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Jannat Kay Pattay / جنت کے پتے
The life of LLB (Hons) student Haya Suleman took an interesting turn when she received scholarship to study a five-month semester at a university in Turkey, but the circumstances became grave when someone leaked a private video of her made at a party on the internet. To keep the video away from the eyes of the members of her traditional family and to avoid any complications, she had to contact an officer of the Cyber Crime Cell who could have had her video removed. But soon she was unsettled by the fact that this faceless officer already knew so much about her.
Will Haya be able to get that video removed from the internet? Will she be able to go to Turkey? And more importantly, will she finally be able to meet "him", him who she has never met before but has been searching for for many years?
From the streets of Istanbul to the Bosporus sea, from the caves of Cappadocia to the torture cells in Indian jails, Jannat Kay Pattay (English: Leaves of Heaven) is like a roller coaster ride in which most of your guesses will be proved wrong and this mysterious story will keep its secrets safe till the last sentence. Because keeping secrets is an art and not everyone knows it!
Will Haya be able to get that video removed from the internet? Will she be able to go to Turkey? And more importantly, will she finally be able to meet "him", him who she has never met before but has been searching for for many years?
From the streets of Istanbul to the Bosporus sea, from the caves of Cappadocia to the torture cells in Indian jails, Jannat Kay Pattay (English: Leaves of Heaven) is like a roller coaster ride in which most of your guesses will be proved wrong and this mysterious story will keep its secrets safe till the last sentence. Because keeping secrets is an art and not everyone knows it!
It was first published in Shuaa Digest from March 2012 to May 2013.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
1367 people are currently reading
12573 people want to read
About the author
Nemrah Ahmed
23 books1,334 followersNimra Ahmed Khan is a writer. Nemrah ahmed (also known as nimra ahmed or nemrah niazi) is a young pakistani novelist۔ She is the CEO of "Zanjabeel". Her first novel was published in Khwateen Digest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
June 17, 2014
I don't know how I feel about this book. With all the hype I expected better I guess. Nimra Ahmed ka bhi ek formula hai:
- female protagonist, whose beauty knows no bounds aur jiski izzat pe koi na koi ek bar tau zaroor haath dalay ga, and who goes through an unbelievablely positive and religious journey: Mehmal, Haya;
- male protagonist from security forces: Humayun, Major Ahmed;
- A religious mentor: Farishtay, Ayeshay;
- A kid: Taimur, Baharay Gul;
- An out of this world sareela khandaan (even by desi standards!);
- Death of a very close someone
Khair even with the formula, there were times it was so amazing when I literally couldn't put it down but then some parts were unnecessarily lengthy and highly unrealistic! I just skipped through those aur story pe koi farq nai para. Would it kill writers to properly edit their stories?
I did not like Haya AT ALL. I don't know why. Ek tau jitni baar usne "aanson andar le ke" "shanay uchkaye" thay hairat thi ke uske andar sailaab aa ke shanay uchak ke bahar nahi gir gaye. Ya uske "aanson ka phanda" halaq mai lag ke woh marr nahi gayi. Each and every time these words appeared on paper I got so irritated I wanted to slap someone! Hadh hai! Also, her journey and personality change was totally forced.. I mean for the love of God.. in less than 5months uske saath woh woh hogaya jo logon ke saath 50 saalon mai nai hota and she was a student of Sharia Law! *smh*
And this idea that "people should solve their own problems" was foolish and absurd esp. for girls. I mean it maybe right for routine issues but the kind that she got stuck in she should've mentioned it to her brother or father. There are times when girls do get in trouble and they should take their family in confidence esp. if they are not at fault. I remember reading about a girl who was repeatedly raped by a guy for years because he blackmailed her with some comprising pictures and she was too afraid to tell her family.
