Book Review 34
Name Of The Book : Do We Not Bleed? Reflection of a 21st-Century Pakistani
Author : Mehr Tarar
Publisher : Aleph Book Company
Year : 2018
Category : Non Fiction
Review :
This book is a passionate, illuminating book about contemporary Pakistan. Comprising original profiles of diverse Pakistanis - some of whom are internationally feted and many others who are relatively unknown - as well as essays that examine the major fault lines in Pakistani society, the book offers the reader an insider's perspective on the state of affairs in the country today. The book is divided into five thematic sections, each corresponding to a subject that the author feels strongly about. 'Religious Persecution and Other Discontents' delves into the killings and oppression generated by religious discord that are now a routine feature of life in Pakistan. In this section we find stories of people like Ambreen, the girl who dared to take on the patriarchy and repressive customs and was burned to death for her defiance, and Qandeel Baloch, self-proclaimed selfie queen, who was killed by her own brother, for daring to flaunt her sexuality and contempt for the hypocrisy that permeated the society she was part of; 'The Pakistan You Do Not Know' shows us the little known aspects of everyday life in Pakistan; 'Remarkable Pakistanis' tells the story of, among others, Muniba Mazari, a quadriplegic whose inspiring story proves the resilience of the human mind and spirit and Shazia Mushtaq, the selfless educator of Yahounabad; 'Family and Friends' contains personal narratives about members of the author's immediate circle; and 'The Indian Connection' crosses the border to profile aspects of India that the author cherishes, including Delhi and Amitabh Bachchan.
This is one of the most profound books I have read which really touched my heart. Each incident is an eye opener to the kind of world we are living in. Even when we say that we have come a long way in terms of equal rights for women, this book shows us how long we still need to go to reach our goals. Every chapter made me think and introspect, and some were even heart-breaking and I was overwhelmed with emotions. As someone from India, a country which also faces similar problems, I was able relate to each and every word and I agree with the author completely. It shows how the two nations though seperated by a few differences, should work together for the greater good of humanity. The book is extremely well written and worth a read. It has strong opinions but is never imposing. The cover of this book needs a special mention - it is beautiful and is apt for the theme. The author also shares a few anecdotes and we are able to realize the kind of adversities she has faced and how with her sheer will-power and determination, she has become who she is now. At the end of the book, there is a chapter on India-Pakistan relations which gives a deep insight into the matter. The book also includes answers from prominent Indians and Pakistanis to the question - How do you look at India-Pakistan relations in terms of making them better in future? It was an enlightening read and I learnt a lot from the book. This book has become my new favourite and I urge all of you to pick up this book.
Rating : 5/5
Name Of The Book : Do We Not Bleed? Reflection of a 21st-Century Pakistani
Author : Mehr Tarar
Publisher : Aleph Book Company
Year : 2018
Category : Non Fiction
Review :
This book is a passionate, illuminating book about contemporary Pakistan. Comprising original profiles of diverse Pakistanis - some of whom are internationally feted and many others who are relatively unknown - as well as essays that examine the major fault lines in Pakistani society, the book offers the reader an insider's perspective on the state of affairs in the country today. The book is divided into five thematic sections, each corresponding to a subject that the author feels strongly about. 'Religious Persecution and Other Discontents' delves into the killings and oppression generated by religious discord that are now a routine feature of life in Pakistan. In this section we find stories of people like Ambreen, the girl who dared to take on the patriarchy and repressive customs and was burned to death for her defiance, and Qandeel Baloch, self-proclaimed selfie queen, who was killed by her own brother, for daring to flaunt her sexuality and contempt for the hypocrisy that permeated the society she was part of; 'The Pakistan You Do Not Know' shows us the little known aspects of everyday life in Pakistan; 'Remarkable Pakistanis' tells the story of, among others, Muniba Mazari, a quadriplegic whose inspiring story proves the resilience of the human mind and spirit and Shazia Mushtaq, the selfless educator of Yahounabad; 'Family and Friends' contains personal narratives about members of the author's immediate circle; and 'The Indian Connection' crosses the border to profile aspects of India that the author cherishes, including Delhi and Amitabh Bachchan.
This is one of the most profound books I have read which really touched my heart. Each incident is an eye opener to the kind of world we are living in. Even when we say that we have come a long way in terms of equal rights for women, this book shows us how long we still need to go to reach our goals. Every chapter made me think and introspect, and some were even heart-breaking and I was overwhelmed with emotions. As someone from India, a country which also faces similar problems, I was able relate to each and every word and I agree with the author completely. It shows how the two nations though seperated by a few differences, should work together for the greater good of humanity. The book is extremely well written and worth a read. It has strong opinions but is never imposing. The cover of this book needs a special mention - it is beautiful and is apt for the theme. The author also shares a few anecdotes and we are able to realize the kind of adversities she has faced and how with her sheer will-power and determination, she has become who she is now. At the end of the book, there is a chapter on India-Pakistan relations which gives a deep insight into the matter. The book also includes answers from prominent Indians and Pakistanis to the question - How do you look at India-Pakistan relations in terms of making them better in future? It was an enlightening read and I learnt a lot from the book. This book has become my new favourite and I urge all of you to pick up this book.
Rating : 5/5