Secret Diary of a Bengali Woman

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.

Winner of the 2021 Bookbrunch Selfie Award for Best Adult Fiction. Meet the brown Bridget Jones... If you like British chick lit books with strong women of colour, then this is for you. What the press are saying about The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage: "Rebranding arranged marriages", BBC Asian Network "Halima Khatun decided to write a book because nobody was talking. More specifically, nobody was talking about arranged marriages," MyLondon "It'll make you laugh a lot... and maybe cry a bit," Asian Life magazine. Blurb A British-Bengali girl looking for Mr Right. A motley crew of men, some hoping it's them. A mum on a mission to match make. And an age-old tradition with a twist. Welcome to the world of the arranged marriage. "While I'm young, (somewhat) free and single, time is - by Bengali standards - marching on. I've got to meet my dream man, or at least someone I can grow to like, and get married. The trouble is, having never fully fit in with my English friends or Asian community, I don't really know what - or who – I'm looking for. Luckily (or not) for me, arranged marriages are still a thing. So alongside my own dating efforts, it's everyone's business - from my adorable yet overbearing mum, to pretend aunties and profiteering opportunists - to find me a match. With all this help, I'm pretty sure I'll land a husband, but will he be 'The One'?" The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage lifts the lid on the intriguing world of British-Bengali matrimony. The debut novel from former journalist Halima Khatun explores family, identity and belonging with acerbic humour. Not your average arranged marriage romance and unlike any of the muslim girl books you've read, It'll change your view of matchmaking for good… Reader reviews: "This is a great book to read on transport or going on holidays. I finished mine in no time and laughed lots!" "I loved reading this book! Such an enjoyable read which was hilarious at some points but also really highlighted how arranged marriages are viewed from different perspectives, especially in western society. It's hard to find a book that isn't too 'heavy' but also covers important issues and makes you really empathise with the main character - I even shed a tear at one point! It's a page turner and is actually very relatable even if the concept of arrange marriages is something you're not familiar with. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun read but something a bit different from the usual chick-lit." "I started this book late one evening and just couldn't put it down! i really enjoyed it. I love the writing style and the self-deprecating humour. it's a real window into a world I don't know at all and I found it fascinating. I'm left wanting to know what happens next!" 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.com. 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.

And I thought finding a husband was hard... One couple. Three months. 600 guests (most of whom I've never met) and LOTS of opinions.Welcome to my big fat Bangladeshi wedding.To do:- [ ] Find top makeup artist- [ ] Create meaningful favours- [ ] Outdo my cousins impending nuptials- [ ] Have nervous breakdown? I've found my dream man but will my wedding day be a nightmare? If Fleabag and Bridget Jones got together over tea and a samosa, this is what you'd get. Former journalist Halima Khatun's hilarious follow-up to The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage is a must read for anyone looking for British wit with a multicultural twist.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.

I've found me a man, now I just need to figure out how to live with him... New husband. New in-laws. New city. Welcome to my new life as a Bengali newlywed.Let the nosey pregnancy questions and family politics commence.From award-winning author Halima Khatun, comes the latest instalment in The Secret series, where the glass half-full heroine navigates some of life's biggest changes with her unique blend of self-deprecation and acerbic humour.The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed explores race, identity, belonging and family in the way only Halima Khatun knows how.

First comes love... then comes marriage... now the nosey aunties are asking when I'm going to have a baby. In this laugh-out-loud, heartwarming romantic comedy, our strong female protagonist - a British Bengali girl - is contemplating starting a family. But with a blossoming career and a transient life away from family, is she truly ready for the life changing journey of becoming a mum? The meddling aunties, competitive cousins, and her adorable, yet overbearing, mother all have something to say about it. As the community chimes in with unsolicited opinions, our heroine must navigate the noise while staying true to herself.Set against the backdrop of a vibrant and culturally rich community, this romcom delves into the themes of family, identity, diversity and belonging. Through laughter, love, and acerbic, glass half empty pessimism, our endearing heroine embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self love.Blending her signature humour with bags of emotion, Halima Khatun's The Secret Diary of a Broody Bengali is an unputdownable tale that will have you eagerly turning the pages, desperate for just one more chapter.About the authorHalima 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 her blog, HalimaBobs.