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Diary of a Social Butterfly

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Diary of a Social Butterfly

Authored by Moni Mohsin, the book is written in the form of a diary that is kept by the main character, Butterfly Khan

Reviewed by Shoukat Lohar

Introduction

Author-Moni-Mohsin-SindhCourier
Moni Mohsin

Moni Mohsin is a Pakistani writer who has made a name for herself as a humorist and social commentator. She was born in Lahore in 1963, and after completing her education, she worked as a journalist for several years. She started writing novels in the early 2000s and has since published four books, including the critically acclaimed Diary of a Social Butterfly.

Summary of the Novel

Diary of a Social Butterfly is a satirical novel that offers a glimpse into the lives of the upper-class socialites in Lahore, Pakistan. The book is written in the form of a diary that is kept by the main character, Butterfly Khan. Butterfly is a wealthy socialite who is obsessed with fashion, parties, and gossip. She is married to a successful businessman and spends her days attending social events and shopping for designer clothes.

The novel is a light-hearted satire that pokes fun at the lifestyles and values of the elite in Pakistan. Butterfly and her friends are portrayed as shallow, self-absorbed, and materialistic, and their conversations revolve around topics such as clothes, jewelry, and celebrity gossip. The book also touches on some serious issues such as corruption, class inequality, and the role of women in Pakistani society.

The book as social satire

Book-Diary-Butterfly-Sindh-CourierDiary of a Social Butterfly is a prime example of social satire, a genre of literature that uses humor and irony to criticize society and its shortcomings. Satire is a powerful tool for social commentary because it allows the writer to expose the flaws and follies of society in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Mohsin’s novel is a biting critique of the Pakistani upper class and their values, and it highlights the absurdity of their lifestyles and behavior.

Analysis of Themes

Class Inequality: One of the main themes of the novel is the stark class divide that exists in Pakistan. Butterfly and her friends belong to the wealthy elite, and they are completely disconnected from the struggles and realities of the lower classes. The novel exposes the privileges and entitlements that come with wealth, and it highlights the stark inequalities that exist in Pakistani society.

Gender Roles: The novel also touches on the issue of gender roles and the expectations placed on women in Pakistani society. Butterfly and her friends are expected to be beautiful, fashionable, and obedient wives, and they are often judged by their appearance and social status. The novel challenges these stereotypes and shows the limitations that are placed on women in Pakistani society.

Corruption: Another theme that is explored in the novel is corruption, which is rampant in Pakistani society. The novel shows how the wealthy and powerful use their influence to get what they want, and how the system is rigged in favor of those who have money and connections.

Excerpt from the text

“Today was one of those days when I felt like just curling up in a corner and crying. It was all so depressing. The country is going to the dogs, the economy is in shambles, and the politicians are all crooks. And yet, here we are, worrying about what to wear to the next party, or which designer handbag to buy. It all seems so frivolous and meaningless.”

This quote from the novel highlights the tension between the frivolous and meaningless lives of the upper-class socialites and the harsh realities of Pakistani society. Butterfly and her friends are so caught up in their own little world that they are oblivious to the struggles of the wider society.

Criticism

Some critics have criticized the novel for being too light-hearted and lacking in depth. They argue that Mohsin’s portrayal of the elite is too exaggerated and caricatured, and that the novel does not offer any real solutions to the problems it highlights. Others have praised the novel for its humor and its ability to bring attention of the readers.

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Shoukat LoharShoukat Lohar is Assistant Professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro Sindh. He can be accessed at  Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

 

 

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