The Book of Gold Leaves

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Mirza Waheed's extraordinary new novel is a heartbreaking love story set in war-torn Kashmir. In an ancient house in Srinagar, Faiz crafts exquisite Papier Mache pencil boxes for tourists. As evening falls, he heads to a shrine where he encounters Roohi, a woman with long black hair, who is fervently praying for the boy of her dreams to come and take her away. Roohi yearns for a love story amidst the chaos of conflict. This tale intertwines love, war, temptation, duty, and choice, exploring what might have been if circumstances were different. Critics have praised Waheed's lyrical voice, which captures the beauty of Kashmir while conveying a deep sense of melancholy and grief. His prose is noted for its intensity, reflecting the anger and despair of life in the valley, portraying a haunting reality for its people. Born and raised in Kashmir, Waheed's debut novel was shortlisted for prestigious awards and recognized as a book of the year by several notable publications. He has contributed to major outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, and the New York Times, and currently resides in London.