![]() On the one hand I want to flail and scream about this book because I enjoyed it so much and on the other I want to shake whoever edited it. Maybe I'll watch the film while the book is still fresh in my mind. This is a thoughtful and humorous story about two young women who eventually find themselves and choose a different path. If you are looking for graphic sex scenes, look elsewhere. I get that she probably resented the family’s wealth, but I didn’t understand her acrimony. Another interesting minor character was Rani, Tala’s mother’s Indian housekeeper who occasionally spits in her coffee. It would have been so much easier on Tala if they were closer and opened up to each other about their sexuality. I was especially curious about Tala’s uncle, Ramzi, who was likely gay. There was a large cast of interesting, well-developed secondary characters and other minor characters that could have been fleshed out a little more. What I liked most about it is the glimpse into middle-eastern culture, the clash between traditional and western values, religious and class differences, and the interactions between lovers, friends, and family. Still, I gulped it down in one sitting and enjoyed this light and pleasant story. The romance happens a little fast, and the plot is rather predictable. Despite these difficulties, the two women eventually fall in love. They both come from strict, traditional cultures that don’t have a very positive view about homosexuality. Other than a mutual attraction, Tala and Leyla have little in common. She works at a job she’s not passionate about, while her true love is writing. Hani is a very nice guy and Tala loves him. After three engagements, her parents really hope this one will stick. This was the perfect book to read while I was snowed in and work was closed. Shamim lives in London with her wife, Hanan, and their two sonsĬross-posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted Corporate speaking events have included Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Citibank and Disney. Shamim’s book festival appearances include Hay-on-Wye, Cheltenham and Edinburgh.Īn accomplished speaker, Shamim has spoken at TED events worldwide, at the INK Conference in India and DLD in Munich. Shamim’s third novel, I Can’t Think Straight, formed the basis of her cult hit film of the same name. Her films have won 47 awards internationally. The movie stars Rebecca Ferguson and Charles Dance in a story of love and betrayal in cold war Russia. ![]() The book was published by Headline in the UK and St Martin’s Press in the US. Shamim has adapted and directed the films of three of her novels including, most recently, Despite the Falling Snow. ![]() Her debut novel, The World Unseen, won a Betty Trask award and the Pendleton May First Novel award. Her next book, The Athena Protocol, is an all-female YA contemporary action thriller that is published by Harper Teen in September 2019. To view stills or find markets, festivals and cinemas showing the movie, go to in the UK, Shamim is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and director. Basically, with two beautiful leading ladies, a happy ending, and an uplifting message, you can’t go wrong.Īn Enlightenment Productions film, I Can’t Think Straight was produced, directed and financed almost entirely by women. Plus, Sarif doesn’t skimp on the intimate scenes, which adds a refreshing element of depth, authenticity, and of course, hotness. Despite the inclusion of heavy themes, I Can’t Think Straight maintains a lighthearted and sexy tone, perfect for a date, an evening with friends, or a night home alone. The message about being true to oneself comes through loud and clear, but isn’t overbearing. These issues are handled gracefully, with feminist overtones. The film explores theology, expectations of women in different cultures, and the difficulty and importance of coming out. Tala eventually realizes what she wants in life, but to win Leyla back she has to learn to be honest with herself and those close to her. Leyla takes a different path, breaking up with Ali and coming out to her parents. Sadly, they part ways–Tala returns to Jordan, where her all-about-appearances socialite mother is still planning her wedding. ![]() They confess their feelings for each other, but Tala believes that pursuing a lesbian relationship wouldn’t be acceptable in her country. How’s that for diversity? Though Tala is engaged and Leyla is dating Ali, Tala’s best friend, their immediate connection is undeniable and fun to watch. Opposites attract when Tala (Lisa Ray), a feisty Christian Jordanian based in London, meets Leyla (Sheetal Sheth), a shy British Muslim Indian. Writer/director Shamim Sarif’s I Can’t Think Straight carries the tagline “Just another British, Indian, Muslim, Arab, Christian, lesbian romantic comedy.” So while this film may be the first of its genre, it’s also definitely a lesbian must-see. ![]()
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