Stories worth telling, and reading

The writers in this anthology are not professionals, yet the soul evident in their writing is what sets this compilation apart

‘I’ll Find My Way’ is a thematic collection of short stories, covering four, interweaving themes. The message however, is recurring. Maniza Naqvi says: “A strong will to define the future through an individual sense of what is collectively important”.

This anthology of short stories is written by award-winning writers from across the country, having won the story-writing competition arranged by the Oxford University Press, Pakistan. This vibrant compilation chronicles the lives of the young and old, the rich and poor, the wise and unwise in compelling tales that are brutally honest and written straight from the heart. The writing is reflective and at the same time arouses a surge of passion and motivation in the hearts of the readers – to explore the self and the world.

The collection starts off with ‘Paved and Unpaved Ways’, where the characters dare to tread into the unknown, whether to bring their life-long dreams to reality or to fight reality to succumb to the seductive power of their dreams.

Maryam, in ‘A Shift in Space’, puts up a brave front and fights and overcomes the humiliation from her employer Akbar, when years later, life awards her a chance where she has authority to pave the life of Akbar’s daughter and she chooses the path that was in sharp contrast to what her perpetrator made her face. Fatima, in ‘The Fair Way’, built her own destiny by putting up with her father’s injustices and refusing her dreams to be washed away in the storms that ensued in her home time and again. The readers can feel the pride of Fatima’s father, when he eventually accepts his daughter’s bravery and accomplishments, hence paving the way for a better future for them all. ‘The Right Decision’ speaks the minds of so many: whether the glory of living in the First World is greater than living in the warmth of ageing parents? We may choose what we think is the ‘right decision’, but who all is it right for? Fatima Taj explores this idea simply yet thoughtfully. The unique process of grief and recovery is beautifully captured in ‘How We Go On’ and ‘Words From War: Skirmish at Chaklala’. The experiences shared under the ambit of this theme are unique, yet very familiar. There is a Madam Zubaida, a Sajid Hussain, and an Aslam in all of us – wanting to set our souls free but not knowing to counter the limitations that we face each day.

This vibrant compilation chronicles the lives of the young and old, the rich and poor, the wise and unwise in compelling tales that are brutally honest and written straight from the heart.

At one or more instances in life, each one of us is put in a quandary where we start questioning our purpose in life. Some of us hold back and let ourselves get washed away by the tide, while the brave ones accept it as a challenge and uncover the life-altering truths about themselves. ‘The Meaning of Me’ takes us into the lives of such people. ‘Within The Eyes of My Soul’ tells the life of Sareer, who guided by the spirit of the woman he loved, is able to achieve his dreams of travelling and writing. ‘Within’ is a grim reminder of the past that most of us keep locked lest it resurrects to life. However, making peace with one’s past is the key to a peaceful soul, Aisha Nazir explains in her poignant yet heartfelt tale.

‘Khaadim’ inspires its readers that this world is not totally devoid of goodness and that goodness done to you must be returned to others. ‘My First Lesson’ is a daunting tale of how dreams are shattered to give way to the harsh realities of life. Mahrukh wants her father to enroll her in a school like her brother and is convinced she can do better than him. But her father reminds her she is a girl, and has no place outside of home. There are many Mahrukhs in today’s Pakistan, who try to reach out for the stars but are crudely thrown back to the ground. While ‘Taming the Wild’ tells the story of Jugnu, who recognizes her strength and dares to stand up against her husband’s atrocities and the readers wish there were more Jugnus in our society to look up to. ‘No’ Is A Choice’ that we all have, Zara Babrawala teaches us in her short tale of love and its frailty yet its ability to survive. The setting, mood and characters change each time yet more than once the reader can relate to what is being narrated.

‘Because This Is What Matters’ teaches us that being in this place – the ‘now’ – is what one should strive and live for, because the ‘now’ is what matters and paves the way for our future. The authors indulge the readers in motivating stories. However, the focus is not on ‘happy endings’. We are taken into the lives of the sick, the lonely and the outcast, who learn to come to terms with their situations and try making the most of it. Look at this little excerpt: ‘They had given her infinity in the number of days she had lived, in the little moments, and she was happy, because this is what mattered’, writes Amna Naim in ‘Hours, Infinity, Matters’.

‘The Bravest Place on Earth’ shares epic tales of patriotism and devotion to our country and sends a splurge of hope in the hearts of the readers, a welcome change in today’s grim days. It starts off with ‘Mehtaab and Aftaab’, a conversation between the Moon and Sun. Aftaab appears dismal and forlorn, witnessing injustices in the wake of broad daylight. Mehtaab in contrast is a ray of optimism, because he is a testimony to the dreams and fantasies of mankind that creep into the night, children wishing upon stars and men and women strolling under the blanket of stars: “Hope is more evident in the night, Aftaab”.

We come across such stories every day. Yet they have been portrayed in a manner that is new and refreshing. The readers leave its pages with a renewed sense of optimism to face their vulnerabilities and grief with heads held high and self-confident.

‘Reporting’ chronicles the life of a journalist, who sets out to explore and cover the chaos and mayhem in the killing streets of Karachi but amidst her travels, discovers the strength of her city’s men, who hold fast to their pride and dignity even in the face of deprivation and death. This was a particularly inspiring story, and gives the readers much to ponder over: “Karachi is different. Different from how we see it. All of Pakistan is, in fact different. I’m proud of these ‘poor’ citizens”.

‘A Woman’s Heart’ and ‘The Plight of Afghan Women’ are the voices of today’s woman- who, subject to wrongs and injuries, fights back her tears and vows to change her fate- be it an abusive marriage, battling for her daughter’s rights or escaping the drudgery of a war-stricken Kabul. A woman’s heart and soul are nothing less than the ‘bravest place on earth’. This theme, like the previous before it, is reflective and highly inspiring. ‘Fool’s Paradise’ however is a haunting reminder of this country’s plight. Yet instead of demoralizing the readers, it inspires in them a wave of change – a change to bring back their Pakistan to what it was originally meant to be.

The writers in this anthology are not professionals. Yet the soul evident in their writing is what sets this compilation apart. We come across such stories everyday yet they have been portrayed in a manner that is new and refreshing. The readers leave its pages with a renewed sense of optimism to face their vulnerabilities and grief with heads held high and self-confident.

I’ll Find My Way – An Anthology of Short Stories

Edited/Compiled by: Maniza Naqvi

Published by: Oxford University Press

Pages: 454; Price: Rs.450