I loved DJ and I missed her badly when she left. After that I was only interested in Jehan Sikander (btw what is with our Urdu female writers: Salaar Sikander, Jehan Sikander .. dono mere dil ke sikander :P) and boy was it a pleasure reading about him! I loved the scenes between Haya and Major Ahmed (teehee!) ^_^
Baharay Gul was sweet. Reading about Turkey was fun. If I ever revisit this story it'll only be to reread conversations between Haya/DJ/Jehan and Haya/Major Ahmed :D
- female protagonist, whose beauty knows no bounds aur jiski izzat pe koi na koi ek bar tau zaroor haath dalay ga, and who goes through an unbelievablely positive and religious journey: Mehmal, Haya;
- male protagonist from security forces: Humayun, Major Ahmed;
- A religious mentor: Farishtay, Ayeshay;
- A kid: Taimur, Baharay Gul;
- An out of this world sareela khandaan (even by desi standards!);
- Death of a very close someone
Khair even with the formula, there were times it was so amazing when I literally couldn't put it down but then some parts were unnecessarily lengthy and highly unrealistic! I just skipped through those aur story pe koi farq nai para. Would it kill writers to properly edit their stories?
I did not like Haya AT ALL. I don't know why. Ek tau jitni baar usne "aanson andar le ke" "shanay uchkaye" thay hairat thi ke uske andar sailaab aa ke shanay uchak ke bahar nahi gir gaye. Ya uske "aanson ka phanda" halaq mai lag ke woh marr nahi gayi. Each and every time these words appeared on paper I got so irritated I wanted to slap someone! Hadh hai! Also, her journey and personality change was totally forced.. I mean for the love of God.. in less than 5months uske saath woh woh hogaya jo logon ke saath 50 saalon mai nai hota and she was a student of Sharia Law! *smh*
And this idea that "people should solve their own problems" was foolish and absurd esp. for girls. I mean it maybe right for routine issues but the kind that she got stuck in she should've mentioned it to her brother or father. There are times when girls do get in trouble and they should take their family in confidence esp. if they are not at fault. I remember reading about a girl who was repeatedly raped by a guy for years because he blackmailed her with some comprising pictures and she was too afraid to tell her family.
I loved DJ and I missed her badly when she left. After that I was only interested in Jehan Sikander (btw what is with our Urdu female writers: Salaar Sikander, Jehan Sikander .. dono mere dil ke sikander :P) and boy was it a pleasure reading about him! I loved the scenes between Haya and Major Ahmed (teehee!) ^_^
Baharay Gul was sweet. Reading about Turkey was fun. If I ever revisit this story it'll only be to reread conversations between Haya/DJ/Jehan and Haya/Major Ahmed :D
February 6, 2017
RTC when I am ready
August 9, 2013
A Super Superb Book still Awe Struck by it!
a MUST MUST READ ! Nemrah has really done outclass work
If You thought Mushaf was COOL...
Wait till you read Jannat Ke Pattay!!!
the quote in the first part had me glued...
"If someone offers you the "Warq-ul-Jannah" make no mistake and immediately jump on that offer"
a rough translation of the quote want to read ????
go buy and read it!
a MUST MUST READ ! Nemrah has really done outclass work
If You thought Mushaf was COOL...
Wait till you read Jannat Ke Pattay!!!
the quote in the first part had me glued...
"If someone offers you the "Warq-ul-Jannah" make no mistake and immediately jump on that offer"
a rough translation of the quote want to read ????
go buy and read it!
July 18, 2016
a very weak story ..highly pirated . the riddles solving plot copied from dan brown .. the events when jehan was imprisoned as a spy were copied word to word from "tariq ismail sagar's (main ek jasos tha ) and a book ghazi by abu_shujah abu_waqar ... in this book she criticized secularism but i think the writer herself havent read basics of secularism what she was criticizing was a popular prospective of secularism in pakistan far away from reality ..
August 7, 2016
What a wastage of time! I have heard so many good things about this novel but it was such a bakwass story with so many loopholes that I was literally irritated. I take Hijab as well but the way it portrays the judgemental views of main protagonist is pathetic really and far too away from Islam. I was literally irritated by 'achi larkiyan'. Also, Jehaan was Dolly, Maj Ahmed and Pasha was way too much to digest. At one point I started thinking why didn't the writer made Haya as Jehaan. The story was all over the place and was not realistic a bit!!
I have read 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' by Hanif Muhammed and feel that it was master piece as compared to this novel. I am comparing both novels because the main protagonists of both stories had the army background with their fathers being labelled as traitors. But since Hanif Muhammed was himself in Airforce and have seen that life so I found his approach more realistic, relatable and believable. Ms. Nimra Ahmed was trying to offer too much but made a khichri out of it... Won't recommend it to even enemy!!
