There are very few writers who are able to catch the dichotomy of Karachi so well. There are even fewer writers who can get into the skins of their characters and speak to the reader through complicated personalities, perspectives that rest at both ends of the horizon and an empathy which dives deep into the wrongs or right; and the rights of the wrong.
Naeem's second novel 'The Runaway' manages to do this and more. Based on the story that starts at four different points and then merges into a complex whirlpool, Naeem takes the reader into the firing neurons and waves of emotion behind how different people decide to behave in response to certain, sometimes similar situations.
Set in present day Karachi, Pakistan the book tells the story of four people from different social class and backgrounds interwoven in a tale of love, crime, fate, and hope. The story brings together Kashan, a self proclaimed well read intellectual; Nilofer, a single mother who is cynical about love; Sarmad, a man who has come to Karachi to look for vengeance; and Falak Sher, a criminal mind man with designs on money and power. The common thread between all of these characters is tragedy, and how they react to it. The structure of the book is such that all the threads connect, and through the shifting first person narratives, the reader is able to get into the very psyche of all four main characters, and hang on for a fulfilling denouement.
The book touches upon honour killing in one story arc, and highlights it as a means that people with power use to get to their objectives. This is perhaps too complex a topic to explore in a novel made of multiple dramatic plots; but it's interesting how it is built into the dramatic conclusion to the overall story. Naeem has to be lauded for not shying away from hard truths, and as a reader one trudges along gamely through the tragedies that punctuate the stories of the characters, till the hope for redemption, love and happiness starts to become visible.
How the narrative presents a nuanced understanding of human nature is also very interesting, in particular in exploring how each of the four central characters are trying to break away from their past and yet are quite incapable of doing so, because at the end of the day our pasts make us who we are in our present. What is also interesting is how the theme of hope and redemption plays out in the story; underlining that no matter what might have befallen a character, with hope and faith there can be something to look forward to in the future.
Naeem draws upon other themes as well to build a rich tapestry behind the characters; two very interesting ones are philosophy and religion. Each of the characters have a certain view to religion and life, and that view defines how they perceive others around them.
But arguably the best aspect of the book is Naeem's description of Karachi and its people. He looks at the city without the lens of elitism and snobbery, and goes down to the very heart and soul of the city. Whether it is describing a restaurant in Cantt or an evening at the beach at Clifton, Naeem describes the city with love and care, and opens up the reader to the dual nature of Karachi. One of the finest lines in the books which compresses his clear love for the city is, "Karachi is like fire; if you're brave enough to touch it and keep your hand in it, you may find a diamond burning among the coals; but most of the time your hand will be burnt black."
While various contemporary fiction fail to hold the interest of the reader, "The Runaway" remains true to its plot; builds the suspense effectively and gives out just the right amount of detail at the right time. Lastly, the cover is minimal yet beautiful.
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Book : 'The Runaway'
Author : Umair Naeem
Publisher : Tava , Flat 6 , Khan Market , New Delhi - 110003
Pages : 456
Price : $11.99
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