Both deliciously funny and deeply insightful, The Perfect Gentleman is a beguiling
multi-
In The Perfect Gentleman, Imran Ahmad tells his life story: from leaving Karachi, Pakistan at the age of one, after losing the “Bonniest Baby” contest – which the narrator is certain was rigged – to life growing up as a Muslim immigrant in London.
As a boy, Imran is torn between his Islamic identity and his desire to embrace the West, and becomes completely confused about most things, including religion. With wit and humor and in delightful detail, Imran describes his quest to be the perfect English gentleman (James Bond or The Saint), his yearning for the coolest car (Jaguar XJS), and his desire for the most beautiful girlfriend (preferably brunette, but any kind considered).
Imran’s journey makes thoughtful, compelling and downright delightful reading. With a unique style and unflinching honesty, The Perfect Gentleman addresses serious issues in an extraordinarily light way, leaving readers both thinking deeply and laughing out loud.
“Hurrah for a memoir that isn't miserable! Hurray for Imran Ahmad's terrific sense
of humor, which has transformed a run-
“There’s more to it than meets the eye … this Trojan horse of a book.”
The Book Magazine
“THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN is the perfect memoir. Imran Ahmad's recounting of growing
up Muslim in London is wry, sometimes laugh out loud funny, and always insightful
– offering a window into a world of which most of his readers will have heretofore
been utterly ignorant. His voice is bright even as he conveys many of the darker
aspects of his experiences, and brings to light the racism and indignities he and
others endure. His observations of the many quandaries encountered in multicultural
societies are thought-
Cathy Langer, Tattered Cover
“... irresistible – a charming, laugh-
John Berendt – author of
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
“Occasionally, booksellers come upon a title which they believe is a defining moment in their trade.”
Clive Keeble, Bookseller, Somerset, UK
“Imran Ahmad is fascinating to listen to. His message brought a big crowd of people
into our offices to listen. His wit and delivery style engaged them throughout.
Enjoyable and informative ... so many subjects ... Islam and the West, global politics,
modern history, international relations, Homeland Security, even Shakespeare and
spirituality, all woven by a master storyteller into a spellbinding narrative that
gave many of us fresh perspectives. The audience loved it!
We sold out of his book
within minutes of him finishing. Imran, please come back again!”
Mike Faith, CEO and President, Headsets.com, Inc
San Francisco, CA
Selected in ‘Best Books of the Year’ lists of:
Independent
Guardian
Sydney Morning Herald
“... a wonderful book and Imran is a gracious, poignant, and engaging speaker. Everyone
who came to hear him speak at Unity Temple was mesmerized by his stories, wit, and
humility. Those who have read his book have greatly enjoyed his creatively written
memoir. His personal mission of seeking to re-
Rev. Alan C. Taylor, Senior Minister, Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Chicago, IL
“ ... the mark of classic literature is that it goes straight to the heart – no matter
the historical or class or ethno-
Letter from Jim Kable, Australian living in Japan
'Wonderfully evocative and strangely touching.'
The Sunday Times
“Imran, you bastard! I'm supposed to be revising for my Congress exam, and picked up your book for “just a bit.” Now I've read the whole damn thing! … We have so much in common, I might be your twin.”
Email from Lieut Greg Bowling – Texas National Guard
“In my opinion one of the most important books I’ve read in the last couple of years.
It’s a quietly subversive masterpiece of militant moderation, and everyone should
read it.”
Jonathan Pinnock, writer; blogger, www.jonathanpinnock.com
“... successful in striking that balance, by presenting a thought-
'Forthright, wry, entirely enjoyable ... has an engaging voice ... his mannered prose
is winning ... A scrupulously well-
Kirkus Reviews
“Yes, you can laugh while having your consciousness raised; this memoir proves it.” O – The Oprah Magazine
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