Namrata explores Osman Haneef’s debut novel Blasphemy (Published by Readomania, April 2020) which raises some important questions on the cruel laws and outdated practices.
“People are entitled to change their minds.”
Osman Haneef (Blasphemy)
These words from Osman Haneef’s debut novel Blasphemy stay in your mind long after you are done reading it. It denotes my exact thoughts after reading it. I plunged into it with curiosity, completely unaware about what was about to hit me and was in for a surprise. It is one of those rare books which remind you, the problems you are bogged down with, are not yours alone. The degree of the problem might vary, but there are many out there battling with it and wondering if there is any end to it. Haneef’s novel tries to show us that end, though carefully disguised.
Through Blasphemy, Haneef explores the controversial law of Pakistan. Highly insightful and majorly one that raises a lot of important questions, this story of a young Christian boy wrongly charged of blasphemy is an engaging read.
It is interesting to note, the number of hats Haneef adorns. He has worked as TV actor, a strategy consultant, and a diplomatic adviser, and was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2017. Bringing together his experiences of observing the world, its culture and practices closely, he manages to weave a fascinating story where fact meets fiction.
Read full review on Kitaab.