by Taha Kehar
Cover Art by Anna Morrison
Published by Neem Tree Press
This unusual title will definitely pique your curiosity. For me it was instant. If I saw this on a shelf I'd have to pick it up & read about it.
When we start reading a new book there might be a hint of familiarity, a thread or an idea that creeps back from another story from a while ago. This is not one of them!
Nazia Sami is a celebrated author, but perhaps her greatest plot twist is yet to be produced. In her final days, she wields a pen one last time as she fills her diary with instructions for her sister, Naureen, and writes six letters to be delivered after her death.
There is to be no funeral for Nazia.
Instead, only six invitees are asked to attend a party, one of whom is a mystery guest.
Over the course of an extraordinary evening, secrets are revealed, pasts reconsidered, and lives are forever changed.
‘No Funeral for Nazia’ is a striking and inventive exploration of what death can mean for both the deceased and those left behind.
Relationships can always be challenging but the friendships & connections in this story are definitely put to the test.
When someone dies there can be an infinite number of ways people react or grief manifests itself. Maybe people feel a void, something missing in their lives.
In this story, all the characters invited to the *party* will have their own version of events to process. Will they discover each other's realities or will they try to maintain their hidden secrets?
They are shocked initially because of Nazia's plans - not just the fact that she's made them, but the way they were delivered & were in the form of actual instructions. Each of the recipients also has their own reaction.
Together they've all lived in a personal world completely structured by traditions, strict rules, cultural beliefs, family & gender-specific expectations mostly derived from historic & religious conventions.
To divert from something as significant as a funeral including all the usual preparations & detailed actions usually observed is a huge deal.
Though it's a country & history peppered with human struggles, political turmoil & controversy it is exciting to encounter a story set in Pakistan.
With an interesting & engaging writing style in itself, this story is also told in chapters dedicated to individual characters. It's an unusual but perfectly suited idea & captures the individuality, struggles & personality elements exhibited by each of the friends.
The short timeframe of the story is also an unusual factor but works to capture the immediacy & depth of Nazia's impact on everyone.
The friends will definitely surprise readers & it's always good to encounter the unexpected as we read. Even if we think we're ready for twists, get ready for something different.
Definitely an eye-opener. Thank you Taha Kehar.
About the Author
Taha Kehar is a novelist, journalist and literary critic. He graduated in Law from SOAS University of London and has since written and co-edited novels, short stories, essays, reviews and commentaries which have been published in South Asia and in the UK.
Taha Kehar is currently based in Karachi, Pakistan where he continues to write while also teaching undergraduate media courses.
Thank you for having me on this tour!
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