Yousef and Janelle capably illuminate the dissonance that can occur in cross-cultural romance. Janelle, quite unlike the women Yousef is used to, rides a motorcycle, craves adventure, and still lives with her cheating ex-boyfriend. Yousef is torn by his desire for Janelle and his longing for home —the food, the comfort, and the customs—all of which Sarah seems to embody, much to Janelle’s annoyance. The couple spend time getting to know each other, but their relationship is fraught with conflicts. Janelle’s hiding her background from Yousef, the two are at odds when it comes to intimacy, and Yousef is feeling the pull of his family at every turn.
Romance fans will appreciate the story’s ending, though the pathway to happily ever after for Yousef and Janelle is convincingly bumpy. The couple seems to be staring certain disaster in the face, and their respective families, rigid with stereotypical beliefs, aren’t helpful to their cause. Though their affection for each other eventually wins out, the lesson to be open-minded and willing to compromise is crucial. Readers may find that the couple’s ultimate positive outcome lacks some buildup, but the characters are relatable and their romance appealing.
Takeaway: Turbulent romance overcomes all odds in this uplifting cross-cultural story.
Comparable Titles: Elena Armas’s The Spanish Love Deception, Jane Igharo’s Ties That Tether.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-
"Pamela Paterson and Tarek Hussein have written a rollercoaster of a love story that triumphs over a collision of cultures, family dynamics, an old lover, and new traditions. From Kingston to Cairo and back again, this is a compelling and heartwarming tale by two writers who clearly know the inside story." - Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour
"With a high sense of humor and deep knowledge of the characteristics of Egyptian and Canadian cultures, Pamela Paterson and Tarek Hussein wrote a precious book about the two mentalities in the diversity frame. The writers took me smoothly to the depth of both cultures as they appeared in the behaviour, thinking, and feeling of the characters. The style, structure, and development of the action in this piece of fiction made me murmur: this intelligent way of writing is worth reading for its enjoyment and benefit." - Jamal Saeed, author of Yara's Spring and My Road from Damascus
Best-selling author Pamela Paterson and Tarek Hussein are excited to announce their debut novel, Take Me Back to Cairo, a novel full of humour, culture clashes, and romance. Take Me Back to Cairo grabbed the #4 spot of Hot New Releases on Amazon prior to its publishing date of September 5, 2023.