This week, let’s raise a toast to the voices that don’t just speak - they roar…
literature
April brings a fresh breeze - not just of spring but of powerful voices, as some of Pakistan’s finest female writers take the spotlight this week.
From historical sagas to contemporary magic, these authors are here to remind us that women’s voices are the heartbeats of every culture, every story.
These five women, each with their own unique narrative, remind us that literature is a reflection of life itself - messy, beautiful, and full of stories that demand to be told. Whether it’s through historical novels or contemporary short stories, these writers make us laugh, think, cry, and - most importantly - dream.
After all, women’s stories have always been at the heart of every revolution.So, let’s embark on a journey through their words - where history, mystery, and a little bit of mischief collide. This week, let’s raise a toast to the voices that don’t just speak - they roar…
Kamila Shamsie – Best of Friends
“A novel should be a world that pulls you in so completely, you forget where you are.” Kamila Shamsie has that exact power. She proves it once again with ‘Best of Friends’, a novel that moves between Karachi and London, tracing the lives of two childhood friends as they navigate the weight of political upheaval, power, and ambition. Shamsie’s writing is immersive, making you feel the heat of Karachi’s summers and the sharp winds of London’s winters. The novel is a meditation on loyalty, identity, and how the choices we make as teenagers can echo through adulthood. Kamila reminds us, “Friendships, like histories, have their fault lines.”
Uzma Aslam Khan – The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali
Uzma Aslam Khan’s ‘The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali’ is a gripping, poetic novel set in the Andaman Islands during British colonial rule. “A good story is one that sticks with you long after you’ve put it down,” Uzma has said, and this novel does exactly that. Following Nomi Ali and others trapped under colonial oppression, the book offers an intimate, powerful portrayal of resistance and survival. Uzma’s writing is both lyrical and devastating, making history feel alive, breathing, and deeply personal. This is a must-read for those who love historical fiction that doesn’t just inform, but moves you.
Maha Khan Phillips brings a thrilling mix of history and mystery with ‘The Curse of Mohenjodaro’. Set between ancient and modern times, this novel follows an archaeologist uncovering deadly secrets linked to the lost civilisation of Mohenjodaro. Maha crafts a gripping, atmospheric story where myth, suspense, and history collide. “Some mysteries refuse to stay buried,” she writes, and this book is a testament to that idea. If you love thrillers with a touch of the past, this one is for you.
Next stop on our literary journey? The unapologetic brilliance of Fatima Bhutto and her novel ‘The Runaways’. The book feels like you’ve just hopped onto a speeding train, racing through the lives of young people grappling with identity, power, and the devastating pull of extremism. “The most dangerous thing is not having a choice,” Fatima writes - and her words ring through the pages like a warning, urging us to look at the world through the eyes of those who have no option but to escape. Each character is a complex puzzle of dreams and doubts, wrapped up in the shifting sands of family and revolution. Bhutto’s storytelling digs into the heart of modern life, and she doesn’t just give you the plot; she hands you the map to understand it all.
If you’ve ever wandered through Karachi’s dusty streets, felt the pulse of its contradictions, and heard the whispers of its people, then Saba Imtiaz’s ‘Karachi, You’re Killing Me!’ is your literary companion. “Every city has its secrets, but Karachi’s are the most daring,” she muses. In this hilarious yet sharp novel, a young journalist navigates the highs and lows of her career, love life, and the chaotic city around her. Saba’s keen eye for detail and her unapologetic love for Karachi make this a must-read for anyone who enjoys witty, fast-paced fiction with a touch of realism.
