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This is a set of short stories from an author who has published short stories previously in various periodicals.  I received a publisher's advance reading copy 9 January 2009, and read selections over the next month or so.

The stories take place in the author's native Pakistan, and portray various lives in different situations.  The settings vary from rural to urban, but there is a continuity of characters, tying all the stories together.

For instance, the rich land owner K K Harouni lives in Islamabad, but own land in a rural area.  Most of the stories take place in the worker's village on his farm, in the neighbouring villages or in other villages connected to Harouni's workers or other members of their community.

In one story we are with Harouni at his death, learning more of the intrigues and trials of the rich upper strata of Pakistani society.  The stories vary in style.  Mueenuddin reveals the inner dynamics of Pakistani culture through his characters and the events in their lives.

He reveals the pitiful, exploited poverty of the majority of the people we meet.  Likewise he evokes a sympathetic lament from the reader over the entrenched corruption.  Everything has a price.  No justice is objective.  The police and magistrates, and any level of civil administration is open for bribes.

Those with money can make the wheels move in the direction of their favor. Yet he also includes a stream of reaping what you sow.  There is even a murder mystery in this collection.  This illustrates the injustice of the justice system in Pakistan.  This tale involves the police and judges, entailing false accusations, a falsified charge, bribes, counter-bribes, and finally a resolution that might surprise you.

On a couple of these stories, I was left puzzled about just what it was supposed to mean.  Overall, though, I think other readers will agree with my general conclusion that these are rich portraits of people and a cultural milieu many would not otherwise see.

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OBJ

Initial review posted on Amazon 14 February 2009
This review posted on Thoughts and Resources 16 February 2009

Orville Boyd Jenkins, EdD, PhD
Copyright © 2009 Orville Boyd Jenkins
Permission granted for free download and transmission for personal or educational use.  Other rights reserved.

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