A Firefly in the Dark

This is my second read from Shazaf Fatima Haider and one thing is evident really: she seems deeply connected to her cultural roots. Both of her books depict the indopak culture, expressions and legends. Protagonists of both of her novels are younger girls. She either connects with younger lot better or is trying to connect with them; educate them. Haider's debut book had a rather realistic story where the eldest child was to get married and some unorthodox events swept in. After reading her second book, I'm convinced you guys that she is capable of writing a local version  of Harry Potter very much.

This young girl Sharmeen lives with her Nani, mother Aliya, her comatosed father Amir and a servant Aziz. Aliya is not very fond of Sharmeen listening to Nani' s stories because her stories do not have the kind of happy endings that are meant for children and Sharmeen might get haunted by nightmares. For Nani, it is the weak minds that can not bear these stories. Sharmeen is going through a difficult time in her life, her father is comatosed, her mother is suffering from depression, her servant Aziz has developed this new overpowering attitude, she is being bullied at her school. Amongst all this, Nani's stories give her solace.

Nani is a loving grandmother but is pretty harsh with Aziz. Her attitude towards Aziz has caused low self esteem in him. Aliya is a loving mother and daughter but her opinion of life is far different from her mother's and later her daughter's too.

The villian in this story is the banyan tree in the garden of Nani's house. Story takes an interesting turn when Sharmeen gets to meet her own jinn, Jugnu. Jugnu tells her about a contract between her family ancestors and the jinn. The contract that has been broken recently and evil forces are now trying to get into the house. Jugnu is quite a witty fellow. There's Morpir who is a halfling- son of a janeeree and a human being, Samarkand. Morpir comes to their rescue in the end. 

The journey this book is going to take you to is so magical. I was oblivious of half the legends - or majority of them - mentioned in this book and I had to work hard to absorb each and every bit of them (I hope I don't forget lol). The legends are too many by the way. The end of this book is rather plain where everyone gets along with their affairs, which demands a second part, yo! I want more of it! Give it a read guys you would be happy, this book kept me hooked. 

Category: Fantasy fiction

Writer    : Shazaf Fatima Haider

*the image has been taken from goodreads