The Shadow of the Crescent Moon - by Fatima Bhutto

I am not very much interested in reading novel books and the fiction. Three years back I read Mohsin Hamid’s “How to get filthy rich in rising Asia”, and then I decided it was, perhaps, the last fiction I have ever encountered with. Same year, I read about Fatima Bhutto’s The Shadow of the Crescent Moon. I had couple of books in queue on my reading list, mostly on history of Sindh and literature, which I bought from an old book shop of Hyderabad. But, The Shadow of the Crescent Moon was always in my mind whenever I visited book shops, but then again I don’t know why I always told myself ‘not now’. However, in December 2015, while I was about to finish ‘Peak of Eloquence’, I bought The Shadow of the Crescent Moon on my way home.  

The Shadow of the Crescent Moon is not only the story of a single family or three brothers and women associated with them living in Mir Ali, it is the story of every Pakistani, and the story of entire Pakistan, I believe. Author touches sensitive issues like missing persons, drone strikes; suicide bombing, vulnerabilities and above all great psychologic trauma people are living with.  Fatima Bhutto has perfectly portrayed the life and possible threats every Pakistani, especially people of war ridden Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing, ever since war against terrorism broke up.  

I have spent a few years with Pakhtun friends and have little idea about their culture and everyday life. Plot of this novel, characters and the scenes are amazingly described and well written. Pashto bites throughout the novel will give you an impression of author’s grip on region, characters and the entire story. Only a few months back I visited Diplomatic Enclave and US embassy in Pakistan - and that too in a rainy winter. While reading Aman Erum’s experience I felt every bit of it. The way write has expressed scenes of Islamabad and Diplomatic Enclave, are amazingly real.

The book is full of drama, love, emotions, sacrifices and the tragedies. Don’t think (like me) if you should read it or not, grab the copy and read it. This will no doubt prove a treat to yourself. Also, Aman Erum’s tailor “Zulfiqar Sons” will definitely bring a smile on your face.

P.S. Remember, on a rainy morning, while you are traveling in a Cab with broken side-window, this book may save you from cold wind and the rain.   

@ShafiqSolangi

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