Fida - é - Lucknow

by Parveen Talha

This collection is steeped in the flvours and textures of life in Lucknow. Woven Through these stories is the history of its Ganga-Jamuni culture and the changes which came over the city and its people in the post-Independence period.

The true hero in these stories is the Lucknow-wala whose affection and loyalty are not restricted to relationships between equals, and religion never comes in the way. Fida-é-Lucknow is also the story of Lucknow's women. Be it Qudsia Begum, Zulekha, Amina or Ghengaran - all of them are liberated in the truest sense of the word.

A beautiful blend of history, relationships and vignettes of city life, it will interest all those who enjoy the variety and colour of this and many such cities.

Genres: Short Stories

197 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Parveen Talha is an Indian civil servant, reported to be the first Muslim woman to serve in any Class I civil service in India, the first Indian Revenue Service officer to become a member of the Union Public Service Commission and the first woman to serve in Narcotics Department of India. She was honoured by the Government of India, in 2014, by bestowing on her the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for her services to Indian Civil Service.

Reviews

[Mihr Chand]

Reading it a second time took none of the original beauty away. In the stress of exam week, it feels like coming back to an old friend.

[Amrendra]

A good book of 22 tales that tries to capture the spirit of Awadh/Lucknow through the people and the culture narrated in the stories. Most of the stories are written with nostalgia, with a lament of the fading days of high culture of Lucknow and a longing for the memorable days of the past.

The author has been a renowned civil servant and a native of Lucknow. Many of her own memories and experiences serve as stories for the book. The stories have often also been published earlier in popular newspapers. The tales are simple and the book does not fully succeed in capturing the graceful romance of Awadh as the fervour is missing. Yet, those interested in the region and it's culture can find it to be a good read.

क्या है ताकत-ऐ-आसमां जो छुड़ाए लखनऊ
लखनऊ हमपे फ़िदा, हम फ़िदा-ऐ-लखनऊ।

[Mukul Bhatnagar]

The book is full of interesting stories. Some are funny and some sad. The writer really loves her hometown and has used easy to understand language. A must read for every Lucknowite.

[Foghorn]

My favourite story was The Shawl.

[Daud Khan]

A collection of simple short-stories that really touched my heart. References to Lucknow places and cultural terms are a delight for those born there (although there is a comprehensive glossary explaining religious or cultural terms to assist outside those unfamiliar with it). Brings alive the pain associated with the waning of high-culture and tehzeeb of the of the city. Most (not all) of the stories are from a Muslim perspective though.. it might have been enriched by a more multicultural perspective.