"A case of exploding mangoes" by Pakistani writer Mohammad Hanif. This book received two prizes (Commonwealth book and Shakti Bhatt) in first book category and was long listed for Man Booker prize in 2008.
The book has been advertised as Indian and Pakistani best seller.
General Zia was killed in a plane crash along with his top generals. Conspiracy theories have been making rounds ever since. Hanif has used this incident to write this fiction by adding Hanif another conspiracy to the mix.
It is a story of Zia, his security chief TM, chief of ISI Gen Akhtar and two young officers Ali Shigri (whose father was Colonel Shigri, found hanging from fan) and Obaid Ul Lah.
Author has used his observations well to highlight the contradictions in the Pakistani society in general and army in particular. Gen Zia is portrayed more as a buffoon than a capable general.
It is not clear whether author has tried to write a satirical thriller or sarcastic comedy or comical suspense. Since the approach appears confused, so is the flow of story and ability to keep readers interested. You often wonder what exactly is he trying to convey?
I had to use a lot of will power in order not to abandon the book, hoping for something interesting in subsequent pages. Alas! it did not come.
I was unable to find what the judges / jury of these prizes could find in the book.
Avoid.
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