No One Ever Asks Mum: The Secret

By Halima Khatun

An 'own voice' women's fiction short story - the diverse read you need.           

 

A mum on a mission to matchmake.  A daughter with ideas of her own.  A suitor that threatens to tear them apart...

 

When it comes to arranged marriages, you never hear the perspective of the mother of the 'bride'.       

 

So now it's time.   

 

This short story offers a unique insight into the struggles of someone desperately trying to blend traditional expectations with modern reality, whilst hoping to do the best for her children.     

 

Because no one ever asks mum, it's time we heard her side of the story.   

 

From the author of the Bookbrunch Best Adult Fiction 2021 award-winner The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage and The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla, comes this unique journey from Bangladesh to Britain.  Taking you from rural life to suburban displacement, from hardships and heartache, all through the eyes of the woman who saw it all.  It's not like any of the other Muslim girl books - it'll make you laugh and cry.  

 

About the author

Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant.

Since she was a child, she knew that words would be her thing. With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children's story - at the age of 12. It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses. However, proving that writing was indeed her forte, Halima went on to study English and Journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies.

She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications. Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on HalimaBobs. This is where she also shares updates on her novels.
   
Halima is a regular guest on the BBC Asian Network and frequently contributes to the HuffPost.   

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: halima khatun
• Release date: Jul 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201261139

Halima Khatun

Halima Khatun is a former journalist (having worked for ITV and the BBC), writer and PR consultant.      Since she was a child, she knew that words would be her thing.  With a lifelong passion for writing, Halima wrote her first novel - a coming-of-age children’s story - at the age of 12.  It was politely turned down by all the major publishing houses.  However, proving that writing was indeed her forte, Halima went on to study English and journalism and was one of just four people in the UK to be granted a BBC scholarship during her postgraduate studies.       She has since written for a number of publications including the HuffPost and Yahoo! Style, and has been featured in the Express, Metro and other national publications.  Halima also blogs on lifestyle, food and travel and parenthood on halimabobs.com.  This is where she also shares updates on her novels.          You can connect with Halima on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/HalimaKhatunAuthor/, or twitter https://twitter.com/halimabobs.                                      Having spent years in London, Halima has resettled in Manchester with her family.       

Book preview

Dedication

For my mum, your mum, every mum

I don’t want to marry a boy from Bangladesh! 

Why not? You better because you think you’re Beet-ish?

No, not because I think I’m British. But I am British-Bengali, mum. That’s a fact. I’ll have nothing in common with a boy from back home.

How you know you nothing in common? You not even met. You find things in common later. I had nothing in common with your father and we be fine.

She snigger to herself like child. I wouldn’t say you’re fine.

Heh? What you saying?

I’m saying I want more, mum. More from life. More from a husband. I want someone who shares the same goals. Who wants to travel. See the world. I don’t want to be just fine.

You can travel, and do all those things after you married. I raise my finger so she no get any ideas of funny business before wedding.

At least look at his photo. He be very handsome. Maybe bit chubby but kind face.

Mum, I think we both have very different views on what makes someone handsome.

I huff. This girl making me tired with her modern thinking ways. I knew it was a mistake her watching so many Bollywood movies with her older sisters. I know what handsome is. You think I not know handsome? I seen your film heroes. And who that star everyone talk about? Brad Feet? I not so sure about him, but if you girls say so. Anyway, he no Brad Feet but-

I think you mean, Brad Pitt, mum.

Okay, whatever. Brad Feet. Your middle sis mention him. I think his eyes be a bit small but this boy be better. His eyes nice, big and round. Round face, too.

She says nothing and instead just roll her eyes. Disrespectful. 

Anyway, still look at photo. You may get nice surprise. I raise my eyebrow because I think it will get her interest. 

She still refuse to look.

I getting annoyed with this girl. "You know I try my best to find you a good boy. I do so much hard effort for you. Making samosas for suitors and their whole families to visit. Paying Mr Choudhury to find you a match. Asking everyone if they know anyone, even your stirring auntie, who never do anything good for us. I asking because I don’t want to