Pakistan: A Hard Country ( Anatol Lieven )

 “Pakistan: A Hard Country” is written by Anatol Lieven, who is a British author, policy analyst, and journalist (1985-1998). His well-researched masterpiece “Pakistan: A Hard Country” was published in 2011, which includes twelve chapters distributed in four parts in which he basically explicates the domestic or internal policies, issues, structures, dynamics and struggle of Pakistan (as its title suggests) rather than external ones. This book elucidates the power and political society of Pakistan in depth.

And Then There Were None ( Agatha Christie )

 Then There Were None is a very refreshing read that is a must-read for any mystery book fanatic. It is no wonder that the novel has lasting influence, even decades after publication. The plot is well-crafted, the ending is unexpected, and behind it all are key societal themes. Nothing less than a true gem.

The Little Prince ( Antoine de Saint-Exupéry )

 The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless classic that tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning valuable life lessons along the way. It is a poignant tale that explores the importance of human connections and the beauty of innocence.

The Crow Eaters by Bapsi Sidhwa

At the dawn of the twentieth century in Pakistan, Freddy Junglewalla moves his family — pregnant wife, baby daughter, and Jerbanoo, his rotund mother-in-law — from their ancestral forest home to cosmopolitan Lahore. He opens a store, and as his fortunes grow, so does the animosity between Freddy and his mother-in-law. While Freddy prospers under British rule, life with the domineering Jerbanoo is another matter entirely.

This exuberant novel, full of rollicking humor, paints a vivid picture of life in the Parsee community.

Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie

 

Burnt Shadows follows the intersecting histories of two families, beginning in the final days of World War II in Japan, following to India on the brink of partition in 1947, to Pakistan in the early 1980s, and then to New York in the aftermath of 9/11 and Afghanistan in the wake of the ensuing US bombing campaign.

Malgudi Days by R.K.Narayan

Malgudi Days is a collection of short stories written by R. K. Narayan, published in 1943 by Indian Thought Publications, the publishing company Narayan himself founded in 1942. He founded the company after he was cut off from England as a result of WWII, and needed some outlet for his writing. It wasn’t just a vanity press, though, as during the war there was no other way to circulate Indian writing, and Indian readers had no access to new work. The press is still in operation, now run by Narayan’s granddaughter, Bhuvaneswari, or Minnie. Malgudi Days was first published outside of India in the 1982, by Penguin Classics. The book consists of 32 stories, all of which take place in the fictional town of Malgudi, in southern India. Each story is meant to portray a different facet of life in Malgudi. The project has been adapted several times, beginning in 1986 when a few of the stories were adapted into a television series, also called Malgudi Days, which was directed by actor and director, Shankar Nag. In 2004, it was revived by the film maker Kavitha Lankesh; the new series was broadcast on the public service broadcaster founded by the Government of India, Doordarshan.“An Astrologer’s Day” features an astrologer who knows absolutely nothing about stars or astrology. He never wanted the job but he was so impoverished, he couldn't turn down the job. Through clever guesswork and manipulation, he has made many amazing predictions over the years so that people keep using his services. One day he comes across his rival, a man he thought he had killed years ago. He disguises himself as “the astrologer” and fools his rival, effecting a narrow escape.

Historical Struggle for Pakistan (1857-1947)

"Historical Struggle for Pakistan (1857-1947)" is basically in a narrative form, which pen pictures the details of the milestpnes of the Pakistan movement, which led to the creation of Pakistan. It is a useful study for the students in particular who are interested in the subject of Pakistan Studies. It is a worth reading material for others too who wish to be acquainted with the details of the liberation movement carried by the Muslims in British India.