
Intizar Husain is the most important modern short story writer in Urdu. This volume gathers together fifteen of his stories, all drawing imaginatively upon the rich narrative traditions of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist mythologies. The volume also includes an introduction and an interview with Husain.
The collection centers on the profound displacement and cultural fragmentation experienced by individuals caught in the wake of the Partition of India. Through a series of fifteen narratives, Husain explores the lives of those forced into exile, grappling with the loss of ancestral homes and the erosion of collective memory. The stories operate within a framework that blends historical reality with the ethereal qualities of myth, often utilizing a non-linear structure to mirror the fractured nature of the characters' experiences. The protagonist in these tales is frequently an observer or a wanderer, tasked with reconciling the weight of the past with the instability of a new, unfamiliar present.
Readers and critics frequently highlight Husain's ability to weave complex mythological threads into the stark reality of post-Partition life. Discussion often centers on the author's unique prose style, which is noted for its evocative, dreamlike quality that elevates the stories beyond simple historical accounts. Many reviewers appreciate the balance between the specific cultural references and the universal themes of exile and memory. The collection is widely regarded as a significant contribution to modern Urdu literature, providing a nuanced perspective on the human cost of political upheaval.
Page Count:
276
Publication Date:
2003-03-06
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019566034X
ISBN-13:
9780195660340
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