1. Which critically acclaimed Pakistani novel, first published in Urdu in the ‘60s and chronicled the Partition of the Indian subcontinent, was also translated into English by the same author?

a) Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

b) A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

c) The Weary Generations by Abdullah Hussein

d) Raj Quartet by Paul Scott

3. Which author was stripped of a prestigious literary prize because of her pro-Palestinian views?

a) Shazaf Fatima

b) Kamila Shamsie

c) Mahvesh Murad

d) Uzma Aslam Khan

4. Out of the following, which Pakistani writer is best known for writing detective novels?

a) Asrar Ahmad aka Ibne Safi

b) Bina Shah

c) Nadeem Aslam

d) None of the above

5. Which famous Pakistani writer wrote novels including Chaand Gehan, Basti, Tazkira, and Aage Samandar Hai?

a) Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, aka Mirza Ghalib

b) Qurratulain Hyder

c) Intizar Hussain

d) Saadat Hassan Manto

6. Which renowned Pakistani writer, known for blending history and fiction, has been nomiated for international recognition for works like The Golden Legend and Maps for Lost Lovers?

a) Nadeem Aslam

b) Bilal Tanweer

c) Sami Shah

d) Usman T. Malik

2. Which of the following is a digital and print publication?

a) The Aleph Review

b) The Pakistani Cultural Mores

c) Kamikaze Reviews

d) Unsuitable Pakistani Writers Club

Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

Udaas Naslein by Abdullah Hussain, published in 1963, was translated by the author into English as The Weary Generations in 1999. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie was published in 1981; Raj Quartet by Paul Scott was published in 1966; A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth was published in 1993. Except for Abdullah Hussein, none of the writers are Pakistani, but we chose to mention their books because their works are among the best on the subject.

2. The correct answer is a.

The Aleph Review is an annual anthology journal that released its inaugural issue in 2017. In addition to a website, several of its print editions are available in the market as well. The platform is a space for emerging writers, poets, and artists. Apart from contributions by Pakistani writers and artists, The Aleph Review accepts international contributions from all over the world.

The Pakistani Cultural Mores, Kamikaze Reviews and Unsuitable Pakistani Writers Club do not exist and remain a figment of our imagination — but wouldn’t it be awesome if we had such writing and art magazines?

3. The correct answer is b.

Kamila Shamsie was awarded the Nelly Sachs Prize in 2019 by the city of Dormund, Germany. However, the decision to award her was reversed. In a statement, it was noted that the honor was taken away because of her support for pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

4. The correct answer is a.

Asrar Ahmad, aka Ibne Safi, started writing a detective novel series called Jasoosi Dunya, with the first novel released in 1952. He wrote over 100 novels for this series. In 1955, he commenced another series called the Imran Series, which was a spy series and also included over 100 novels. Quirky, comical and mad genius characters and plots made both of the franchises incredibly popular with readers. Originally written in Urdu, English translations of a few novels from Jasoosi Dunya and Imran Series began appearing in the market by 2010. Among translators are writers such as Shamsur Rahman Faruqi and Bilal Tanweer.

5. The correct answer is c.

Intizar Hussain was a renowned Pakistani writer, best known for his novels, short stories, and literary criticism. His works often revolve around themes of nostalgia, migration, Partition, and the loss of cultural heritage. Basti, his most famous novel, is a reflection on the trauma of Partition and the subsequent socio-political changes in Pakistan. Other works like Chaand Gehan, Tazkira, and Aage Samandar Hai showcase his unique storytelling style, blending history, folklore, and personal memories. His contributions to Urdu literature earned him several accolades, including nominations for the Man Booker International Prize.

6. The correct answer is a.

Nadeem Aslam is a renowned Pakistani-British writer known for his literary works that blend history, politics, and fiction. His notable books include Maps for Lost Lovers, The Golden Legend, The Blind Man’s Garden, and Season of the Rainbirds. His works often explore themes of migration, love, and societal struggles. For Maps for Lost Lovers, he was short-listed for International Dublin Literary Award in 2006 and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2004.