Budhoo and other short stories
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“Budhoo and Other Short Stories” is an anthology of short stories. It is not centered around a single theme, rather the treatise is very varied. The stories depict the Pakistani society in a unique way. You are sure to find satire, one odd love story, stories on domestic issues, social injustice, harassment of women, a little bit of fantasy, and one odd story about personal acts of bravery.
Tinged with a smattering of Urdu words, the stories are basically meant for Pakistani readers. And it would not be out of place to say that they are equally good for the Desi readers, regardless of their current habitation.
Fiction is always inspired by real life and so while reading the book you may find instances where you might have heard or experienced similar events. Events and instances that we tend to ignore and abhor but are either forced to acquiesce to or accept. And in that sense readers will be able to relate to it and understand the message.
George Herbert wrote, “He that lives in hope dances without music”. It is only when we accept our shortcomings that we can move towards betterment. And in that sense, the book is a small effort toward betterment. The stories are purposeful and each one of them conveys a strong message.
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Sanober Zulfiqar Mughal –
– BOOK REVIEW –
Name: Budhoo and other short stories
Author: Nauman Afzal
Genre: Contemporary fiction/ short stories
No. Of pages: 198
Nauman Afzal writer of ‘Mudslinging and other short stories’ comes with his second book ” Budhoo and other short stories”. This book is a collection of 13 short stories with a balanced dose of satire and criticism towards the society, people and evils which are practised as norms.
The stories are of contemporary times: relevant and relatable. Narration is simple and lingo used is apt which makes it a swift read. Theme of the book remains intact as some stories highlights social taboos, some addresses domestic violence and some stories exposes low morality of the society.
What I liked about the book is that this time, the writer has added humour to his stories. I found stories like Budhoo, Chai Peeyo Gi, Jatta, NOC, Sifar Bata Sifar, Tragic tale of Rubada & Tania thought provoking as his stories generally are. But what took me by surprise was Jet’aime’ a love story and Trans Temporal Traveller, a story with a touch of sci-fi.
Though all the stories are good but stories like, Extension Cable, Kitty Party and Postee left me laughing for quite a while. Praises for the writer, @nauman.afzal.16 on exploring different flavours successfully and yet giving ‘food for thought’ in each one.
The book is a short read, could comfortably be finished within 3-4 days. @auraqpublications have done a fabulous job as printing and paper quality is commendable. And yes, from the catchy title of the stories to interesting illustrations, the book certainly vouches it to be a must have and a must read.
P.S I am ever grateful to Sir Nauman Afzal for having faith and trust in me and handing over his sheer hard work, his manuscript for proofreading to me. It was a great experience working with you Sir 🙏🏻😊
@nauman.afzal.16 @auraqpublications
Shahzina shafi –
Nauman afzal, the author of “Mudslinging and other short stories” is an emerging pakistani english writer and this times he comes with his second book, “Budho and other short stories.” From eye-catching cover to appealing title of the stories, scrupulous sketches to writer’s ardent way of writing, everything is commendable. This book is somehow continuation of the mudslinging as it also addresses the social and politicial issues of our society and country but this time the burning ones like corruption, bribery, inconsonant use of power and wealth, domestic abuse, work place harrasment without any gender discrimination, love and heartaches. It seems like love and heartaches are directly proportional to each other.
His expertise in writing on social issues is laudable as the stories reflect his keen observation towards the society and country but with empathetic heart. His efforts in order to spread the awareness to bring the change in society by highlighting these social evils are admirable.
Trust me i am at loss of words when it comes to review this book. In this book of merely 198 pages there is so much to learn and act upon after realizing our flaws and responsibilities as a civilian and as a nation.
What hurt me the most is knowing that all people indulged in these immoral evils of backbiting (kitty party), backstabbing (the backstabber), domestic abuse (tania and tragic tale of rudaba) and work place harrassement (chaaye piyoo gi) are not illiterate and ignorant people. They all are well educated and high class people but still responsible for these immoral actions. What kind of examples are they setting for their descendants? My heart shattered into pieces when i had read these lines in tragic tale of rudaba,
“Why they proposed for my hand in marriage if they couldn’t care for me? Why do parents marry off their daughters to people they don’t know? Whats was my mistake? Was it fate? Why is it so concenient to hate and hurt anyone rather than love or care for them.”
So its high time for girls and their parents to stand against domestic abuse. Lives of daughters are more precious than abusive and toxic relations.
Budho, Noc, sifar bata sifar and extension cable addresses to the people in power and their inconsonant use of power. From the last 75 years how people in power are working for their country and its masses. Being on a power seat is such a huge responsibility but unfortunately how people are using this responsibility as an opportunity for their own benefits resulting in barrenness of the country. They are in power to serve the people but on the contrary they are increasing problems for the masses as discussed in NOC.
