Unproven until given a chance on May 10, 2022Imagine a scenario where a layman – someone who doesn’t have an iota of sense to run a public office – is selected as a prime minister of a country. Haroon Khalid Akhtar’s novel, The Liar’s Truth, is about such a man – Arsalan. He is an inexperienced citizen who is asked to lead his […]
Deciphering poetic expression on May 3, 2022It requires creative prowess to write poetry that strikes a melodious cord of emotions with the readers’ minds and souls. However, it is the brilliance of the translator to read the poetry, in Urdu and interpret it in the English language – word by word – while keeping the emotions and the essence of the […]
A daughter’s love on May 1, 2022Reminiscing the lives of those near and dear to the writer leaves a profound impact not only on the writers’ minds but also on the readers. Lynette Viccaji, in her second book, Bubbles, takes the readers on a journey that traces the life of her mother, Charlotte Donohoe. The five parts of the book are […]
Science fiction themes and characteristics on April 25, 2022Science fiction began when centuries ago writers delved into writing fiction with strange ideas. Their setting and characters were either humans interacting with the technology of their times or they came in contact with alien lifeforms. In either case, there was a non-human entity in the story with the human characters using science to achieve […]
To protect a life on April 16, 2022Osman Haneef’s debut novel, The Verdict, brings to fore the realities that exist in Pakistani courtrooms. It explores the darkness behind the truth and how power becomes a wall for those seeking justice. Haneef has written a novel on a delicate topic – how a Christian boy was accused of a crime punishable by death. […]
Memoirs of survival on March 26, 2022Imagine a life where the most basic tasks you undertake are ruled by fear. Imagine if the simplest of chores you need to complete make you anxious – as if your life hangs on the line. Similar emotions are felt by those living in Srinagar and the parts illegally occupied by India. Farah Bashir – […]
Empowering young writers on March 21, 2022The youth should be inculcated with the seeds to read and write so they may become well aware of themselves and their surroundings. Children have stories to tell and they should be given the opportunities to do so. They absorb the events that unfold around them and narrate in their words by using human, animals […]
For the greater good on March 19, 2022A story must have a conflict, to begin with. The lead characters must face the challenges and evolve as they go through the struggles to overcome what awaits. Angela – the lead character in An Unconventional Visit by Siraj ul Haq – must choose the best option for herself. Her life depends on it. But […]
Reimagining Education in Pakistan on March 18, 2022One of the sessions during the recently held Karachi Literature Festival (KLF 2022) was on the topic: Reimagining Pakistan’s School Education. Mr Farid Panjwani, Professor and Dean, Institute for Educational Development, Aga Khan University; Ms Fathima Dada, Managing Director of OUP’s Education division; Dr Mariam Chughtai is Director, National Curriculum Council of Pakistan; and Mr […]
Lies, spies, love and truth on March 13, 2022Omar Shahid Hamid’s fifth novel is a fast-paced thriller that moves back and forth through the officers in the Pakistani intelligence wing trying to hide the truth that may jeopardise the very foundations of this infrastructure. The story picks up its pace from the first chapter. Soon after an Indian spy is captured in Pakistan, […]