I have read 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' by Hanif Muhammed and feel that it was master piece as compared to this novel. I am comparing both novels because the main protagonists of both stories had the army background with their fathers being labelled as traitors. But since Hanif Muhammed was himself in Airforce and have seen that life so I found his approach more realistic, relatable and believable. Ms. Nimra Ahmed was trying to offer too much but made a khichri out of it... Won't recommend it to even enemy!!
October 15, 2018
"Jannat Ke Pattay" is my go to book. When I can't decide what I should read, I open this. The characters, the story stays with me. Yet, I find it new every time I read it.
I like how detailed her research is. I like how she interweaves the plot in different time periods. I like how she keeps a balance between fiction and Islamic book. Best of all, I like how her lead couple interact with each other.
Of late, there have been a herd of new writers. They do not shy away from indulging too much into description of a married couple. Even some of the seasoned writers, names I will not mention here; are too vivid in describing the intimate moments. What's worse, most of the times that seems forced into narration. Often times I feel sick and ask, do these people have nothing better to do outside of room? If you've read "Jannat ke Pattay", you would be pleasantly surprised that a couple can be close to each other without touch. I rmember one such situation, and I site this example to others frequently. Haya confronts Jihan about his over-controlling and over-suspicious nature in deep well of Cappadocia. She comes back, cries and falls asleep. Jihan comes to her room, and awakes her, sitting on the sofa. Wow. The sheer simplicity, of their relationship, and their and undeclared commitment towards each other amazes me.
Another thing I like about the book, is that she does not conclude her story. She leaves with a stinging poison in the tail, which keeps haunting you long after you finish reading her book. In her trademark style, she leaves you with a thought, that they will be doing it again.
Edit - Oct'2018
I watched the drama Kara Para Ask, and now I feel that some of the plots for Nemrah's novels are borrowed from it.
The lead pair and the setting (Istanbul/Turkey) - JKP. Honestly, whenever I read about Jehan, I imagined Engin Akyürek.
Money Laundering & the name Fateh - Haalim
Yes, I know there is nothing new under the sun. I am still a big fan. Just that things don't feel as original and I am not as smitten. She is a terrific writer nonetheless. She has a way to weave in a gripping narrative.
Original Rating: 5 solid stars
Modified Rating: 3.85 stars
I like how detailed her research is. I like how she interweaves the plot in different time periods. I like how she keeps a balance between fiction and Islamic book. Best of all, I like how her lead couple interact with each other.
Of late, there have been a herd of new writers. They do not shy away from indulging too much into description of a married couple. Even some of the seasoned writers, names I will not mention here; are too vivid in describing the intimate moments. What's worse, most of the times that seems forced into narration. Often times I feel sick and ask, do these people have nothing better to do outside of room? If you've read "Jannat ke Pattay", you would be pleasantly surprised that a couple can be close to each other without touch. I rmember one such situation, and I site this example to others frequently. Haya confronts Jihan about his over-controlling and over-suspicious nature in deep well of Cappadocia. She comes back, cries and falls asleep. Jihan comes to her room, and awakes her, sitting on the sofa. Wow. The sheer simplicity, of their relationship, and their and undeclared commitment towards each other amazes me.
Another thing I like about the book, is that she does not conclude her story. She leaves with a stinging poison in the tail, which keeps haunting you long after you finish reading her book. In her trademark style, she leaves you with a thought, that they will be doing it again.
Edit - Oct'2018
I watched the drama Kara Para Ask, and now I feel that some of the plots for Nemrah's novels are borrowed from it.
The lead pair and the setting (Istanbul/Turkey) - JKP. Honestly, whenever I read about Jehan, I imagined Engin Akyürek.
Money Laundering & the name Fateh - Haalim
Yes, I know there is nothing new under the sun. I am still a big fan. Just that things don't feel as original and I am not as smitten. She is a terrific writer nonetheless. She has a way to weave in a gripping narrative.
Original Rating: 5 solid stars
Modified Rating: 3.85 stars
June 3, 2019
Reviewing this great book, the book that deserves to be read by everyone of any age. The book that taught me so much. The book that teaches us wisdom and talks of morality. The book that talks about the right path. The book that tells us no matter how hard it is to stick to the right path, you ought to do it anyways. And in the last, The book that has changed my life in so many ways.
