| Author: |
Javed Shahin |
| Publisher: |
Sang-e-Meel |
Description:
Javed Shahin has chosen a very tricky subject for his first novel. It discusses the problems arising out of emotional and cultural differences between families settled abroad and those living in Pakistan. Such emotional disparities often result in the ruining of marriages contracted between these two segments of society. Shahin has taken up the case of a young educated Pakistani man who marries a girl from a Pakistani family settled in Canada.
The book Aik Deewar Ki Doori is in fact a personal reference for the author as it is mostly autobiographical, although the author has passed his own role to sajida, the mother. The story revolves around two characters Sajida, the mother and Khurram, the stepson. Sajida is the second wife of a factory owner, Masud, who under the influence of mystics leaves home and spends the rest of his life in shrines. Khurram is the eldest son from his first wife. He has completed his masters in Pakistan and wants to pursue further studies abroad. Sajida considers Humaira's proposal as an opportunity for Khurram to study in Canada and live in a Pakistani family that had migrated to Canada many years ago.
| DesiStore # |
PBH00972 |
| ISBN |
969-35-1174-3 |
| Edition |
First |
| Year |
2000 |
| Pages |
164 |
| Weight (kg) |
0.33 |
| Shipping Weight (lbs) |
0.83 |
| HB/PB |
Hard Back |
|
The novel begins with Sajida and Khurram travelling to Montreal for the marriage. Although Khurram had once met Humaira in Lahore but on the wedding night discovers that she is older to him by many years. This fact was concealed by Humaira's mother from both Sajida and Khurram. Khurram also notices remarkable cultural and emotional differences. This puts him off and a coldness pervades the marriage which culminates in divorce after a couple of years. In the meantime they have a son.
This episode creates psychological problems in Khurram, who snaps his ties with his mother and other siblings. In Pakistan Sajida feels guilty that whatever transpired with Khurram was her doing because she did not properly investigate before finalizing the marriage.
The locale of the story keeps on shifting between Pakistan and Canada. The author has painted a vivid picture of Montreal, which provides an interesting backdrop to the novel. As the author's first novel, it is a commendable effort. Javed Shahin is already a well-known as a poet and this novel proves his prowess as a prose-writer.
Dr. Afzal Mirza- Dawn, 2nd Jan, 2001
Aik Deewar Ki Doori
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