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Animal Medicine is a collection of ten unusual short stories, each with its own unique interpretation on life in Pakistan. Based on the strong subcontinental tradition of folklore and storytelling, the meeting of human and animal is the backdrop for an incredible variety of observations, reflections, and revelations about this rich yet enigmatic country. From the beautiful but harsh terrain of the North, to the fertile lands of the South, from the densely packed streets of Karachi, to the new horizons of America, these tales chronicle, with sensitivity and wit, compassion and humour, a land and its people that are like no other on this earth. 'Deftly written and well structured, this collection of stories will touch the hearts of children as well as adults. With swift sure strokes, using the rich Pakistani landscape as her palette, Bina Shah fuses the world of humans and animals in a stunning alliance. Shah's way with words, her fine sensibility and eye for detail, make one hope for more fiction by this promising new Pakistani author.' - Bapsi Sidhwa, Novelist
The central conflict arises from the intersection of human existence and animal symbolism within the diverse cultural landscape of Pakistan. Bina Shah presents ten distinct narratives that explore the lives of individuals navigating societal expectations, geographical shifts, and personal revelations. The stories utilize the interaction between humans and animals as a lens to examine the complexities of identity and tradition. The collection employs a varied narrative framework, blending elements of folklore with contemporary realism to reflect the nuances of the region.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the author's ability to capture the atmospheric essence of Pakistan through a blend of sensitivity and sharp observation. Discussion often centers on how the animal-human pairings serve as effective metaphors for the social dynamics and personal struggles of the characters. The collection is noted for its structural variety, with many finding the balance between humor and poignant reflection to be a defining characteristic of the prose. Critics often point to the author's precise use of language as a key factor in the effectiveness of these short stories.
Page Count:
106
Publication Date:
2023-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195791037
ISBN-13:
9780195791037
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