‘The Big Day’ by Aliya Ali-Afzal: Sensitive wedding-set story is entertaining and relatable

Rather than feeling the pressure of a successful debut, the British author confidently delivers another winning story that explores family dynamics and human relationships.

• Priya Mulji
• 19 September, 2024

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By: Priya Mulji

AFTER the success of her first novel, Would I Lie To You, Aliya Ali-Afzal has returned with her recently published second book, The Big Day.

Rather than feeling the pressure of a successful debut, the British author confidently delivers another winning story that explores family dynamics and human relationships.

Gardening-loving lawyer Noor did not consider marriage until she was completely swept off her feet by the charming and dashing doctor, Dan.

Instead of smoothly sailing towards the low-key wedding they want, things start to spiral out of control when family members, including Noor’s overbearing mother Leena, begin to interfere in everything – from the outfits and the venue to the wedding itself.

There’s also a culture clash, secrets unravelled, and family bonds tested to the very limit. Ali-Afzal is a talented writer and she presents another action-packed comedy-drama that combines sensitive topics, raw emotion and conflict with light-hearted moments.

At the heart of it all is her remarkable ability to create universally relatable characters dealing with issues that feel familiar to the reader. The sensitively written book immerses the reader in the emotions of each protagonist and the anxiety-inducing situations they find themselves in.

There’s also a great air of unpredictability and suspense, as the reader is left wondering whether there will even be a wedding at all. It keeps one guessing right up until the very end.

It’s not all drama, as there’s also plenty of humour in the chaos-filled journey towards the big day, adding yet another entertaining layer to this book, which could easily be adapted into a delightful movie.

Ultimately, this is a joyous, funny, heart-warming and sensitive page-turner of a novel that will appeal to different generations – just like the author’s accomplished debut.