Published in SHE Magazine
KARACHI: Our stories in our words
Publisher: Oxford University press
Available at: OUP bookstores
“K.A.R.A.C.H.I: Kaleidoscope. Activity. Riots. Abstruse. Callous. Hemoglobin. Ivy.” This is how Sandhya Kaaramat Barlaas defines Karachi in her short story titled ‘Definitions’ (pg. 210)
As residents of Karachi, we are well aware of the problems and pleasantries that revolve around us. Karachi undoubtedly has its fair share of facets that make what it is today. When we sit in the living room mutely watching the news for the latest updates, we mutter Allah’s name and hold our breathes as the death toll continues to rise. We gather for our evening ‘doodh paati’ and Crips engrossed in stringing out advices on how to avoid getting gunned down by a quintessential robber. On some occasions we thank out lucky stars for the robber took away an Anaroid instead of a life. We in many ways, cherish that narrow escape. and hold our breathes as the death toll continues to rise. We gather for our evening ‘doodh paati’ and Crips engrossed in stringing out advices on how to avoid getting gunned down by a quintessential robber. On some occasions we thank out lucky stars for the robber took away an Anaroid instead of a life. We in many ways, cherish that narrow escape.
To say the least, these ‘norms’ have made us stronger. We’ve learnt from the constant hide and seek of the light, to thank our lord for the smallest of happiness.We’ve been taught the art of lighting a lantern when needed, gathering in a small stuffy room and learnt the social habits of discussing load shedding/robbery/target-killing as classic conversation starter. Not to forget the seaside and malls as our perfect get-aways. its of discussing load shedding/robbery/target-killing as classic conversation starter. Not to forget the seaside and malls as our perfect get-aways.
Karachi: our stories in our words remain true to its title. Maniza Naqvi has managed to weave together 99 of the best short stories centering around the theme of Karachi as a cosmopolitan city of prosperity and opportunity.
Karachi: our stories in our words remain true to its title. Maniza Naqvi has managed to weave together 99 of the best short stories centering around the theme of Karachi as a cosmopolitan city of prosperity and opportunity.
The idea of this publication sparked when an invitation to submit short stories was placed in daily newspapers, deadline being by 15th May 2012. The stories started to trickle down slowly in almost all languages, styles and from all across Pakistan. These stories were then translated to English and edited to represented Karachi in its truest form.These stories are not penned down by world class story tellers or award-winning writers. In fact they contain raw emotion and passion that the reader is able to relate to.
The themes of the stories however, tend to vary. While some have highlighted their distress, tension and nostalgia, others have showcased a rather brighter side of being a Karachiite. They have effortlessly managed to mention the flamboyance and delight of beach trips, the seaside and the never-ending monsoon rains that in many ways wash away their agony.
The idea of this publication sparked when an invitation to submit short stories was placed in daily newspapers, deadline being by 15th May 2012. The stories started to trickle down slowly in almost all languages, styles and from all across Pakistan. These stories were then translated to English and edited to represented Karachi in its truest form.These stories are not penned down by world class story tellers or award-winning writers. In fact they contain raw emotion and passion that the reader is able to relate to.
The book pay homage to the stories that unravel the lives of the abused and the abuser, maids/ servants vs. landlords/influencers. The writers encounter kindness and empathy, loss and opportunity, deep income disparity and social injustice. Their experiences in stories show the sectarian differences and bridges that gap the divides, keeping in mind that despite living in the same city, everything work out differently for all.
The themes of the stories however, tend to vary. While some have highlighted their distress, tension and nostalgia, others have showcased a rather brighter side of being a Karachiite. They have effortlessly managed to mention the flamboyance and delight of beach trips, the seaside and the never-ending monsoon rains that in many ways wash away their agony.
The book pay homage to the stories that unravel the lives of the abused and the abuser, maids/ servants vs. landlords/influencers. The writers encounter kindness and empathy, loss and opportunity, deep income disparity and social injustice. Their experiences in stories show the sectarian differences and bridges that gap the divides, keeping in mind that despite living in the same city, everything work out differently for all.
Karachi: Our stories in our words is edited by Maniza Naqvi, a Lahore-born writer who spends her time between Karachi and New York. Naqvi is a well-established novelist with titles such as On air, Stay with Me, A matter of Detail and Mass Transit under her name. She has also complied a book of short stories titled Sarajevo Saturdays and have contributed her skill of editing to Karachi Literature Festival 2012’s publication, Festivals!
Karachi: our stories in our words was an initiative of oxford University press and was launched on the second day of 4th Karachi Literature festival. It serves as a revised Pakistani version of Chicken Soup for Souls courtesy of diverse writers for us all to feed on.
Sum Up: Everyone has their story to tell and it feels like you’re reading them all.
Cashing on Couture 