I think my words can't justify the beauty of this amazing book so im just gonna quote the author herself, she says:
یہ کہانی ہے اذیت سہنے والوں کی؛ درد اٹھا کر صبر کرنے والوں کی؛ جہد کرنے والوں کی؛ کانٹوں پہ چل کر موتی بننے والوں کی!
if anyone asked me what's the greatest book I've ever read, i would simply say "Jannat ke pattey" without even giving it a second thought.
Im not gonna go on telling it's plot here not because i don't want to but because i can't, I've already tried and typed so many things but it still was not sufficient. The story has a vast expanse of events - events that trail from Pakistan toTurkey and then Back to Pakistan and then all the way back to Turkey.
This book not only taught me so much about religion, a woman's modesty and finding the right path, But it also made me fall in love with Turkey.
So fellas, trust me, I'm not exaggerating. This book is really worth all the appreciation in the world. Do read it if you haven't yet. You've been missing this helluva great piece of writing for long enough!
And in case you haven't realized yet, This is my most favourite book❤
I think my words can't justify the beauty of this amazing book so im just gonna quote the author herself, she says:
یہ کہانی ہے اذیت سہنے والوں کی؛ درد اٹھا کر صبر کرنے والوں کی؛ جہد کرنے والوں کی؛ کانٹوں پہ چل کر موتی بننے والوں کی!
if anyone asked me what's the greatest book I've ever read, i would simply say "Jannat ke pattey" without even giving it a second thought.
Im not gonna go on telling it's plot here not because i don't want to but because i can't, I've already tried and typed so many things but it still was not sufficient. The story has a vast expanse of events - events that trail from Pakistan toTurkey and then Back to Pakistan and then all the way back to Turkey.
This book not only taught me so much about religion, a woman's modesty and finding the right path, But it also made me fall in love with Turkey.
So fellas, trust me, I'm not exaggerating. This book is really worth all the appreciation in the world. Do read it if you haven't yet. You've been missing this helluva great piece of writing for long enough!
And in case you haven't realized yet, This is my most favourite book❤
February 21, 2019
I am writing this review almost 2 years after reading the book (I don't even remember the exact year), so it's kinda a gist of what it was and what I thought about it and how months of thinking about it changed my thoughts about it.
This is the one book that I rated 4 or maybe even 5 stars but as time passed, I looked back and always thought this was over-rated.
It was one of my earlier books and maybe my first proper urdu novel and I loved it. I think I enjoyed Haya a lot, DJ was an amazing character that broke my heart (and who reminded me of a real life friend that I was separated from). There was good character development of these two and even Jihaan. DJ was the best and Haya was second. There were many good Islamic lessons for us women here and I loved Haya grow into them and adopt a completely different lifestyle all the while figuring out the mess she was trapped in. The mystery of it all was quite good and also confusing, but that's also the reason I started to hate a loved character and realised how different Haya and I can be. Of course, I loved that said character then but the more I thought about it, the more I ran away from it and decided to rate it lower. Phew! It felt good to say all that!
Also, I think the plot was unrealistic in many ways. A character had access to almost everything without any difficulty and without any questions or reference as to how they got it. So, even though it was perfect in ways (the Islamic stuff) and it really made me question myself, I wasn't able to digest it as a whole. If you loved Haya's development, then I'd recommend reading پیر کامل. Now that's a book really worth reading. I read that one slow for just 3 chapters and then I couldn't stop at all! But stay away from it's sequel. It'll ruin it.
If you loved it, that's amazing. This book actually played a great role in the life of a friend of mine and she recommended this to me. Her name's also Aqsa and though she'll never read this review, I'm happy for her that she found her right path ❤ I only wish I were brave enough to pursue mine.
This is the one book that I rated 4 or maybe even 5 stars but as time passed, I looked back and always thought this was over-rated.
It was one of my earlier books and maybe my first proper urdu novel and I loved it. I think I enjoyed Haya a lot, DJ was an amazing character that broke my heart (and who reminded me of a real life friend that I was separated from). There was good character development of these two and even Jihaan. DJ was the best and Haya was second. There were many good Islamic lessons for us women here and I loved Haya grow into them and adopt a completely different lifestyle all the while figuring out the mess she was trapped in. The mystery of it all was quite good and also confusing, but that's also the reason I started to hate a loved character and realised how different Haya and I can be. Of course, I loved that said character then but the more I thought about it, the more I ran away from it and decided to rate it lower. Phew! It felt good to say all that!
