Book Reviews Archives - The Financial Daily

Two Centuries of American Intervention in Liberia: Africa, global powers, and a surprising reality

Webmaster — Sun, 17 May 2026 03:23:30 +0000

BOOK REVIEW

Some books in political history do more than merely provide information; they reshape the reader’s perspective. Two Centuries of US Military Operations in Liberia is one such remarkable work, written by renowned researcher and author Dr. Niels Stephan Cato Hahn. The book presents the two-hundred-year political and military history of the African nation Liberia in a way that compels readers to reconsider the policies of global powers from an entirely new perspective.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Hahn in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. During our conversation, I was deeply impressed by the depth of his research and his extraordinary understanding of African politics. He is not only an exceptional scholar but also a brilliant writer who explains history and international relations with remarkable clarity and evidence-based analysis. Our discussion revealed many realities that are rarely highlighted in mainstream media or conventional academic literature.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is that it does not portray Liberia’s history merely as the story of an African state. Instead, it places the country within the broader context of global power struggles, imperial strategies, and military intervention. According to Dr. Hahn, the United States did not limit itself to diplomatic relations with Liberia; rather, it influenced the country’s politics and governments for decades through military power, covert operations, and economic pressure.
The book also explains in detail how the American company Firestone established a vast rubber industry in Liberia and how, during the Cold War, the United States built military bases and communication centers there. The author further examines the growing influence of China in Africa and the American response to that expanding presence with remarkable insight.
Dr. Hahn research is particularly unique because he does not view African conflicts merely as internal civil wars. Instead, he highlights the global interests and external powers operating behind them. In his analysis, the Liberian conflict was in fact a prolonged struggle for influence among competing world powers.
This book is especially valuable for students, researchers, scholars of international relations, and journalists in Pakistan. For those seeking to understand global politics, the strategic competition between the United States and China, and the geopolitical importance of Africa, this work serves as a significant intellectual resource.
At a time when the world is moving toward a new era of geopolitical competition, books like this play an important role in shaping the intellectual outlook of younger generations. Through his research, Dr. Hahn demonstrates that international politics is not merely a game of slogans and diplomatic statements; rather, it is a complex system driven by power, interests, and strategic planning.
This book not only helps readers better understand the history of Africa but also encourages them to question the real forces behind conflicts across different regions of the world. That, ultimately, is the hallmark of a great author and truly meaningful research.

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Iqbal Khursheed’s “Chinal Aur Degar Afsanay”: A fresh leap in fiction, poised for wider horizons

