The Return of Faraz Ali is a powerful debut novel that spans Pakistani history from the end of World War II through the emergence of Bangla Desh. The The Return of Faraz Ali is a powerful debut novel that spans Pakistani history from the end of World War II through the emergence of Bangla Desh. The book focuses on Faraz, the son of a high-ranking politician, Wajid, and Firdous, a courtesan/ prostitute who lives in the Mohalla, Lahore's walled red-light district.
When Faraz was five, his father had him "removed" from the Mohalla, ostensibly to provide him with a better future. However, Wajid never officially acknowledged Faraz's paternity nor considered the emotional toll of the abrupt removal from the home of his mother and half-sister, Rozina. Instead, he left Faraz to be raised by his distant, less powerful extended family. Nevertheless, Wajid was satisfied that he had done his duty when Faraz became a policeman.
In 1968, Wajid decided to call in Faraz's "debt" to him. He asked him to lead a special investigation in the Mohalla and cover up the "accidental killing" of a 12-year-old courtesan. Faraz's return to the Mohalla triggers intense memories and emotions that impact the course of the investigation.
Aamina Ahman is a skilled writer with a gift for characterization. She writes from the alternating points of view of Wajid, Faraz, and Rozina and, through them, examines class and gender hierarchies.
Ahman uses Rozina's parallel story to chronicle options for women born in the Mohalla and their struggles to make a better life for their children. Rozina was a youthful beauty and a hardened realist. She was trained as an elite courtesan whose singing and dancing skills set her apart and led her to make movies. She used her fame to attract wealthy men who, in exchange for an exclusive relationship, would maintain her and provide sufficient money to support her mother and her daughter. Her life becomes a continuous hustle that would provide the means to help her daughter escape the Mohallah.
I found Faraz and Rozina's stories moving and felt that I learned a great deal about the impact of class and gender on life in Pakistan. Unfortunately, I started the book on audio which was a mistake as I found the change of perspectives confusing. Luckily, I found a print copy at my local library. This is a book that is better when read. I highly recommend it....more