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The Return of Faraz Ali

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( 3,624 ratings, 471 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad is a compelling narrative set in the chaotic streets of Lahore. The story follows a police officer, Faraz Ali, who is called back to his childhood neighbourhood to cover up a crime. As he delves deeper into his past and grapples with his duty, he confronts personal and societal conflicts, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and justice.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by stories with rich cultural backdrops and complex family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil, it blends elements of mystery with an exploration of identity, belonging, and loyalty. If you enjoy novels that weave personal struggles with broader social themes, this might be a great choice for you.

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The Return of Faraz Ali

A spellbinding debut set in Pakistan during the political upheavals of the late '60s - a propulsive tale of family, secrets and survival in a caste-ridden, patriarchal society.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
WINNER OF THE WRITERS' GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE GORDON BOWKER VOLCANO AND MCKITTERICK PRIZES

'A stunning debut novel'

Kamila Shamsie

'An impressive, gripping debut'

The Times

'Rich and deeply moving . . . marvellous'

Yaa Gyasi

Pakistan, 1968. As riots erupt in the streets of Lahore, Inspector Faraz Ali returns to his birthplace, the red-light district in the walled inner city. Wrested from it as a child by his powerful father to be raised by a respectable family, Faraz has hidden his roots ever since. Now his father has sent him back: to cover up the murder of a young courtesan.

It should be a simple task, but for once Faraz finds himself unable to obey orders - nor can he resist searching for the mother and sister he left behind. Chasing after answers that risk shattering his precariously constructed existence, Faraz is unaware that his sister also faces a return to the old city, and to the life she thought she had escaped.

'A gripping read that does not let you go, even after the end'

Maaza Mengiste

'Stunning . . . fully human, fully engaged with what makes us human'

New York Times Book Review

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad is a debut novel praised for its compelling blend of noir, politics, and personal histories. The story intricately explores themes of power, class, and corruption within a richly depicted Lahore setting, while maintaining an intimate focus on its characters. Critics commend Ahmad's nuanced storytelling, highlighting its emotional depth and the seamless interplay between complex narratives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529356038

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sceptre

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 249g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Aamina Ahmad was born and raised in London, where she worked for BBC Drama and other independent television companies as a script editor. Her play The Dishonoured was produced by Kali Theatre Company in 2016.

She has an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and is a recipient of a Stegner Fellowship from Stanford University, a Pushcart Prize and a Rona Jaffe Writers Award. Her short fiction has appeared in journals including One Story, the Southern Review and Ecotone. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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