NA PARI RAHI is a collection of readable and interesting short stories focussing on human relationships, the travails of family life and the changes wrought by time. In a brief introductory note, author Nasima Zuberi describes her personal background and the encouragement of family and friends.

Zuberi has been writing for several years and has a mature outlook and style. The characters she has selected seem familiar and could easily be people living next door. The situations developed in the stories are well-handled and the long story which begins with partition contains the seeds of a novel. One hopes that the author turns her attentions in that direction in the near future.

Stories such as Achoot and Siratul Mustaqeem stand out among others as they are indepth studies of characters and situations. The collection takes an unexpected turn with the last story in the book, Agahi Say Pehlay which, in a simple and clear manner, describes the impact of a bossy and dominating woman who is intent on sermonising and using people’s religious sentiments for her own profit.

The theme of the story is unusual and although such characters are seen in all segments of society, they have rarely been written about. The author deserves accolades for her courage and the simple style in which she has written the stories.

Na Pari Rahi (SHORT STORIES) By Nasima Aziz Zuberi Academy Bazyaft, Karachi 237pp. Rs250