This second novel from Azhar Abidi, set in the 1980s, tells the story of the relationship between Bilquis Ara Begum, a widow of comfortable means, and her son Samad. She had hoped to arrange his marriage and see him raise his family near her, in Pakistan, but he has married Kate, an Australian lawyer he met in Melbourne. Bilquis is disconcerted and angry. Bilquis’ trusted servant Mumtaz becomes involved with an unsuitable young man, Omar, whose convictions have led him to fight in Afghanistan and Kashmir. These relationships show the clashes of traditions, cultures and classes, as well as duty and love. The author uses simple, direct language that has a fluid feel and is supremely readable, but somewhat passionless. His depiction of the tug of war and love between Bilquis and Samad is a fine accomplishment, however. The style of storytelling reminds me of David Davidar’s The Solitude of Emperors. Abidi, whose first, very different, novel was Passarola Rising, is a literary writer, with appeal to readers who appreciate character complexity and insight into other cultures.

Sue Bond is a freelance writer and reviewer, and has worked in the bookselling industry

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