I have three very close contenders: “Udas Naslain” (Weary Generations) by Abdullah Hussain, “Nadar Log” (very loosely translated as Poor People) also by Abdullah Hussain, and Raakh (Ash/Ashes) by Mustansar Hussain Tarrar. All these books have a wide canvas and the storyline and characters are involved in or observers of the major historical events. While doing that, the story-line is something an ordinary person can relate to and follow. (There are others like A KaDarya (River of Fire) from Qurat ul Ain Haider, however, those are too philosophical for my preference.)
Udas Naslain” (Weary Generations) by Abdullah
I love all 3 novels however in my view the best is Udas Naslain (Weary Generations). I’ve read it multiple times up to now. That’s how great it is. I read it for the very first time once I was around 15 decades. I didn’t like it as it had been overly long and a little too dry (I mean without a major romantic theme.) Then I read it again when I was around 25. This time I liked it more. And then I read the English translation by the author. That is when I realized just how amazing it is. By then, I have read War and Peace by Tolstoy which is touted as the best novel of science fiction. (By the way, if a normal human being says that he has read War and Peace, he’s lying because I am.) In my opinion, you can’t read that novel full with all its titles composed with all of the pomp and show every time it appears in the prose.)
Abdullah Hussain’s (1931-2015)
This was Abdullah Hussain’s (1931-2015) debut novel that touched on universal themes of love and separation within the context of Partition and war, a motif that strikes a strange melancholic chord with my generation. I will reproduce the publication introduction here:
Published in 1963 and beyond its 40th edition, it’s never been out of print. A vivid depiction of this widespread disillusionment and seismic upheavals of the Partition age that cause the development of Pakistan and Bangladesh, there’s been a more opportune time to find one of the most important writings concerning the post-colonial injury in the area. Peter Owen, rights and editor director Simon Smith describes the book as one of the finest books, if not the finest, we’ve ever published’.
Starting with the battle of the people of India against the British Raj, this story of love and marriage between two individuals of completely different social backgrounds which crumbles almost as soon as it takes place mirrors the uncomfortable’marriage’between that the British and their Indian Empire — both unions ultimately ending in a parting of the ways. Fighting for the British during the First World War he loses an arm. Invalided home, he becomes mad in the subjugation of his countrymen under the Raj and contrasts himself with the resistance. His ideas have been swept off after Independence in 1947 when he recognizes that, as Muslims, his family is no longer safe in their home and that they need to migrate to the newly created Pakistan.” And the story continues.
Aag ka Darya by Qurratulain Hyder
Aag ka Darya by Qurratulain Hyder is yet another must-read Urdu book. Been interpreted in English, this publication is among the best books of the Indian Subcontinent. The publication is a tale of over two thousand years and largely concentrates on India before partition. The Partition of 1947, that altered the lives of countless men and women. Aag ka Darya is really popular and among the best-selling Urdu novels. That is a highly recommended novel, should you want to read something other than romance and religion or spirituality.
Conclusion
These are novels I like the most might be you have another choice. Express your choice in the comment section to expand this list. thanks for reading!
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