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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
A story that's heralded as queer representation included an adult sexually abusing a same-sex child. I just couldn't get into it past that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
I have absolutely no clue what possessed me to give this book a 1 star before. It is so simple but so witty, funny and hearty. Lihaaf is the obvious stand-out, but the rest of the stories read like a shot of adrak chai.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ismat Chughtai at her best, with very commendable translations by Tahera and Syeda.
Each story and character is brought to lfe, as only Ismat appa's prose can.
Each story and character is brought to lfe, as only Ismat appa's prose can.
Read this in Hindi. What an experience! It made me laugh and it had moments that made me absolutely terrified. This story elicited so many reactions from me and my heart is beating a little faster than usual as I have just finished this story and I am still not over it. Can't wait to explore more of her work.
Lihaaf is one of the stories in the short story collection written by Ismat Chughtai. Originally written in Urdu in 1942 Lihaaf translates to 'The Quilt' and is known as the boldest work by the author, one she had to defend for obscenity in the Lahore Court.
Lihaaf is a tale told from a young girl's point of view. As a punishment, she is sent to live with Begum Jaan, her mother's adopted sister. While our narrator is staying at Begum Jaan's house she observes Begum Jaan has this terrible itch that only her maid Rabbo can soothe. Every night she notices an elephant-like shape under Begum Jaan's quilt, hence the title.
This story is crafted in such a clever way, it suggests a sexual relationship between Begum Jaan and Rabbo but since it's written from a young girl's perspective, we do not find any obscenity here.
The author has done a great job in portraying a neglected wife and her repressed desires, how she took control of her life exploring her sexuality. She has also looked at the dark side, what Begum Jaan does to our narrator when they were alone is quite questionable and her husband being interested in "young slim-waisted boys" hints towards pedophilia. I think the author has also brought forward the subject of sexual exploitation of younger children, how adults hold power over the children and the misuse of that power.
Even today, many people take homosexuality as a taboo topic, writing a controversial story back then that suggests homosexuality should have taken a lot of courage on her part.The author writes between the lines, she has managed to voice so much within just a few pages and that is what I loved about this story.
Lihaaf is a tale told from a young girl's point of view. As a punishment, she is sent to live with Begum Jaan, her mother's adopted sister. While our narrator is staying at Begum Jaan's house she observes Begum Jaan has this terrible itch that only her maid Rabbo can soothe. Every night she notices an elephant-like shape under Begum Jaan's quilt, hence the title.
This story is crafted in such a clever way, it suggests a sexual relationship between Begum Jaan and Rabbo but since it's written from a young girl's perspective, we do not find any obscenity here.
The author has done a great job in portraying a neglected wife and her repressed desires, how she took control of her life exploring her sexuality. She has also looked at the dark side, what Begum Jaan does to our narrator when they were alone is quite questionable and her husband being interested in "young slim-waisted boys" hints towards pedophilia. I think the author has also brought forward the subject of sexual exploitation of younger children, how adults hold power over the children and the misuse of that power.
Even today, many people take homosexuality as a taboo topic, writing a controversial story back then that suggests homosexuality should have taken a lot of courage on her part.The author writes between the lines, she has managed to voice so much within just a few pages and that is what I loved about this story.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This did not go where I thought it was gonna go, had to read it twice just to wrap my head around it.