Ajab Fitna Hawa Ka Tha: Corona
Per Likhay Jaanay Waalay Column
Zahida Hina

Translating to ‘The Strange Allure of the Wind’, as the subtitle explains, this is a collection of newspaper columns written on Covid-19 by renowned short story writer and columnist Zahida Hina. Beginning from March 2020, she looks at the pandemic in tandem with its global unfolding, explaining how Pakistanis can take a lesson from Japan and Germany, what message the virus brings for humanity, comparable events exactly a century ago and Isaac Newton’s thoughts on quarantine.

Through the Cracks
Bushra Naqi

Rich men and women populate this short story collection. But though they live in the lap of luxury, almost each has paid a dear price for it. Their hearts have been broken, perhaps because of unrequited love, perhaps because of beautiful illusions shattering to reveal ugly truths. They have experienced myriad tragedies — deaths, divorces and illicit relationships that promised joy, but delivered only sorrow. There are controlling parents and rebellious children who leave and often never look back. Offsetting them are kathak dancers, fiery clerics and Catholic nuns, all together serving as a window into the human condition.

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, June 27th, 2021