As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher or author to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are always 100% my own.
Azaan was a fairly typical American teenager, sneaking drinks, making out with his girlfriend, dreaming of an acting career. The problem was that he did not come from a typical American family. Instead, his father was the strict imam of the largest mosque in Redding, California, a man who expected him to conform to an Islamic code that forbade alcohol, much less physical contact before marriage. When Azaan was caught kissing his girlfriend in the very shadow of the mosque, he pretended to repent and go to university in Cairo to avoid being cut out, but he really went to London and began a career as an actor. He hasn’t seen his family in 10 years. They believe he’s a beloved imam in North London; in reality he’s living with two roommates, one male and one female, and in constant search of work.
Now his grandfather is dying and his father pleads with him to come home. Azaan, who after all is an actor, puts on a fake beard, buys prayer beads and traditional dress, and comes home prepared to play the part of his life. But what he finds is a mess–a scandal involving his father, political angling for leadership at the mosque, racist vandalism, family complications, and his ex-girlfriend. He finds that in order to move forward in any direction, he is going to have to learn to be honest–and he’s not the only one.
I loved The Last Man in Paradise. It doesn’t offer easy answers or trite stereotypical endings. It’s nuanced and complex as real people are. On top of that, it’s funny! Azaan is such a likable character, navigating family issues, immigrant issues, ex-girlfriend issues, returning home issues, etc. This was a great book. Highly recommended!