Also, I think the plot was unrealistic in many ways. A character had access to almost everything without any difficulty and without any questions or reference as to how they got it. So, even though it was perfect in ways (the Islamic stuff) and it really made me question myself, I wasn't able to digest it as a whole. If you loved Haya's development, then I'd recommend reading پیر کامل. Now that's a book really worth reading. I read that one slow for just 3 chapters and then I couldn't stop at all! But stay away from it's sequel. It'll ruin it.
If you loved it, that's amazing. This book actually played a great role in the life of a friend of mine and she recommended this to me. Her name's also Aqsa and though she'll never read this review, I'm happy for her that she found her right path ❤ I only wish I were brave enough to pursue mine.
August 18, 2018
elongated for no reason. This book could easily pass for a thesaurus without its cover.
So..typical dimwit girl meets overly genius boy. You get the drill. Followed by the fact that the guy is secretly a stalker of the dimwit and covers it up with the excuse like..*inhales* ...wait for it..."I just care about you alot" (!!!) *flips table*
Filled with fillers that don't contribute to anything like character development or don't even contribute to the storyline.
Plus the hate the dimwit has for her cousin secretly being haram in the sheets pisses me of.
Wasn't at all a pleasant book to read. If you have a lot of time on your hand and can endure a painful amount of fillers..be my guest.
So..typical dimwit girl meets overly genius boy. You get the drill. Followed by the fact that the guy is secretly a stalker of the dimwit and covers it up with the excuse like..*inhales* ...wait for it..."I just care about you alot" (!!!) *flips table*
Filled with fillers that don't contribute to anything like character development or don't even contribute to the storyline.
Plus the hate the dimwit has for her cousin secretly being haram in the sheets pisses me of.
Wasn't at all a pleasant book to read. If you have a lot of time on your hand and can endure a painful amount of fillers..be my guest.
June 16, 2017
While I liked the book overall, there were moments where it bored me and I skipped lines to finish quickly. The novel is well-written, the plot has been sketched out beautifully though it became a bit convoluted at one point for me to follow smoothly. I understand that the title of the novel dictates that the story is about Haya's journey from a bad girl who never covers her head and dresses provocatively enough to catch every male's eye, to a good girl 'achi larki' who is a hijabi girl. However, the novel becomes too preachy at one point and it felt rather sexist to continue a 700 page narrative on that age old good girl vs. bad girl dichotomy. No one calls Waleed 'behaya' (shameless) when he snatches Haya's scarf and tries to rape her early in the novel. The same religion which dictates dress code and proper behavior for Muslim women around other males also dictates how men should behave modestly and respectfully around women. The novel tries to show us that every bad thing that happened to Haya before her hijab was her fault, because she always dressed provocatively and got herself in trouble with other men and invited the displeasure of family members. The novel tried to be feminist by showing us how strong and independent Haya becomes at the end of the novel, which is great, but reinforces the idea that girls who don't cover up properly and have secret boyfriends are behaya while the boys go scot free no matter what they do.
Also, is nikah between children even legal anywhere in the world? I thought that both Islamic Law and Pakistani Law demanded that the girl and boy in age should be mature in both physical and mental sense. In addition, Pakistani Law demands that the girl should be at least 16 and the boy 18. So how is it that Haya wasn't even a year old when she was married off to Jihan? I found myself reading the novel through this veil of incredulity. I just can't bring myself to treat nikah between children of less than a year and an 8-year-old as valid and legal.
Also, is nikah between children even legal anywhere in the world? I thought that both Islamic Law and Pakistani Law demanded that the girl and boy in age should be mature in both physical and mental sense. In addition, Pakistani Law demands that the girl should be at least 16 and the boy 18. So how is it that Haya wasn't even a year old when she was married off to Jihan? I found myself reading the novel through this veil of incredulity. I just can't bring myself to treat nikah between children of less than a year and an 8-year-old as valid and legal.
August 12, 2019
Only giving it one star because 0 is not an option. This has to be one of the WORST books i've read in my entire life. And the book is passed off as romantic and religious? The plot is awful, the mystery is unoriginal and both the main characters are mary sue. The guy is invincible and the girl is damsel in distress on steroids. And this book is so problematic and the reasons i will mention after the spoiler tag below.
