The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters

I bought this book because of a terrible review by some jealous author in one of the British tabloids, can't recall which. Doesn't matter. The lady was a white author so jealous that Nadiya had written a book which was getting publicity, and essentially argued that one can't be good at both baking and writing. So I bought the book out of spite, because after that racist BS the author deserved some coin.If you're looking for a semi-sweet tale of one immigrant family brought together by tragedy where everyone learns the true meaning of family, this book does the job. Some of the problems seemed a bit melodramatic, but overall it was enjoyable. I didn't quite understand what the deal with Fatimah was, why she so lacked self-confidence, why the family didn't do things like arrange a marriage for her. Mae also seemed way too naive for a girl born in the internet age.I do wish the ending bake sale to raise the money storyline had been foreshadowed in some way. None of the characters ever bakes anything until the scene when they are inspired to form the plan, and it felt kind of random when it didn't have to.

I devoured this book. The lives of the five sisters are so real, so believable, that even the husband in a coma bit doesn't seem outrageous. If I had one complaint, and it's a minor one, it's that this book is begging for a sequel. I want to know what happens next!I read this book first thinking of myself as one of the daughters and by the end I felt more like one of the parents. I am going to buy a copy for my sister, because that's the kind of book this is; you'll want to share it with all your friends.

Charming story about an immigrant family living in a small town in England. I enjoyed these characters. The Amirs are a loving family, but not so perfect as to seem unrealistic. The bake sale part seemed a little tacked-on. Since I know this author loves to bake as well as write, perhaps she can weave the baking scenes earlier into her next book. On, the whole, though, it is much worth reading. I would like to see a sequel novel about the Amir sisters.

I cared about the sisters and what was going to happen to them enough to keep reading. I really never had the urge to stay up late reading.Really curious to know what the foods were though. Squeezey Cheese I firgured out but the other that I can’t remember the name of at the moment stumped me.All in all I liked it but wasn’t driven to know more.

Unique storytelling. Love all the characters and that each sister has a voice. I look forward to her next novel!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I was hooked on the Amir family from page 1 and read the first book and the next in the series before putting it down. Charming weekend read

Its a funny book and the author has a great sense of humor but I don't think she gave the characters enough depth except for the main character (who eats shrimp and cheese). Otherwise, she was trying to shove all those characters into a short novel.

Great story- I loved the characters and their flaws. Could not read fast enough; I’d love to read more of this crazy family

Loved this read. There were a couple of niggled I had (being bangladeshi myself) - there is no such thing as hookti - the pronounciation varies but is largely known as hutki or shutki. And far as I knoe the bengali language, we dont use the phrase "Haan beti..." this is more urdu/hindi useage.The story itself is well thought out and flows well. I enjoyed reading each individual girls' struggles and also their personalities. The storyline is deep, it shows how families clash but also stay together despite the struggles they are faced with - this is refreshing. Fatima's situation touched me moreso due to how she has grown up and the feeling of not quite belonging. I like the ending though - things are clarified for her and this helps with her lifelong strrugles, and the additional positivity in the end also. You are left wanting to know what happens to them all, which to me is the crux of a great read! Well done Nadiya - this is a bonus that all my kids can read the book too - as you said it is suitable for all ages, and it really and truly is. Thanks a million. Continue the great work.

I bought the book not really expecting it to be a great read as it is a first novel but then, of course, it is by the multi-talented Nadiya... so I was proven wrong! It's just a delightful and insightful story of a Bangladeshi family living in the UK and told through the eyes of each of the Amir sisters. I found it very easy to 'get' the personality of each sister as well as other main characters in the book and, along with the unexpected twists and turns, I just found it a delightful, sometimes sad, often amusing read.

I love a good soap, but have taken to reading them as TV soaps are awful. My latest reading has been by Nadiya Hussain. She of BakeOff fame and who baked the very colourful cake for the Queen's jubilee. This is the first book in the series.The Amir family consists of mum, dad, four daughters and a son. The parents emigrated to a small English village from Bangladesh and the family are the only brown faces (sic) in the village. The books are funny with the odd tragedy thrown in, and deals with arranged marriages and the fusion of British and Asian culture in modern Britain.They are a fun read that anyone can relate to. Next episode is The Fall and Rise of the Amir Sisters. I have the third book on pre-order!

I think Nadiya Hussain is fantastic! From a frightened-rabbit-caught-in-headlights-looking amateur baking housewife and mum, to a dynamic and exciting professional baker, presenter, and author, Nadiya seems unstoppable! I bought this novel, not sure what to expect, and REALLY enjoyed it!The plot is well-executed, and having the narration switch between the sisters is a master stroke! Keep writing novels, Nadiya, you tell stories as well as you bake!

Very enjoyable and well written, I like the way each chapter was told from a different character's perspective so you feel like you get to know them all. A good story which also gives an insight into another culture but has plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked all the way through. Well done, can't wait for the next one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this.The characters were great fun.The "secret" was handled with understanding.The peep into a family lifestyle unlike my experience was a joyFound the financial "solution" hilarious given the author. A lady with a great sense of humour.Very happy to have found this.

I loved this “East is East” style book. It revolves around a family originally from Bangladesh and their lives in a Western country. You can almost imagine being in the middle of this family. The tragedy that befalls the family is nothing you could predict and neither is the outcome! A great read with some laugh out loud and some very touching moments.

An excellent, heartwarming family drama - with lots of comedy and laugh out loud moments. From a coma, to an adoption, to arranged marriage attempts, a potential house reposition and everything being exposed on social media! There is never a dull moment in the Amir household! Unputdownable!

I coudnt put this book down, it went everywhere with me till i finnished it. It spoke of real life struggles of a well settled immigrant family who are still attached to their roots and values without blowing things into unrealistic proportions. The different personalities of the characters, from the parents to the daughters was very entertaining and endearing.

The trials and tribulations of the Amir sisters (and brothers) makes good reading though maybe very predictable. All wells that ends well. The family dynamics are described really well, with each character very endearing in their own way. I particularly liked Farah’s outburst in the hospital - felt every empathy...

A delightful read and an insight into the lives of the children of immigrants who live in two worlds, two cultures and try to find their own way.

Thought I'd give this writer a try as I've only ever connected her with cookery books which I don't read. Was in for a delightful surprise and thoroughly enjoyed both the Amir Sisters books. I'm hoping that this will not be the end of their story as like her husband, I don't feel it's finished. Thelma Douek

Absolutely amazing to read, I couldn't put it down and finished in two days, reading this, opened my eyes and help dive into Indian culture and I'm so pleased I did, it was enjoyable, sad, funny, relatable and eye opening, I loved it, straight onto book no.2. Thanks Nadiya, I'm a big fan.xx

Absorbing book, easy to read and I really enjoyed the stories and finding out about the lives of the siblings. The end made me laugh, you'll have to read it to find out why :)

I was recommended to read this book, but I found it hard to get into, hence the 4 stars.It was interesting to learn about other cultures & I did enjoy it eventually.Well done Nadyia for trying different mediums.