Dina Gets Lucky is a South Asian romance novel by Canadian writer Uzma Jalaluddin. The book takes place during a grand wedding where two former friends reunite and unpack what, or who, came in the way of their happily-ever-after. The Stereo Geeks received an advanced review copy, and Mon shares her thoughts on the book.

Dina Gets Lucky is set in Toronto and Chicago. The story follows Dina Haq, a high-achieving lawyer, trapped under the expectations of her family. Her marriage has fallen apart, but she can’t reveal everything she’s been dealing with because it’s never a good time. 

And right now is the worst time—her social media influencer sister, Hania, is getting married! And it’s all going online, and further still. Somehow, Dina has to make it through this wedding and then reveal all. 

But, a spanner is thrown in the works when her old friend, and one-time crush, Luqman “Lucky” Latif appears as part of the groom’s party. Lucky has had his own pitfalls, and now he’s hoping to be past the worst of it. Except, Dina has walked back into his life and thrown his well-laid plans asunder. 

The pair find their way back to each other and put the pieces of their failed love story together, but what does their future hold?

Dina Gets Lucky is a fairly chill read. I’m not much of a romance reader, but when I received this ARC, I was excited to read a book by a Canadian author. And, while the story follows the twists and turns of a quintessential romance story, it’s all with a South Asian twist. Plus, this story specifically, is written by and about the Muslim community, which gives it a new dimension.

I had read Jalaluddin’s Hana Khan Carries On—that was low on romance, but very intense with a strong focus on racial tensions. Dina Gets Lucky is much calmer, and the focus is on family dynamics and the tensions that come from being part of communities that revel in the artifice of perfection, rather than accept the frailties of human beings. 

We sense Dina’s frustration at constantly having to bite her tongue when she’s slighted by her family, and how that puts her in a particularly difficult spot when it comes to negotiating with her husband, Arshad. 

Lucky’s family, on the other hand, is buoyant and loving despite their many upheavals. But he has his own demons—his insecurities, especially those placed on him by society.

I found the descriptions of the food wonderful. The descriptions continue with the opulence of the clothes and locations, but the spotlight was clearly on the food.

I have to say, I loved the prologue of the book. We got a very unusual point of view with the internal machinations of an unlikable person. It was a truly great way to kick-off the story.

I definitely enjoyed how easy a read Dina Gets Lucky was, and despite the goings-on, how stress-free it was. But that’s also part of the problem. The story was initially written as a screenplay, and that stripped back writing is evident in the novel, as well. There’s a lot of action and activity, but little space to feel the weight of what these characters have been carrying. 

Dina’s entire marriage continues to be a mystery, and I’m still lost as to why she made the decision she did and how she survived for as long as she did in that situation. Lucky is more a conglomeration of story beats and being lovesick than he is a person. We know the hardships he’s faced and sacrifices he’s made, but what about the after effects of it all?

The book’s screenplay origins also come through in the dramatic moments. This was like reading a Bollywood film, especially the third act. It’s not not fun to read, it’s just a little over-the-top. 

I also wish the language was a little more nuanced. Again, that stripped down writing makes it a quick read, but not an immersive one. Where is the yearning, and angst, and chemistry? We’re told so much, but we don’t feel all of it. 

Dina Gets Lucky is a unique romance. Would I have imagined a time when we’d have a hijabi romantic lead in a mainstream novel? No. And I love that. While it’s a breezy read, I do wish it had been more fleshed-out. But, a fun read, all the same. 

Dina Gets Lucky by Uzma Jalaluddin is published by Lake Union, and is out now.