Nur, from a Pakistani home, is torn between his family and the girl he loves, Yasmina, who is Muslim like him but black Sudanese. He loves Yasmina and moves in with her but four years later, his parents still do not know about her. Is it his family or his own feelings in conflict? This is a heartbreaking story which is told in anecdotes from the past which illuminate their relationships. I found it interesting to contrast white British families; who turn their children out of the nest into universities at the age of 18, and who are left to find their own partners; Nur's strong family ties and customs bind them together. Is it stifling or supportive? I was shocked at one point when Saara chucks a white boy out of her party!! Racism works both ways.

Good Intentions follows Nur as he counts down to telling his parents/family about his partner (Yasmina) after four years of being together, familial obligations, religion and race are beautifully and honestly discussed in this novel and you cannot help but want to speed your way through the book to find out what happens and how Nur got himself into that position.

The novel is told in a mixed timeline, the reader is dropped in at different points throughout the four years from Nur and Yasmina first meeting to shortly after he has told his family. This narrative style was brilliant for giving teaser amounts of information and building the story but could be a little bit confusing at times (especially if you were to read it more slowly).

An wonderful debut and Kasim Ali is definitely one to watch.

This was such an emotive brilliant read. The storyline was heartbreaking, but also very raw and relatable as I am sure this is a story that many couples have faced and lived through.
I lived the writing, I love the storyline and I lived the characters.
I couldnt put it down and read it quickly, I really enjoyed it.

This book was hard to read in places but that is because the characters are written so well. You understand how they feel about the situation they are in.