planning for her wedding, she is also planning on moving away from corporate law in the near future. There's also the secrecy around her father's death and life to unravel. Meanwhile there's the balance of staying sane while dealing with her overbearing mother going through it all. Noor has grown up trying to please everyone but herself and she must learn to make herself as important as all the others in her life. It's highly stressful and difficult and she just might come out of it all a different person. Hopefully it will be all for the better by the end.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the treatment of several aspects of Noor's life. And fiancé Dan is the constant through it all. Not everyone has such a life-changing experience while putting together a wedding but it's lovely to see how things fell apart at times but came together at others.
Overall, a great book that I highly recommend. I rate this 4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for giving me a free advanced reader copy. I have provided my feedback with no obligations.
This was a wonderful story that mixes the clashes of planning a wedding with the various struggles in life. Noor works as a lawyer but isn't happy in her current job. While planning for her wedding, she is also planning on moving away from corporate law in the near future. There's also the secrecy around her father's death and life to unravel. Meanwhile there's the balance of staying sane while dealing with her overbearing mother going through it all. Noor has grown up trying to please everyone but herself and she must learn to make herself as important as all the others in her life. It's highly stressful and difficult and she just might come out of it all a different person. Hopefully it will be all for the better by the end.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the treatment of several aspects of Noor's life. And fiancé Dan is the constant through it all. Not everyone has such a life-changing experience while putting together a wedding but it's lovely to see how things fell apart at times but came together at others.
Overall, a great book that I highly recommend. I rate this 4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for giving me a free advanced reader copy. I have provided my feedback with no obligations.
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