Stories are a writer’s thoughts expressed through characters and settings. The emotions presented through stories – in one way or the other – are the sentiments of the writer. To deliver such emotions through the characters is indeed a challenge and the writer’s responsibility. Zenab Mohammad has done justice with her stories by presenting them from the heart. Her collection of stories, “Imprisoned in Freedom”, take the readers through life’s many facades to explore emotions. Comprising of ten short stories, each one has a certain character or a story that compels the readers to enter into a state of deep introspection. Zenab has created characters that are present in our society – they are common people – but they ask extraordinary questions about life, emotions and society.
The blurb of the book simply and sincerely describes the book. It reads, “Imprisoned in Freedom is a small but earnest attempt to bring forth the silent pain, sufferings and deprivations that lurk around the streets blatantly visible, but somehow due to the fog that encapsulates the mind of a human, we tend to overlook it.”
Indeed, Zenab had touched upon such sentiments, feelings, opinions, and questions that exist in our society but we tend to ignore them for reasons known and unknown to us. Maryam JK, author of Twilight at Greenhurst, in the Foreword writes, “I was humbled to have been one of the first people to have read this inspiring collection of poignant stories – inspiring because each tale seems achingly familiar, each character reflects your inner self, each moral beckons your conscience.”
Indeed, Zenab had touched upon such sentiments, feelings, opinions and questions that exist in our society but we tend to ignore them for reasons known and unknown to us. Maryam JK, author of Twilight at Greenhurst, in the Foreword writes, ‘I was humbled to have been one of the first people to have read this inspiring collection of poignant stories — inspiring because each tale seems achingly familiar, each character reflects your inner self, each moral beckons your conscience’
Zenab’s characters seem to be living among us. The readers would wonder if they have ever met them for they are a reflection of our society. Karimo Baba, Hameed, Saleem, Ujala, Rafiq, Shehla, Abdullah, Zaitoon Bano, Adam, Shakira Begum, Hamid, Amraha, among others are certainly a part of our society and the readers will relate to them.
Zenab Mohammad, MA, BEd, MEd, developed her passion for reading at an early age. She is currently teaching at Badri High School, which is also her alma mater. Being an educational consultant and trainer, Zenab has devoted her life to teach the youth and impart among them values of courage, leadership, and humanity. Her book is a testament to her curious nature and her keen sense of observation that helped her develop stories and characters.
Zenab has thoughtfully used the writing concept of “show, don’t tell” in her stories. She has maintained a conspicuous balance between narrating a story in prose and using dialogue. This is certainly commendable to see coming from a debut author. Her words remain simple throughout the book but the message and idea remain strong, deep, and induce readers to ponder over them.
It is indeed refreshing to see that the youth and adults of Pakistan are taking a leap of faith by having their books published. Zenab is one of them who went through a rigorous process of planning out the various intricate details of the book before having it published. This trend must continue in Pakistan. Zenab, among other emerging writers, needs to hoist the flame to guide the aspiring writers to achieve their dream of becoming published authors.
The writer is an independent researcher, author and columnist. He can be reached at [email protected] and Tweets at @omariftikhar