Webmaster — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:30:48 +0000

It is rare for a fiction writer to portray his city and its crushed inhabitants in a manner that allows an entirely new world to emerge before the reader. A world that, despite its resemblance to the reader’s own city and neighborhoods, carries a subtle sense of unfamiliarity, prompting the reader to feel as if he is entering a magical forest or the unknown.
Iqbal Khursheed has accomplished this. He has rendered the last three to four decades of blood-stained Karachi, the Karachi that exists in reality, with such clarity and craft that a seasoned writer like Irfan Javed has described Khursheed as a chronicler of truth.
Iqbal Khursheed has already established himself as a fiction writer, journalist, interviewer and film critic. In his latest book, Chinal Aur Degar Afsanay, he appears to take a fresh leap as a fiction writer. This leap carries a sense of renewal, yet it is not a rebellion against tradition. Rather, it is a rediscovery of it.
The stories portray, with remarkable skill and in the context of Karachi, age-old human concerns such as the complex relationship between men and women, the bitter bond between power and weakness, and a society divided along class lines. Alongside a strong sense of narrative and storytelling, the book also reflects mature experiments in technique and style, making it a work that speaks for a distinctly modern sensibility.
Because of these experiments in technique and style, Ahsan Saleem, a leading poet of prose poetry and editor of the literary journal Ijra, described Iqbal Khursheed’s stories as so gripping that they leave the reader breathless. He also saw Khursheed’s style as a return to the manner of Rajinder Singh Bedi. This assessment feels justified, as Iqbal’s prose is mature and tightly woven. His sentences are brief yet sharp, marked by a measured choice of words, and infused with the linguistic flavour of Karachi’s middle and working classes, a quality that lends his writing a distinct identity.
At the same time, there is a sense of freshness in the structure of his sentences. At places, one encounters sentences made up of just a single word. In this way, the style becomes Iqbal’s signature. This is clearly evident in stories such as Chinal, Cake Aur Kuttay, Mako Dada Ki Asateer, and Stage Dancer.
On the other hand, there are creative experiments with style and form in his work that surprise the reader and encourage them to rise above the level of an ordinary, conventional reader. While such experimentation can be seen throughout the book, the final story, Man o Tu, stands out as a significant instance of creative daring.
Here, Iqbal adopts the forms of modern fiction and infuses them with his own touch of madness, breaking several established conventions of storytelling. A similar approach is evident in stories like Ek Pagal Kahani and Stage Dancer.
Typically, a fiction reader is drawn primarily to characters and events, and these elements reach their peak in Iqbal’s stories Chand Mamoon, Sard Khane Ka Mulazim, and Chinal. However, these are not ordinary incidents.
In these stories, the language appears simple on the surface, yet beneath lies a subtle complexity. Exaggeration and detachment-two seemingly opposing qualities-are handled with remarkable skill, a point noted by the renowned critic and poet Rafiullah Mian in his essay. The effect is genuinely striking. Opposing elements such as darkness and light, joy and sorrow, anxiety and calm are often woven into a single sentence, through which Iqbal challenges the conventional hierarchy of binary oppositions.
One aspect that critics should pay particular attention to is the irony and sharp humor present in the book. At its core, these are stories of the oppressed classes and their sorrows, yet instead of turning them into a tragedy, Iqbal infuses them with life through his dark humor and enduring characters. This is why, whether it is Chand Mamoon or Mako Dada, these characters linger in the reader’s mind long after the story ends.
Overall, this is a fresh attempt to portray Karachi’s oppressed classes with solid craft, powerful style, and full command of technique, an effort rarely seen in the past, that deserves to reach non-Urdu readers and dissolve borders.
It captures the Karachi of the last forty years, a city that very few have observed with such empathy, anguish, and wit. Those who have chronicled the elegy of this Karachi can be counted on one hand, and with this book, Iqbal Khursheed stands out as the most prominent among them.

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The story of Indus Civilization by Dr. Umair Haroon

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:11:07 +0000

The book Story of Indus Civilization (ISBN 978-969-23550-0-1) is a captivating and deeply insightful exploration of Sindh – a region often regarded as the cradle of civilization and the cultural heart of the Indus Valley. Written by Dr Umair Haroon, Editor-in-Chief of Voice of Sindh, this book offers a sweeping narrative that combines history, spirituality, culture, and identity in a way that is both scholarly and accessible.

A Journey through Time: The book begins by taking readers deep into the prehistoric roots of Sindh, from early human settlements to the urban brilliance of Mohenjo-Daro, one of the crown jewels of the Harappan civilization. Dr Umair masterfully traces the evolution of the region through key historical moments: Alexander the Great’s invasion, the arrival of Islam under Muhammad bin Qasim, the rise and fall of medieval dynasties, the influence of the Mughal Empire, and the lasting impact of British colonial rule.

Each era is not merely presented as a sequence of events but as a transformative chapter in Sindh’s continuous shaping of South Asian history.

Culture, Spirituality, and the Sindhi Soul: What sets this work apart is its holistic approach. Dr Umair goes beyond political history to capture the soul of Sindh – its deep-rooted spirituality, cultural pluralism, and timeless traditions. The chapters on Sufism are especially powerful, presenting Sindh as a beacon of peace, love, and religious harmony. The book also brings to light the diverse religious fabric of the region, where Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others have lived together for centuries in relative harmony.

Dr Umair explores the region’s rich artistic heritage, including its architecture, folk traditions, music, and poetry. He draws vivid pictures of local life through descriptions of Sindh’s cuisine, festivals, and vibrant crafts. The province’s economic and geographical importance is equally emphasized, with insights into trade routes, agriculture, and scenic treasures such as Gorakh Hill and wildlife sanctuaries.

The recognition of Sindh as the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah adds a powerful national dimension, linking the province’s legacy to the formation of modern Pakistan.

