BOOK REVIEW: 'Kolachi Dreams'

Contemporary social issues have always been subject matter of short stories and novels across the literate world.
Bulk of the classical literature produced during the seventeenth, eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in Europe has rich portion of these meticulously relied upon kith, clan, and folk factors to make an engaging presentation before the audiences cocooned in their respective shells for fear of violating their own cultural norms.
Reliance upon the oddities of communal life, political subjugation of common folk by the ruling elite and the role of religion in providing guidance to rulers to perpetuate their authority over aliens is another kind of mix that dominated the old writing scene. Many of the writings, old and new, that have linkages with classical literature are in fact exposé of the society-mix - elite and the rest are discussed in a number of ways.
In not a very distant past, writers from the defunct Soviet Union did produce such writings that exposed politics of their heroes and brought their deeds into open for discussion and disgrace. These exercises in telling the truth have raised questions about the Soviet history and there seems to be a need to recheck and readjust facts.
Historians, in the East as well as in the West, have heavily relied upon the content of such literary works, which have discussed ways of life shaping personalities, challenging cultural norms, raising questions about political practices and complaining against the use of religion for sinister purposes. They have used it as a dependable source material for social and political history of Europe where absolute authority of the rulers and the religion - and crime in the name of religion against human intellect - had been an accepted tool for governance.
The ruling elite could catch hold of historians for factual recording of events whereas the writers could say objectionable things in a subtle manner and get away unharmed. Novels and short stories have greatly helped in collecting material for meaningful historical exercises and for cross checking facts.
The post-1947 literature in the English language produced in Pakistan is no different. There is a series of novels young and upcoming writers have penned to influence serious readers. "Kolachi Dreams" a novel by Nadya A. R. is the latest addition in the existing list of invitingly provocative novels.
She has challenged the concept of sexual morality, religious morality, paternal morality and the morality that is usually a binding force between a family unit. She has raised questions about incestuous inclinations, political ambitions and ill-reputed means to fulfill these and many more desires.
There is commentary on crime and its purpose. She has not ignored taking into consideration the incentive and the incitement that welcomes people into the world of crimes. The repentance that crimes bring has also been discussed in the novel.
THE STORY REVOLVES AROUND FOUR CHARACTERS: young Bakhtawar alias BK, Tabussam Nasreen alias Twinkle, Bahadur Shah alias Bubble, and Sikander alias Ikki. In between there are many characters to support the central idea of the novel. BK leaves Dera Nau to begin his journey into the world of crime. He experiences the force of religion and indoctrination of fanciful ideas about the self and the being. BK is a strong character.
It depicts an incomplete caricature of an angry young man lured into the world of crimes by the desire to revenge his poverty, helplessness of his father and the rape of his young sister. In the process, he becomes a tool is the hands of politicians, religious hypocrites and mercenaries. His involvement with women remains cautious and affected by religious morality.
Tabussam Nasreen alias Twinkle, is a bag full of complexes and unresolved issues from her past, desirous of excelling in dance and music. 'Every time twinkle turned the television on to hear a song, it would start her mother off, turning these moments into some of the most unpleasant experiences of her life.
Her mother's scathing comments would start pouring non-stop from her foul tongue, 'these bloody, cheap mirasis! Why are you so fond of listening to their vulgar, cheap voices? You know these people sell their souls for a few pennies. Silly girl, go to your room'.
Sooraj Bhai is another character available in abundance in every society. He is a musician and a cheap version of music masters who always carry the proverbial 'casting couch' and hunt on dim witted and over-ambitious girls. He approaches Twinkle's parents, with dreams to sell. He promises Twinkle lessons in music and her poor parents - fortune. Twinkle loses her virginity to Sooraj Bhai. She then begins her life of seduction and drugs.
Bahadur Shah, a landlord from Sindh, was born in Lucknow to a nautch girl Nirmala Devi. Bahadur Shah suffered from the malady of a split personality.
Nadya has discussed incestuous inclinations of one of her characters Sikander alias Ikki, son of the Pir Saeen, landlord of Dera Nau known as Bakhtawar alias Bubble. Ikki known for his homosexual behaviour suddenly develops liking for women and that too for his stepmother, Twinkle.
There are many other characters that support the four main characters and provide the basic material for the novel. They depict the changing cultural norms, communal life pattern and political use of religious beliefs. This novel is a whiff of fresh air for those who wait for genuine writings -- a rarity in Pakistan. Keeping the price of the novel in view, quality of printing and paper is acceptable. Sarah Hyder deserves encouragement for cover design and illustration. Three hundred and eighteen pages include twelve pages of glossary.