Daily Times

Sometimes fiction seems all too real. When fictional characters remain in the readers’ memory for long, then the author seems to have done a good job creating them. Safinah Danish Elahi carves out from her imagination characters that you can associate with. The story of her debut novel, Eye on the Prize comprises characters that have secrets to guard and emotional issues to deal with. Set in Karachi, the story’s main characters are Shezray and her husband, Omer. Their daughters: Amarah-Noor and Natalia-Sophia are also linked to the main story. Safinah focuses on the life of the rich but does not highlight their huge mansions or luxury cars. She has her eyes set on a topic that should gain exposure – parents becoming obsessed with their child to become the best among the rest. Through the story and its characters, Safinah has highlighted the ups and downs of relationships and also touched upon the ill-effects of toxic parenting.

The novel begins with a heartfelt emotional note from the diary of Amarah-Noor, who is the elder daughter of Shezray and Omer. She expresses her aspiration to become a writer. She also shows her frustration for not being able to talk to her mother, who is busy managing her company, Shez Textiles. Amarah-Noor writes how her mother does not find time to spend with her. She wants her mother to ask about her day but it never happens. She ends the letter by writing, “I feel lonely, like a plucked flower or a fish left on the shore.”

The novel begins with a heartfelt emotional note from the diary of Amarah-Noor, who is the elder daughter of Shezray and Omer. She expresses her aspiration to become a writer. She also shows her frustration for not being able to talk to her mother, who is busy managing her company, Shez Textiles. Amarah-Noor writes how her mother does not find time to spend with her. She wants her mother to ask about her day but it never happens. She ends the letter by writing, ‘I feel lonely, like a plucked flower or a fish left on the shore’

Relationships do matter in life. Eye on the Prize does highlight how quickly can relationships change or end. There are several relationships shown and pondered upon in this novel. They have their moments when they fall apart while some are fortified. Safinah has delicately balanced these relationships. She has given extra care not to entwine the path of more than two characters. Otherwise, confusion would have surfaced. At first, the story of Eye on the Prize may seem to be revolving around the elites of Karachi. However, as you progress, you realize that with all the luxuries by their side, they too have their insecurities.

Shezray and Omer’s daughter Natalia-Sophia; Minhail and Bilal’s son, Amaan; Hina and Rehan’s daughter, Zara study at the Karachi International School. These children are competing in a race that is a prettybig deal for their parents. These parents, obsessed with their child’s health – tend to focus more on what they want for their child rather than what the child wants. This obliviousness creates an emotional distance between the parents and their children. While the parents consider their actions to take their children in the right direction, the child’s mental and emotional health is being affected. While the children have to work hard to remain physically fit, the parents are the ones who become emotionally unstable every time they see their child consuming sugary products or fast food.

Shezray has to face the most burdens on her shoulders. First, as the owner of her company, Shez Textiles, she is always busy with meetings and managing the operations. Second, as a mother – she wanted her daughter to remain fit and win the race. Third, she had to face the brunt of finding out his husband was having an affair. The readers will face a shock when they find out who is the lady.

Safinah has skillfully managed to keep the main plot connected with the subplots. Shezray, Minahil and Hina have their lives to look after, challenges to subdue, and issues to resolve. Then there are the emotions of their children that Safinah brings up smoothly. Pakistani authors have also praised the book. Nadya A. R, author of Invisible Ties says, “A lively, relevant and engaging first book. Eye on the Prize explores the pressures and perils of modern-day parenting in a lighter vein.” Taha Kehar, author of Typically Tanya writes, “Safinah Danish Elahi dissects the chaos and paradoxes of the city’s crème de la crème with sensitivity and quiet restraint. This is a compelling debut that ponders the role of love and compassion in human relationships.”

The writer is an independent researcher, author and columnist. He can be reached at omariftikhar@hotmail.com and Tweets at @omariftikhar