How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures

A touching memoir about family, faith, and love, How We Met explores the author's journey to reconcile her own desires with the expectations of her family's south Asian social circle. It is a coming-of-age story about finding happiness in life and love, despite societal expectations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited

A Stylist's Pick for Best New Non-Fiction for 2021

"A Sweet, Touching Memoir About Family, Faith, and Love."

The author's writing exudes purity and simplicity, as she navigates the complex interplay between societal expectations and her personal desire for a life of containment yet freedom.

However, the question remains: What does a life on her terms truly entail? And what are her own terms, amidst the vast weight of expectation that surrounds her?

This memoir offers solace to those who have treaded this same path, providing valuable insights for those who have yet to experience such challenges.

As you delve into Huma's story, you will find yourself rooting not only for her, but for every person she loves, as well.

Nikesh Shukla, the author of "Brown Baby," praises the memoir, describing it as "beautiful, refreshing, and honest."

Growing up in Walsall in the 1990s, Huma inhabited two distinct worlds: the realm of school and teenage crushes, on the one hand, and the expectations and unspoken rules of her family's south Asian social circle, on the other.

Reconciling these two worlds was a delicate balancing act, but she managed it with grace.

However, when it came to marriage, Huma found herself caught between her family's concern for her safety and well-being, her own yearning for adventure, and a deep-seated devotion to romance inspired by the works of Georgette Heyer.

Seeking temporary refuge in Paris, she envisioned a future filled with endless possibilities.

But then, her father suffered a stroke, turning everything upside down.

As Huma focused on her own healing and self-discovery, she began to realize that her relentless search for a suitor had been a mere mask for the deeper issues that plagued her life: grief over her father's passing, the burden of expectation, and her uncertainty about her true identity.

Marriage, whether arranged or chosen freely, could not be the sole purpose of her existence.

And then, fate intervened.

Huma meets someone who defies societal norms and expectations. Neither Pakistani nor Muslim nor brown, technically unsuitable for her.

Yet, something sparks between them.

Through their unconventional relationship, Huma learns to embrace her uniqueness and break free from the constraints imposed by societal norms.

She realizes that love transcends boundaries and that true happiness lies in embracing one's true self, regardless of societal expectations.

The memoir is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness.

It reminds us that life is a journey of self-exploration, and that we should never be afraid to pursue our dreams and embrace the unconventional paths that lead us to fulfillment and happiness.

In conclusion, "A Sweet, Touching Memoir About Family, Faith, and Love" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Through Huma's journey, we are reminded of the importance of family, love, and personal growth.

This memoir offers valuable insights and solace to those who have faced similar challenges, and serves as a reminder that we can create our own paths to happiness, even in the face of societal expectations.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 184 x 338 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783966110