Dynasties That Shaped Sindh: A particularly notable strength of the book is its in-depth exploration of the dynasties that ruled Sindh and contributed to its cultural and political landscape. These include:

* Habbarid Dynasty (9th-10th century)

* Soomra Dynasty (1024-1351)

* Samma Dynasty (1351-1524)

* Arghun Dynasty (1520-1554)

* Turkhan Dynasty (1554-1591)

* Kalhora Dynasty (1701-1783)

* Talpur Dynasty (1783-1843)

Rather than offering a dry list of rulers and dates, Dr Umair highlights each dynasty’s impact – from infrastructure and city development to religious patronage and governance. These chapters reveal how Sindh evolved as a diverse, inclusive, and resilient society over the centuries.

An Important Contribution to Historical Literature: Dr Umair’s style is both eloquent and grounded in rigorous research. He presents history as a living narrative, connecting past to present with clarity and emotion. His ability to balance academic integrity with engaging storytelling makes the book accessible to both scholars and general readers.

Importantly, The Story of Indus Civilization reflects an original and comprehensive synthesis of Sindh’s archaeological, cultural, and historical dimensions, addressing a gap in existing scholarship. The nuanced integration of political history with spiritual and cultural insights underscores Dr Umair’s distinct voice and unique contribution to the field, reaffirming Sindh’s pivotal role within South Asian studies.

Conclusion: The Story of Indus Civilization is not just a book – it is a tribute to a land where humanity, faith, and history have walked hand in hand for thousands of years. Through its pages, readers are invited to rediscover the richness of Sindh, appreciate its contributions, and understand its ongoing relevance in shaping Pakistan’s past, present, and future.

Whether you are a student, academic, or simply a curious reader, this book offers both knowledge and inspiration. Dr Umair has crafted a powerful and lasting contribution to the cultural and intellectual heritage of Pakistan.

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The Raven’s Call, Authored by Sana Pirzada

Webmaster — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 07:42:44 +0000

Sana Pirzada’s book The Raven’s Call

BOOK REVIEW

The Raven’s Call

Sana Pirzada

Set in 1898, The Raven’s Call, a compelling atmospheric Gothic mystery, wholly transports the reader back to the eve of the Nineteenth Century in Kent, a county in England 127 miles southeast of London. It was a time before detectives used computers for research and depended on in-person interviews and interrogations of witnesses, acquaintances of the victim, and possible suspects. Travel by horse and carriage or train were the common means of transportation. In this part of the world, the misty, moody winter weather changes as quickly as the questions blow through the detective’s mind.

The tale The Raven’s Call is told through journal entries written by Detective David Eldritch, a complex, contemplative man, a widower, who boosts impressive credentials from cracking famous macabre cases of the time, and later on, by Miss. Simone, a puzzling Indian woman who works and resides in the Griffin Vale Estate. Upon first meeting her, Eldritch shares his first impression of her. “Simone was calm, I would say a little too composed given that she was sitting before a Detective and, given the fact that she was a mere governess, her mannerisms were very ladylike as if she did not belong to a lower social stratum.”

Mr. Hugh Percival, (husband of Mrs. Emmeline Percival, graceful heiress of the stately and perhaps cursed Griffin Vale Manor), was known to be an abusive husband, absent father, and unethical man – clearly not a model citizen by anyone’s account – has been missing for weeks. Did Percival stage his own disappearance or was he murdered by one of his many enemies, and if the latter, then by whom? Is anyone as they first seem to be? Everyone’s agenda is analyzed. No one is presumed innocent. Pirzada’s layered narrative will keep you guessing until the end.

A cryptic letter to Eldritch delivered by a post-boy who refuses to divulge the sender alerts Eldritch to the mysterious, alleged disappearance of Mr. Percival. Alarmed and intrigued, the Scotland Yard detective convinces his superior that he needs to get to work on the case immediately.

On the train out to the Griffin Vale House in the quaint village of Edenville, Eldritch meets retired General Augustus Hardwicke, former owner of Griffin Vale, father of socialite Lucy, who met a sad demise in a secluded house next to Griffin Vale. Just pages into the book, several tiers of intrigue set a page -turning tone.

