Bapsi Sidhwa Book order

This book is collection of essays that provide a writer's perspective on issues of South Asian Literature, linguistics, poetry and views of political events and globalization.

The narrative follows Qasim, who leaves his Himalayan village to navigate the tumult of early Pakistan, adopting an orphaned girl, Zaitoon, and establishing a life in Lahore. As he thrives in the vibrant city, nostalgia for his mountainous roots grows. Zaitoon, filled with romantic ideals about her father's homeland, faces a stark contrast when Qasim promises her to a tribesman. This leads her into a life of subservience, challenging her dreams and identity. Bapsi Sidhwa's debut novel explores the clash of cultures and the constraints on women's freedom.

"As the British eke out the final days of their rule of India, the threat of Partition gathers and sectarian violence escalates, spreading across the nation and inching ever closer to the affluent fringes of Lahore. Lahore is where eight-year-old Lenny lives. Crippled by polio but inquisitive and spirited, Lenny spends her days in the park with her beautiful Ayah, enjoying the company of the plethora of suitors drawn to her striking nanny. There's the Sikh zoo-keeper, the Masseur, the Pathan, strong Imman Din, and Ice-Candy Man, peddling popsicles along with political unrest through the streets. But Lenny's world is upended as riots break out and the once harmonious people of Lahore turn against one another. Amidst the chaos, her beloved Ayah is abducted. Lenny's innocence, exuberant humour, and heart-wrenching perspicacity leads us through these momentous events, revealing the irrationality of adult behaviour as the fragile unity of a nation teeters on the cusp of historic change." -- Publisher

This anthology brings together verse and essays, stories, chronicles, and profiles by people who have shared a relationship with Lahore. From the mystical poems of Madho Lal Hussain and Bulleh Shah to Iqbal’s ode and Faiz’s lament; from McLagan’s and Aijazuddin’s historical treatises and Kipling’s ‘chronicles’ to Samina Quraeshi’s intricate portraits of the Old City and Irfan Husain’s delightful account of Lahori cuisine, Beloved City is a marriage of the sacred and profane. Significant Pakistani writers like Intezar Hussain, Aamer Hussain, Kishwar Naheed, Bapsi Sidhwa, Sara Suleri, and Ashfaq Ahmed have also contributed to this volume.

Seeking capitalist ventures and fortune, Faredoon 'Freddy' Junglewalla moves his family - his pregnant wife, children and belligerent mother-in-law - from their ancestral village in rural India to the bustling metropolis of Lahore. Welcomed by the small but tight-knit Parsi community, Freddy establishes a booming business and his family soon become one of the most respected in Lahore. It seems that the only thing holding Freddy back is his sizeable and burdensome mother-in-law. As his family grows, and events - funny, tragic and life-changing - occur, Freddy's reach permeates the wider country and an intricate portrait of colonial India is revealed. But when tragedy forces Freddy to rethink his legacy, intimations of historic change loom on the country's horizon. Wickedly funny and searingly honest, The Crow Eaters is a vibrant portrait of a Parsi family taking its place in colonial India on the brink of the 20th century, from one of Pakistan's best-loved and finest novelists.

The unique collaboration between Bapsi Sidhwa and Deepa Mehta brings the controversial themes of Mehta's film "Water" into literary form. Sidhwa's adaptation explores complex social issues surrounding gender, tradition, and the impact of colonialism in India. Through her narrative, Sidhwa delves into the lives of women affected by societal norms, offering a poignant commentary on their struggles and resilience. This work showcases the powerful interplay between cinema and literature, highlighting the shared vision of both artists.