Re: Novels on Pakistani culture and Pakistan Overall
Read ’ Raja Gidh’ by Bano Qudsia. It will tell you life style of the people from both the rural and urban Punjab. From Gublerg’s berger families to Bhati gate’s middle class. The main character of the novel lives in Sanda Kala Lahore and basically belongs to a small village in Sahiwal (probably). Bano Aapa’s style of story telling and strong characterization will definitely meet your requirements.
PS: Its also available online.
this one sounds interesting, i will try to read it
Another one is Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s : Des Huway Pardes (story of three young men from rural Punjab in search of their destiny (living) in urban Punjab.
It was also dramatised as ‘Suraj ke sath sath’.
Others novel by Tarar Sahb which tell you about Pakistan and Pakistanis are : Raakh, Qila Jangi (post 9/11 impacts on Pakistani society), and the latest one ‘Khas o Khashak Zamane’ which is the story of generations from independence todate.
yes it was actually his bioagraphy written as a novel.
I also suggest that if we want to see the cultural growth of post partition pakistan, we read Zarguzasht and Aab-e-Gum of Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi. These are not novels, but they give us a good glimpse of the life of baby Pakistan and newly immigrants
Yes. These are must read. Yusufi Sahb’s style is amazing. Khaakam e ba Dahan is also a must read from Yusufi Sahb.
Another important novel on Pakistani society is Qurat ul Ain Haider’s Aag Ka Darya. Its been translated in English by writer herself, but I heard that she made drastic changes in the English version from the original Urdu version.
How about Khadija Mastoor’s ‘Zameen’. While her novel ’ Aangan’ deals with the independence moment and its effects (both positive and negative) on Muslim families uptil partition, Zameen covers the issues faced by the people during migration and in the process of settlement.
Qudratullah Shahab’s novelette ’ Ya Khuda’ is also a must read to know what migrants has to face just after partition.
all of u members’ suggestions seem great. however, i forgot to mention one thing. I live in canada, so trying to find places where they sell pakistani novels/books will be quite hard. (in addition to the fact that i don’t go out much)will try to see if i can find the books mentioned here