SPOILERSSSSSSS:
The guy and Haya were married when they were kids. KIDS. This book being marketed as islamic has a haram nikkah as the core of this "Romance". The guy is awful, he is awful to the girl, he also happens to stalk her and once even kidnaps her. Because stalking and kidnapping is sooo romantic right?
And the girl starts covering herself while being "kidnapped" because yes who cares about getting out and going to authorities when you can be inspired by fellow victims who may or may not end up raped.
Hate this book.
SPOILERSSSSSSS:
The guy and Haya were married when they were kids. KIDS. This book being marketed as islamic has a haram nikkah as the core of this "Romance". The guy is awful, he is awful to the girl, he also happens to stalk her and once even kidnaps her. Because stalking and kidnapping is sooo romantic right?
And the girl starts covering herself while being "kidnapped" because yes who cares about getting out and going to authorities when you can be inspired by fellow victims who may or may not end up raped.
Hate this book.
October 27, 2024
❝Ham dunya walon ko nahin pata ke Jannat ke Pattay kaisay dikhtay hain. Koi aap ko laa ke de toh usko thaam lenga. Woh aapko ruswaa nahi honay dega❞
✧˚ Writing
Easy to read but also reallyyy beautifulll. The description of Turkey was absolutely enchanting and I rllyyyy wanna go there noww. I did have issues with the constant mention of Haya’s hair. Like, the book literally started with that and Nemrah kept mentioning “uskay lambay silky baal”. If I went rn and counted the number of times that was said, this review will be left incomplete forever. Uski khubsoorti ki to hadd nahii aur jaisay sab ki nazrain Haya ke haseen chehray par parti hain, uffff.
kaajal ki aik lakeer uskay chehray pe phel chuki thi lekin uski aankhon main abhi bhi aik ajeeb sa seher dikhta tha
✧˚ Pace
I was expecting something sloww but it was actually pretty good and I did nott get bored for a seconddd. The shifts between time periods were so well written, I was impressed. Its hard to believe she wrote this before Namal.
✧˚ Plot
At first it was very ordinary and OKayish but then there were little things that made me THINK. It was always engaging but yk when you read something and just pause because its so..deep and meaningful? Things you never even thought about. It was beautiful in that way and for that reason, JKP will always hold a special place for me.
it wasss superrr annoying and frustratinggg because there were tooooo many mysteries and omg the plot twistttttt. Im still mad at that.
✧˚ Characters
°•Haya the behaya
”Kabhi kabaar aik bharay huaye mazmay se apni baat manwanay ke liye thora sa badtameez aur rude hona parta hai”
Sooo shameless, I loved ittt. Her thinking shes the most gorgeous human being on Earth WAsss pretty annoying but her character was pretty interesting in other ways. I loved that she was super open minded and forgiving. And sooo relatable. Cant remember phone numbers–SAMEE Bro. Clumsy as hell and impulsive anddd so sweeeet even if she doesnt show it. I really liked how she neverrr let her pride get in the way when doing the right thing.
°•ARP–
THE most shameless guy everr. Bro thinks he’s a nice person. Someone needs to tell him the truth.
°•Jihan Sikandar
”Har shakhs ke rawaiyay ki koi na koi wajah zaroor hoti hai. Jab tak aap kisi insaan ki jagah pe kharay hokay nahi dekhtay, aapki samajh main poori baat nahi aati”
The amount of mistakes he made is actually astounding. I love him and hate him at the same time. Dude cant seem to decide wether hes the good or the bad guy. One moment, he’s lending her his boots because her shoes broke, and next he’s acting like he doesn't even know her name.
°•Major Ahmed
”Aap logon se darti hain. Jabke Allah iska zyada haqq daar hai”
Man was creepyyyy. But the things he said were so beautiful. I could listen to him talk all day long and not get tired. How he thinks and the way he explained the whole concept of JKP to Haya– I love himm
°•Ayeshay Gul
”Dil ko maaray bagher noor nahi milta. Achi larkiyaan Allah se acha gumaan rakhti hain”
She was too young to have the responsibility of looking over a child. I loved her talks and her friendship with Haya but sometimes talking about “good girls do this and not that” to thaT extent.Im sorry, it was toooo much.
