Uzma Jalaluddin Books in Order

This reading order guide provides a complete list of Uzma Jalaluddin books in order, from the first to the latest, and is always kept updated so you won’t miss anything!

Uzma Jalaluddin is a Canadian author whose storytelling is full of heart, humor, and a deep understanding of culture and identity. Born in 1980, Uzma is a proud Muslim woman and lives in the vibrant city of Toronto, where she balances many roles — a teacher, a columnist, a mother, and of course, a novelist. She writes a humorous and touching column for The Toronto Star called “Samosas and Maple Syrup,” where she explores themes of parenting, identity, and everyday life with a delightful Canadian twist.

Though she is known today for her bestselling novels, Uzma’s journey to becoming an author wasn’t an easy one. Like many writers, she has always loved reading and dreamed of writing her own stories. But growing up, she rarely saw books that reflected her world — stories about Muslim families, or characters who looked like her. So, she decided to write the book she wished had existed. That decision led her to create something truly special.

Her debut novel, “Ayesha At Last,” was released in 2018 and quickly won the hearts of readers across the globe. It is a fresh, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but this time set in a close-knit Muslim community in Toronto. Through witty characters, romantic twists, and thoughtful commentary on tradition and modern life, Uzma brings something new and much-needed to the romance genre. Ayesha and Khalid — the book’s central characters — are both strong, complex, and relatable in their own ways. Their story touches on arranged marriage, self-discovery, cultural expectations, and unexpected love, all wrapped in humor and warmth.

What makes Uzma’s voice so unique is her ability to blend serious themes with laugh-out-loud moments. She often says that what she loves about Austen’s writing is how inclusive and witty it is — never mocking, but always clever. That’s something she also tries to achieve in her own work: making readers feel like they’re in on the joke, and gently pulling them into the world of her characters.

Believe it or not, Ayesha At Last took nearly eight years to finish. Uzma started writing it in 2010 when she was pregnant with her son, Ibrahim. She shelved the project for a while, then picked it up again years later, inspired in part by telling her now-seven-year-old son about it. Most of the writing was done in between parenting duties — in coffee shops, on park benches, while waiting for her kids to finish swimming or Scouts. Her dedication shows just how passionate she is about storytelling.

In her day job, Uzma teaches high school students — subjects like English and Science — and she’s also part of a writer’s circle called “The Sisterhood of the Pen,” along with fellow authors S. K. Ali and Ausma Zehanat Khan. Together, they support and challenge each other’s writing, building stories that reflect a wide range of Muslim and South Asian experiences.

“Ayesha At Last” went on to receive major recognition. It was shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Award, long-listed for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and listed as one of the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Books of 2018. It was also named Book of the Year by Cosmopolitan UK in 2019. But even more important than awards, Uzma treasures the messages she gets from readers — especially those who see themselves in her characters for the first time. Her stories resonate with people from all backgrounds, because the themes she explores — love, family, identity, and finding one’s voice — are truly universal.

Uzma Jalaluddin reminds us that representation matters, that laughter can live side-by-side with reflection, and that it’s okay to write stories simply because they bring you joy. She believes in the power of fiction to connect people, spark conversations, and open doors to new perspectives. For her, writing is not just about publishing books — it’s about creating community and building bridges.

Whether you’re new to her work or a long-time fan, one thing is certain: Uzma Jalaluddin is an author worth reading, and re-reading. Her stories are full of heart, humor, and hope — and we can’t wait to see what she writes next.