The literary world has all sorts of treasures. And where a majority of literary leaders happen to from foreign countries, it is a matter of pride for us that a few Pakistani’s have secured a name for themselves in these leading circles.
We have compiled a short list of award-winning books written by these authors from your own country. What is even more impressive is that their works have been picked up for apt descriptions of topics that hit close to home and describe our part of the world in a way to which most people can relate to.
If you are an avid reader and haven’t read these universally acclaimed books by Pakistani authors yet then it is high time that you get to it. Head to a bookstore and grab all of these books.
- Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
The book has won the Aspen Words Literary Prize, the LA Times Book Prize, the New York Times Best Book of the Year as well as, the Pakistan Sitara-e-Imtiaz/Star of Excellence.
Themes discussed in the book include immigration and refugee problems. It is about two people caught in war and living on hope.
- In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
The book has won the Story Prize, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and was also a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize.
It is a collection of short stories about love, wealth, deception and the inner workings in a typical feudal household in Pakistan.
- Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
The book has won the 2018 Women’s Prize for Fiction which happens to be the United Kingdom’s most prestigious literary prizes.
The book reviews include New York Times book critic Dwight Garner saying that Home Fire “builds to one of the most memorable final scenes I’ve read in a novel this century.”
It is about the clash between family, society and religious faith.
- Pakistan Heritage Cuisine – A Food Story by Sayeeda Leghari
The book has won ‘Best Asian Cookbook in the World’ at the 2018 Gourmand World Awards.
It is about the history and evolution of Pakistani cuisine, giving insight into all your favourite food items like biryani. It is a must-read for every desi food fanatic.
- Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam
The book has won the Encore Award and the Kiriyama Prize.
It is about the often overlooked working-class Pakistani immigrant communities based in England for the last four decades.
