Mudslinging and other short stories
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Mudslinging and other short stories is an anthology of short stories (second edition). It’s a work of fiction, based on everyday life experiences and observations. It depicts the various facets of our society very evident to everyone yet most conveniently ignored by all.
It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that it’s a depiction of our society with all its ills and imperfections. The protagonists or characters are common people caught in the whirlwind of circumstances some beyond and some in their control, testing them, trying them as they endeavor to change their luck, or most often acquiesce to circumstances, considering it as their fate. Bound in the shackles of society with its peculiar ethos the stories try to lay bare the truth.
There are stories based on the dual yet imperceptible nature of people incapable of changing their habits. Displaying a lack of ethics and morals, having a God complex about their abilities, yet with a definite air of self-righteousness.
A few light-humored stories depict the feelings of characters while they try to find love, togetherness or solace in their wanton behavior. These are everyday events that mean to send a strong message to the reader about our machinations while ignoring the principles set forth by the deity or deemed as being acceptable in a cultured society.
Ordering Info:
Cash on delivery (COD) is available all over Pakistan.
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★★★★★ Goodreads Reviews
Aneela –
‘Mudslinging and Other Short Stories” by Nauman Afzal is his quite impressive debut novel with eleven fictitious tales; thus a remarkable attempt to depict various anthropological flaws which are deeply ingrained in our societies whether collectively or individually. These stories highlight how different immoral societal values and religious flaws have not only disintegrated society as a whole but also diminished the tiny grain of humanity on an individual level.
The way in which the writer has mentioned how a human being tends to forget his countless other blessings and becomes ungrateful just in a time of a certain small distressful situation by using an analogy of a plant which thrives on despite in tough surroundings is indeed praiseworthy. As well as, he commendably quoted about how people holding high-level designations in government institutions disguise their selfishness and personal interests under the term of ‘public interest’; to achieve their personal agenda covertly. How dishonesty and bribery have destroyed the very foundations of our institutions which are necessary for any country’s prosperity.
Sincerity is lacking in every other human relationship- be it a family member or a friend. Irrational beliefs, as well as religious sectarianism, have long been prevailed in our society which caused the divide among its members culturally and socially. All these issues have been beautifully highlighted by the writer.
The book is written in simple and readable English. My most favourite stories are ‘Pani Agaya’ and ‘Mudslinging’. I finished this wonderful book in just one sitting with my cuppa tea.
I am very grateful to the writer for his kindness to send me this book for review in exchange for an honest review.
Credit: Goodreads
Ayesha | عائشہ –
Mudslinging is a novel which comprises of short stories. The main idea or theme of them are mostly centered around issues of Pakistani society.
It was a short read for me as it consists of 144 pages. So it’s gonna be a short review. But I really enjoyed it a lot. Each story was full of comedy, criticism and beautiful lessons.
The plot first focuses on the point that humans are the best creation of Allah but they keep on hurting each other. So writer uses various plant and animal kind of characters to emphasize on this point.
“How could someone be best while hurting others?”
Secondly, this novel also highlights the issue of corruption in society especially corruption in government organizations. This issue is highlighted in various chapters but my favorite one regarding this is Peela Peela.
Despite corruptions at government level, corruption or you can say dishonesty at individual level and in relationships is described in an appealing manner.
“But what I really hope is that we leave this world being in the company of our loved ones. For what else is life without love?”
Another thing I loved about this book is that the stories are mostly set in serene city of Islamabad. As Islamabad is my favorite and beloved city that’s why this novel made me rate it as 5 stars.
Thankyou so much Moon light Book tours and Nauman Afzal for providing me opportunity of becoming a tour host and for the signed book too.
Credit: Goodreads
Shahzina shafi –
This book is a collection of short stories written in satirical and humorous way highlighting the common social evils and depicting some important moral lessons. These stories provides an insight on prevailing social evils and urge the readers to think about where we lie as a “society”. We, as a nation are morally deteriorated and our society is heading to a dead end because of the immoral values we have adopted. These immoral values or social evils have become so common that we as a nation has become so used to it that we consider them normal. In case if we feel some kind of guilt deep inside we simply ignore that and has the habbit of going with the flow.
You can relate to each and every story as every character has taken from our surroundings. Some stories like “paani aagaya” and “kutta kahani” has written in allegorical form depicting some human attributes in non-human things because in humans these attributes no longer exist.
The author has written these stories in such an effective way using routine life examples with minor details that actually depicts the keen observation of the author. These short stories are a light read yet really really thought provoking.