Courting Samira

Twenty-seven-year-old Palestinian Australian Samira Abdel-Aziz has had it with men. After a string of arranged meetings with Muslim suitors, none of whom live up to her favorite romantic hero, Westley from The Princess Bride, she asks her parents for a break from the rigors of courtship. In true rom-com fashion, almost immediately after this declaration, Samira meets charming, funny Menem on a work trip. As her connection with Menem grows, Samira is astonished to find that her dear friend Hakeem is suddenly showing interest in her too. Throw in work drama, a cast of wacky meddling friends, and the upcoming nuptials of a demanding cousin, and listeners are presented with the makings of an entertaining Austen-inspired journey toward self-discovery and possibly love. In Samira, Awad has created a witty, relatable heroine whose faith and community play a central part in her life. Listeners will enjoy the music that opens and closes the audiobook, as well as Australian narrator Randa Sayed’s use of inflection and various accents to bring each character to life. A glossary of Arabic words and phrases is included with the audiobook.