A review by keepcalmblogon
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Four Eids and a Funeral was an anticipated release of mine, so when I had the chance to choose it as a Macmillan Audio Influencer, I jumped! So many things brought me to want to read this book–first there’s the title, I love the riff on a classic romcom. Then there was the synopsis: ex-friends to lovers (read: enemies to lovers!), yes please! 

Immediately, I was endeared by the narrative style of a third person POV grecian chorus style introduction to the acts; it felt very fourth-wall breaking, which is something I love in books and film. The narrator then switches to first person for Said’s and Tiwa’s POVs, and I loved that all three POVs have their own audio narrators. I particularly enjoyed the vocals of Sandra Okuboyejo as Tiwa, her voice has a soothing quality while also expressing the teenage angst and grief Tiwa feels.

This book set romance and banter against a backdrop of grief, disaster, and racism, and I love setting heavy stuff against a lighter plotline. I also feel the relationship that reforms between Said and Tiwa grows naturally, and watching that progress was the reason I read (or watch) romance. The little dramatic twist at the end was also so unexpected, but a lot of fun!

I give this book five stars, and definitely recommend the audio as well!