Writer’s satirical yet interesting way of storytelling make this book a swift read and will not let the reader down the book for a second and hence you can easily read it in one go. The best thing about the author is that he gives a deep message in a short story of few pages whose impact remained with the reader for a long time.
Adnan –
Budhoo and Other Short Stories by Nauman Munir Afzal
“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
–Thomas Mann, Essays of Three Decades
The book is really interesting and explores various social dilemmas. The writer is the authored two books, and I have gone through both and found them to be the best on contemporary societal issues. The latest book, “Budhoo,” is comprised of 13 short stories in different genres like satire, irony, fiction, and reality. You may find different literary flavors in the short stories, like pain, love, and influential people being programmed to detest the work. The work delves deeper into the negative present in the world while also featuring uplifting characters, acts of sacrifice, and, ultimately, comedic timing aimed at keeping the reader entertained throughout the reading experience.
My understanding is that, the perfect world is not possible, but the writer, through stories, provides a demarcation of “good place”, “bad place”, “no place,” and some place for the social groups. Overall, the Budhoo is a better depiction of the writer, and I really enjoyed it. I further expect some more of the best writings from Mr. Nauman Munir Afzal sb. I highly recommend this work to every age group from a native perspective.
Dr. Maria Murtaza –
I read both the story books written by Mr. Nauman Munir which I found very interesting and captivating. His stories has come up with many everyday life engagements and social issues which we generally pay no attention and neglect it as a routine.
He is an intellectual writer and a deep thinker.I truly admire his perception of seeing the world that he has penned in his books in a very artistic, interesting and in an amusing way.
Truly waiting for more new editions by him.
Keep writing!!
Good luck 👍🏻
Attiya –
The book Budhoo is a book which you cannot put down once you finish all the stories in the book. It was a wonderful experience to read these 13 short stories based on social issues. These issues are so relatable that you can enjoy every word of the book.
Mr Nauman Afzal is a new author and putting in alot of effort to add in value and play a positive role in a literary society through his books. His efforts are commendable I wish him all the good luck and keep writing books for us.
Fatima Bilal Paracha –
I’ve had the pleasure of reading both books by Nauman. His second book, Budhoo and other short stories, is a mastercalss in social satire. Nauman has taken simple, classic everyday stories , and elevated them with his master skill of storytelling. The poignant words make a deep impact on your soul. One can’t help but feel for the domestically abused wife, the jilted lover, or the heart broken widow, simply because of how beautifully the stories have been written.
The book holds a mirror to society’s ugly face and makes you look at yourself, makes you self evaluate. The satire is subtle but on the mark.
While it is a work of fiction, the stories are so relatable that you feel as if you’re living them. Pair that with the skilful storytelling, the apt words and you’ve got a winning hand.
Nauman has done a wonderful job. I 100 percent recommend this book to other readers. And I look forward to reading more of his works.
Sheikh Danish Mazhar –
Budhoo and other short stories is masterful work of Nauman, who is yet again being successful in striking just the right chords with the readers. You go through a plethora of emotions as you sift through the book, exploring stories one after another. Great to see personal development of the writer through his 2nd book. A great read for a diverse audience.
Olivia –
“Budhoo” authored by Mr. Nauman Afzal. Published by Auraq Publications. Year of publication September 2023. Comprises 13 short stories,printed on paper back comprising 198 pages.
Budhoo is the second book authored by Nauman Munir, the first one being “Mudslinging and other Short Stories”. Most of the stories in this book are about young people and their lives and societal issues faced by them and others around them. Often these revolve around discrimination against women and biases they face in a male dominated society.
Some stories are about every day work place experiences reflecting the red tape, beauracratic wranglings and corruption rampant in our Public sector. These give insightful observations of the real shenanigans that abound in babu populated ministries. Nauman’s keen eye sees through the apparent and brings to fore the hidden that ordinary folk can neither see or make out. It’s in these stories like, NOC, Sifar batta Sifar, The back Stabber and Extension Cable where he shows his real writing prowess. Those who made their journey of public service or had the misfortune of dealing with GoP departments are amused on the deep understanding that the author has but also get dismayed when reading about the ordeal most people have to go through.
Stories written in Budhoo about socail issues can be classified as “معاشرتی افسانے” and not really a work of fiction. While writing these stories his fantasies about high living, Rolex watches, female constitution and luxury cars can not escape notice. His remorse on the bad treatment meted out to the daughters of eve shows his softer human side. Written in simple langauge and about relatable topics make them intresting.
His future writings focused on his gifted skills that those close to him know about will be even more beautiful and enjoyable to read.