One by one, as the detective returns for multiple stays in the mystifying mansion, Erdrich’s and Simone’s journal entries introduce us to a splay of vivid characters.

Mr. Jacob, the owner of a public house Eldritch stays at on his first night in town, discloses to the detective the myth that colors the reputation of the Percival estate. It goes like this, “Years ago, a woman, a servant rather, fell in love with the master of Griffin Vale.

He made false promises reassuring her that he loved her too. But the day she discovered, his words were mere lies, she killed herself. Flung herself off the roof of the house, they say.

It is said that she now haunts the woodlands near the house in the form of a raven with a red scar. What’s more frightening is that this tragedy occurred in winter. This is why the village folk are ever more afraid.”

Detective Eldritch, a pragmatic man, is prone to dismiss this sort of superstitious moonshine. Why then does he eventually visit a psychic medium, and who is the mysterious woman he sees in the garden at Griffin Vale? And what of the lone iris growing in the woodlands? What role might the disappearance of the illustrious Golconda Diamond Box play in the mysteries?

The Raven’s Call harkens back to the who-dun-it writers Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and elicits eerie, supernatural tones reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe. Ms. Pirzada makes excellent use of her background as a barrister and musical timing as a pianist in her work. She is a master at creating a tapestry filled with chicanery and manifold and complicated individuals. In an age where new books flood the market daily, The Raven’s Call rises above the fray.

While reading, I pictured events unfold like in a movie. For filmmakers searching for quality material, this book (The Raven’s Call) presents an irresistible theme, atmospheric setting, and alluring theatricality.

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‘Sarhane Meer Ke’ by Ahmad Nesar

