Sofia Khan is Not Obliged: A heartwarming romantic comedy

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The tone of the book, whilst it was a lighthearted read, was serious as well, touching upon issues such a racism, immigration and the dangers of stereotyping. And I also did not appreciate her extreme awareness of Sakib when she was still married and heartbroken. That didn’t seem like the behaviour of someone who was heartbroken. There’s genuine amusement and laugh out loud moments in Malik’s first novel. Much of Sofia Khan’s misadventures are entirely relatable – to Muslim and non-Muslim readers alike, everything from her well-meaning parents, extended family who would just love her to find a husband, to her work colleagues and friends who form the bulk of her support network, sometimes rather unhelpfully. And then of course, there are the men or ‘emotional f**kwits’ in her life which complicate everything!

I really got a lot out of this book, I loved the characters, the plot line and loved the pace of the story as well. This is the only book by Ayisha Malik that I have read but it will not be the last. I’going to Waterstones tomorrow to look at finding other tiles by Malik. One of the things I love about Sofia is her no-BS, no lovey-dovey attitude. It's one of the same reasons I love Lizzie Bennet. They're not pining for a man or seeking validation through one, and their resolution to follow their heart (eventually) against mainstream expectations is a model of woman that should be much more present. Because even with a partner, what's right for you and your growth? Sofia is always humblebragging about her big mouth and opinionated ways, and how much they get her into trouble. Except in this case, when she and all her friends are absolutely derelict in their duty to tell Hannah: Inspired by Conall’s advice, Sofia tells Naim she loves him and it is clear he does not feel the same. When she finds out that he hooked up with his ex on a recent trip, she cuts off communication with him.

Her living situation is in dire straits, her husband Conall is distant, and his annoyingly attractive colleague is ringing all sorts of alarm bells. i felt like the editing was also rather poor in this book as the book just felt like it was too all over the place...i get it's a diary and sofia's life is a mess but urgh it just annoyed me.

This book is about Sofia, a 30-year old Pakistani Muslim who is writing a book about Muslim dating. She uses herself, her family members and friends’ lives as inspiration for the book. From her POV, we get a glimpse into her world as a hijabi. Ayisha is a British Muslim, lifelong Londoner, and lover of books. She read English Literature and went on to complete an MA in Creative Writing (though told most of her family it was an MA in English Literature – Creative Writing is not a subject, after all.) She has spent various spells teaching, photocopying, volunteering and being a publicist. Now, when she isn’t searching for a jar of Nutella in her cupboards, she divides her time between writing and being managing editor at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy. Plus, you'll die laughing. There's a heartwarming showcase of female friendship, and flawed, but great family.

Consultants

In the end, it doesn't come down to the fact that Sofia doesn't forgive Conall for lying and for leaving her to be with his son, Eamonn. It comes down to happiness. If Eamonn and his mother lived in London, there's not a doubt in my mind that she and Conall could have worked through things. But he didn't, he lived in Ireland, and Conall needed to right the wrongs of his past and be there for his son. And Sofia's choice came down to going with Conall to Ireland, or staying in London to be a part of something important, something that she loved and was passionate about. There was sacrifice to either choice. And sometimes, love just isn't enough. Because she does love Conall. And yes there's compromise, but when do you stop compromising and put your happiness first? I think she's learnt from her mother, how her marriage wasn't really a happy one, and now she's finally found a chance at real happiness. Sure, Sofia isn't choosing between two men, she's choosing between the man she's in love with, and a chance to actually make a real difference with co-founding a new publishing house, but when there's a chance at a fulfilled and happy life, even though it will be hard to be without Conall, and a life in Ireland where she will be unhappy... why should she sacrifice what will make her happiest in the long run? And there's no question that Conall should - must - go to Ireland and be with his son, Sofia isn't asking him to stay.

After graduation, Dr Khan completed her general medical training in a wide range of specialities before being awarded a Specialist Registrar Training Number. Her training rotated through The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London, which is the UK's largest dedicated neurological and neurosurgical hospital. She was appointed there as a Consultant. Sofia’s parents almost divorced once and don’t really seem to like each, frequently alluding to a missed opportunity to divorce. She remembers that time when they were struggling, when her mother almost left her father. Marriage doesn’t seem that attractive to her but her younger sister, Maria, can’t wait to get married. How does Sofia approach dating and romance in the text? How do her views differ from those around her (her parents, her friends, her colleagues)? And for those of you who made it to the end – were you surprised who she ended up with? the characters were all over the place. the writing is all over the place. i was confused most of the time...who is speaking? why are they saying this? WHY CAN'T PEOPLE JUST COMMUNICATE?! smh Sofia Khan is Not Obliged aces the Bechdel test. I'm a feminist through and through and believe in supporting and uplifting women. My friendships in real life and online are all founded on mutual, unfailing support systems and because of this I love seeing female relationships portrayed positively in fiction. Most female friendships in fiction are either token friendships or are negatively portrayed but Sofia's friends are all shown as incredibly supportive women. I loved the fact that Sofia's BFFs Hannah, Suj and Fozia were well fleshed out characters with their own independent story arcs. They all had distinctly different personalities reflecting the fact that Muslim women are not a monolith. The book also highlights the strong familial relationships that are common in Desi families - Very, very heartwarming.

Ways to pay

For your first appointment it is often helpful to bring your bed partner or someone else who may have additional information on your sleep and events during sleep. You will be seen by Dr Eriksson, Dr Khan, Prof Walker or one of the registrars in the team. Please bring a list of your medications and completed questionnaire or sleep diary that you may have been sent. Following your appointment you may be referred for an inpatient sleep study but people are usually not admitted on the day of their outpatient appointment but will return for this at a later date. After your sleep study you will be seen for a follow up appointment to go through the results.