Rethinking Identities in Contemporary Pakistani Fiction

Rethinking Identities in Contemporary Pakistani Fiction

By A. Kanwal

Book Description

In an era where global events have reshaped how Muslims understand themselves and their place in the world, this scholarly exploration examines how contemporary Pakistani writers are reimagining identity and belonging. A. Kanwal investigates the profound ways that post-9/11 discourse has influenced Muslim communities both within Pakistan and across the diaspora, creating new challenges for how individuals define home, faith, and cultural connection.

Through careful analysis of works by prominent Pakistani authors including Nadeem Aslam, Kamila Shamsie, Mohsin Hamid, and others, this study reveals how fiction has become a powerful vehicle for confronting stereotypes and reclaiming narrative control. These writers address the complex realities facing Muslims in the twenty-first century, pushing back against oversimplified Western perspectives while grappling with internal tensions around religious expression and cultural identity.

The book traces connections between international political rhetoric, the rise of various Islamic movements, and the lived experiences of Pakistani communities worldwide. Rather than accepting fixed definitions of Muslim identity, Kanwal proposes a more fluid understanding that she terms a "global ummah," suggesting new possibilities for spiritual and cultural belonging that transcend traditional boundaries.

For readers interested in understanding how literature reflects and shapes spiritual identity in our interconnected world, this work offers valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of Muslim consciousness and community.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 223 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore History and criticism
  • ✓ Explore Muslims, asia
  • ✓ Explore Pakistani fiction (English)
  • ✓ Explore Englisch
  • ✓ Explore RELIGION / Islam / General
  • ✓ Explore Literatur
  • ✓ Explore Muslims
  • ✓ Explore Ethnic identity

Topics Covered

History and criticism Muslims, asia Pakistani fiction (English) Englisch RELIGION / Islam / General Literatur Muslims Ethnic identity Identität Group identity Pakistani literature LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh LITERARY CRITICISM / Asian / Indic LITERARY CRITICISM / General SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / General Islam and literature War on terrorism, 2001-2009 War on Terrorism (2001-2009) in literature SOCIAL SCIENCE / Islamic Studies Terrorism in literature Elfter September War on Terrorism, 2001-2009, in literature

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