Webmaster — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:26:59 +0000

Muhammad Nesar Khan, pen name Ahmad Nesar was born in Awrang Abad Bihar on 16th of June 1967. His educational qualification is E.Com and business is his profession. He has tried his luck in poetry, journalism and art also and has successfully managed to gain prominence in all the three fields. Among the present day Urdu poets and literary figures whose works are considered as the greatest contribution for extension of the horizons of Urdu poetry and literature, Ahmad Nesar’s name is of utmost importance.
For the last three and four decades Ahmad Nesar has been writing the Urdu poetry thereby giving shape to his thoughts, emotions and life experiences. He is an expert of Urdu Ghazal and poems. In his poetry one can find the truths of present, rising social and community evils and moral degradation with an appeal to raise the moral and ethical values.
So for Ahmad Nesar has compiled four poetry collections, Waliel in 2006, Apne Virud in 2011 and Breg Umeed in 2015. His poetry collection which is under my review at present is his fourth in the series. “Sarhane Meer Ke” is his fourth poetry collection (collection of Ghazals) published by Falak Publication. This book is spread over 160 pages of excellent quality. Its cover page is eye catching.
According to Ahmad Nesar, Mir Taqi Mir is the all time god of Urdu ghazals, so has he named his ghazal collection as Sarhane Meer Ke. Saleem Ansari from Jabalpur has written some thought provoking and excellent lines about the author and beauty of the book on the cover page of the book. Dr Gh Nabi Kumar from Kashmir has also penned some beautiful lines about this book. It’s foreword “ahista bolo” is written by Dr Rouf Khair.
Meraj Ahmad Meraj has also written a short paragraph which can be seen on the back side of the book. Ahmad Nesar has dedicated this collection of ghazals to his spouse Nasreen Rizvi (Ruhi) and lone daughter Afreen Fatima.
This beautiful book is a collection of 84 ghazals of varied themes. Almost all the ghazals are written in simple and comprehensive wording which can be understood by even a non-Urdu reader. On its page number 21 the last couplet of the opening ghazal Tafri Ka Mere Liye Samaan Aagaya is the excellent one depicting the troubles coming in our way while trying to live a pleasing life, “Sar Sabz Manzroon Ne Muje Di Thi Taazgi”, “Phir Rah Guzar Main Meri Biyan Baan Aagaya”. In its 3rd ghazal “Kaano Main Kaha Aake Hawa Ne Nahi Milte” the last couplet “Magmoom Balaoun Se Hai Shadab Alaqa”, “Kashmir Ko Hasne Ke Bahane Nahi Milte” depicts the deplorable condition of the people of valley. Ahmad Nesar’s unique technique and usage of simple Urdu words in his ghazals is infusing life in them as can be felt from the one on its 28th page “Zid Samander Ki Ho Mitane Ki”, “Khud Kinare Pa Doob Jawoun Main”. The last couplet of this fantastic ghazal is showing the love of the poet for his motherland “Aarzo Bas Yehi Nesar Meri”, “Apni Miti Main Lehlawoun Main”. This couplet of the poet depicts his unique style of composing the ghazals “Sitara Todna Tha Mujko Asmano Se”, “Khade Huwe Thei Magar Uqraba Chatano Se”.
Through the usage of simplest words, Ahmad Nesar has successfully managed to load heavy weight message in his ghazals. This couplet of a ghazal is its solid proof “Musalsal Aa Rahi Hain Uski Yadein”, “Shajar Aabad Hai Chidyoun Ke Dam Se”. About pathetic human life in which people merely pass time to get a temporary refuge from the displeasure, Ahmad Nesar has composed a heart-melting ghazal. One of its couplet is “Hamari Subha Tu Sadyoun Se Hai Andhere Main”, “Hamari Raat Ba Fazli Khuda Guzarti Hai”. It is really heart-wrenching to see outside world full of pleasures and excitements when one’s own dwelling place is in agony.
Ahmad Nesar too has expressed the same thoughts in this couplet of his pleasant ghazal “Charon Taraf Nesar Manazir Hain Khush Gawar”, “Manzar Teri Gali Ka Hamesha Udas Hai”. On page number 104 of the book these understandable words used in this ghazal “Muthi Bhar Haryali Thi”, “Jangal Main Diwali Thi”, “Ghar Wapas Bi Jana Tha”, “Shaam Agar Chi Kali Thi” have shown how beautifully a poet like Ahmad Nesar can develop poetic temper among the first time readers of Urdu poetry. “Apni Ratoun Ke Wastei Jignu”, “Zahan Main Noor Ban Ke Beitha Hai”, this is another nice couplet of a beautifully composed ghazal by Ahmed Nesar.
In almost all the 84 ghazals of this book, we find a bigger message and wise thoughts but engraved in simpler words depicting the expertise of the poet. Ahmad Nesar’s previous three poetry collections have been well received by the readers in general and Urdu lovers in particular. I hope this newer collection will also succeed in getting a big applause from the literary circles.
Ahmad Nesar has got the inspiration from Bashir Badar the distinguished Urdu poet and he has successfully tried to imitate him in composing the poetic pieces. Ahmad Nesar has started his literal journey from 1980 and 1990 when his penned creations began to be published in his name. His journalistic journey started from 1987. Presently he is editor of quarterly Urdu magazine “Alami Falak”.
Poet has not just expressed the pain and sufferings one feels in his poetry but he has also shown the ways to overcome the misfortunes of life. I hope this beautiful piece would be well taken by the readers possessing poetic temper.

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BOOK REVIEW | ‘Our Tainted Souls’ by Minaal Maan

Webmaster — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 01:46:04 +0000

Wealth divides us, but we are all the same.

Minaal Maan’s novel exposes the inequality, injustice and unfairness that pervades not only Pakistani society, but in societies throughout the world. Added to which the cultural mores that assert the power of men over women and the strictures people have to live by as a result of their position in society.Wealth dominates, and the poor suffer, marginalised and oppressed.

What makes Our Tainted Souls memorable is how, despite the circumstance we are born into, an individual can have the foresight to understand they can and do deserve better. It only needs a catalyst.
We meet Seher and Ahmad, troubled and restless. Seher, a girl conditioned by a life in rural poverty, wanting a better life and Ahmed, from a family of the political elite, a free spirit, railing against endemic corruption and resistant to a life carved out for him in the political establishment. Their meeting unknowingly shapes and changes each other more than they could expect. The story exposes the rich-poor divide and the difficulties in crossing or closing it.
Sometimes in order to better oneself, you have to accept harsh sacrifices.
A beautifully crafted novel that poses many questions that are relevant in society today.
Thank you Minaal for shining a light on inequality, for championing the rights of women in Pakistani society and for bringing the diverse and multi-layered landscapeof Lahore to life.

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