Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Book Review: Moth Smoke – Mohsin Hamid




“The most simple stories can be told in the most alluring manner “– Mohsin Hamid has just proved that statement right. Kudos to the story telling style of the author.  A dark, bold story is very well said.

A story of two friends, one rich one poor, caught in love with the same woman (wife of one of them) – how many times have we heard this plot before. But wait a minute. Moth Smoke has a lot more to offer. Set in the back drop of Lahore’s rich and party crowd, the book explores the wealthy and desperate of Pakistan along with a mélange of relationships. The characters are so beautifully sketched out that you fall in love with each of them. Worth noting here is that each character has shades of grey (unlike some books that have heroes and villains) this one gets you thinking about right and wrong, skillfully exposing the vulnerability of each of them.

The writing technique of Mohin is praiseworthy. The way he plays his cards, lays out each character on the table is worth  a mention. Moth Smoke begins with a court trial of the protagonist and keeps going back and forth with the story. Each character gives in his or her side of the story as the book progresses.

What I loved the most about the book though was the female character Mumtaz. Thoughtfully sketched, she makes you fall in love with her and hate her at the same time. She plays various roles, that of a wife, lover, friend and a mother. But what she brings out is the deepest and darkest desires of women that no one really dares to explore, particularly that of a mother. Worth reading this book for her alone.

The book is deep, gray and enthralling. Makes you get into the world of its own. Sure shot read for anyone looking at new and innovative writing styles. 

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