Home Book Review Pakistani English Literature Series: Meatless Days

Pakistani English Literature Series: Meatless Days

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Pakistani English Literature Series: Meatless Days

Moving through time and space, from Lahore to Connecticut and back again, the author takes us on a deeply personal journey through her family’s tragic history.”

Reviewed by Shoukat Lohar  

Life sketch of the writer

Sara-Suleri-authorSara Suleri is a Pakistani author and poet who writes in English. She was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, and later moved to the United States, where she currently resides. Her work explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, and has been widely acclaimed for its powerful and poignant portrayal of the human experience.

Background

“Meatless Days”, a novel written by Sara Suleri was first published in 1989 and has since been widely acclaimed for its poetic language, experimental structure, and feminist themes. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of the novel, analyze its themes and symbolism, discuss its main characters, provide selected dialogues, and examine some of the criticisms that have been leveled at the book.

Critical review of the novel

Book-Title-Meatless-Days“Meatless Days” is a collection of autobiographical essays blended into the garb of fiction that explores the life of the author, her family, and her experiences growing up in Pakistan and the United States.

This autobiographical semi fiction is organized in a non-linear structure, with each chapter focusing on a different theme or event. Some of the recurring themes include the author’s relationship with her mother, the influence of colonialism on Pakistani society, and the struggle for independence and identity.

The author examines the ways in which cultural and political factors have shaped Pakistani society

The novel opens with a powerful and evocative description of the author’s mother, who is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic figure.

The author describes her mother’s battle with cancer and her subsequent death, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the larger themes of the novel.

The author then takes the reader on a journey through her childhood and adolescence, introducing the reader to her family and the various characters who shaped her life.

One of the most significant characters in the novel is the author’s father, who is portrayed as a larger-than-life figure with a strong personality and a deep love for his family.

“Meatless Days” is a collection of autobiographical essays blended into the garb of fiction that explores the life of the author, her family, and experiences growing up in Pakistan and the United States

The author’s relationship with her father is complex, and she explores the nuances of this relationship throughout the novel.

As the novel progresses, the author examines the broader political and social issues that have shaped Pakistani society. She explores the legacy of colonialism and the struggle for independence, as well as the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

She also examines the role of women in Pakistani society and the ways in which gender norms and expectations have changed over time.

Throughout the novel, the author uses rich symbolism and poetic language to convey the complex emotions and experiences of her characters.

She explores the themes of identity, loss, and love through vivid descriptions of food, music, and other cultural artifacts.

Analysis

“Meatless Days” is a complex and multi-layered novel that explores a range of themes and issues. One of the central themes of the novel is the struggle for identity and independence, both on a personal and a national level.

The author examines the ways in which cultural and political factors have shaped Pakistani society, and how individuals navigate these complex social and cultural landscapes.

Another significant theme in the novel is the role of women in Pakistani society.

The author explores the ways in which gender norms and expectations have changed over time, and how women have struggled to assert their independence and agency in a patriarchal society.

Symbolism is also a significant aspect of the novel.

The only way to live in a country like Pakistan is to develop a sense of humor that borders on the absurd

Book-Title-Meatless-Days-1The author uses rich and evocative descriptions of food, music, and other cultural artifacts to explore the complex emotions and experiences of her characters. For example, the recurring motif of “meatless days” serves as a powerful metaphor for the various forms of deprivation and loss that the characters experience.

The novel’s non-linear structure and poetic language are also noteworthy. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including stream-of-consciousness narration, metaphor, and allusion, to create a vivid and evocative portrait of Pakistani society and culture.

Characters

The novel features a range of complex and memorable characters including the author’s parents, her siblings, and various relatives and friends. One of the most significant characters in the novel is the author’s mother, who is portrayed as a powerful and enigmatic figure. The author also explores the nuances of her relationship with her father.

Conclusion

Excerpts from the Meatless Days:

“There are times when my life feels like a series of loosely strung anecdotes, devoid of the main thread of story.”

“The only way to live in a country like Pakistan is to develop a sense of humor that borders on the absurd.”

“The only trouble with being female in Pakistan is that it allows for two possible modes of behavior–either you can be sweet and simple, or you can be cold and proud.”

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

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