°•Anatolia ki Baharay Gul
Idiot. Never thought I’d hate a CHiLd so much.
°•DJ
Insaan ko koi cheez tab tak nahi hara sakti jab tak woh khud na haar maan jaye
Meri jaan, my heart, the soul of half this book and the funniest person to exist. Jahaan DJ hai, wahan boriat nahi hogi.
♡ "Insaan ko koi cheez tab tak nahi hara sakti jab tak woh khud na haar maan jaye”
“Qismat. Qismat hara sakti hai insaan ko.”
“Nahi, qismat maar sakti hai. Hara nahi sakti”♡
February 9, 2015
Okay I’m done with this book. I kept on reading it for over a month. Just few days ago, I read KKTM. Here are my some comments about it.I won't rate it as Islamic fiction, its basically a love story.
Firstly, the things admired me most:
Over all it was nice effort. The idea of Jannat kay Pattay was inspiring. Jannat Kay Pattay is every that thing you use to cover yourself up in the time of embarrassment, to use as a mode or tool to gain respect again. So in figurative meanings, Jihaan’s uniform was also a waraq’al’Jannah.
This book gave a strong position to hijabi girls. And defended brilliantly all the lame pointers against pardah.
The information about Turkey really made me to visit once (Yes, just like Rakaposhi :3). Turkish language, their trends and traditions were worth reading.
The girl I liked most in the novel was not Haya, its DJ. Her naughtiness, quick replies and funny comments about Turkey was lovely.
Ayeshey Gul’s statements of Achi larkian were nice Choti Billi was cute.
And Lastly, Major Ahmed, his wickedness and seriousness and care for their loved ones without letting them know <3 full stop :P
Now, the things that irritated me most:
- Firstly, the irrelevant topics. The novel was full of extra scenes which were too boring to read so the reader can skip those parts and can further move on. This might put negative impact on writer. (Sans Sakin thi, Karakoram ka Taj Mehel)
-Some parts were too exaggerated and phainkoo. When Haya first called him at Mehndi, he was watching her by next door. I meant seriously? Wo bandi itni smart banti thi, Pinky ko pehchan lia. Why she couldn’t recognize Jihan as Dolly? Jihan escaped from Indian Jail. Kiddin?
-Suleman Sahab knew the reality of Jihan, why the hell he didn’t tell to his family?
-Extreme level of evil type khandan and puzzled relationships (taya, tai, phopho, cousin), not just JKP but in Mushaf and KKTM too.
-Over-discussed outfits (chooridar pajama, takhne tak ati frock, baal kandhe se aagey liey hue, blue jeans, hath jaib mai daaley hue blah blah).
-Jihan was Major and spy okay? How the hell he got enough time for those riddles.
-Some phrases that were over-repeating and really made me to puke. (Shaaney uchkana, Muskurahat dabaye bolna, khafgi se dekhna, hont bheenchey dekhna, halaq mai ansoun ka phanda lagna)
Aaaand Ayeshey and Baharey are in Egypt, Jihan has got new assignment and Haya is still in contact with them. Wait for sequel guys :D
Or akhri baat Ye Major jihan Sikander Ahmed jesey loug world ke kis koney mai miltey hain <3 :P
Firstly, the things admired me most:
Over all it was nice effort. The idea of Jannat kay Pattay was inspiring. Jannat Kay Pattay is every that thing you use to cover yourself up in the time of embarrassment, to use as a mode or tool to gain respect again. So in figurative meanings, Jihaan’s uniform was also a waraq’al’Jannah.
This book gave a strong position to hijabi girls. And defended brilliantly all the lame pointers against pardah.
The information about Turkey really made me to visit once (Yes, just like Rakaposhi :3). Turkish language, their trends and traditions were worth reading.
The girl I liked most in the novel was not Haya, its DJ. Her naughtiness, quick replies and funny comments about Turkey was lovely.
Ayeshey Gul’s statements of Achi larkian were nice Choti Billi was cute.
And Lastly, Major Ahmed, his wickedness and seriousness and care for their loved ones without letting them know <3 full stop :P
Now, the things that irritated me most:
- Firstly, the irrelevant topics. The novel was full of extra scenes which were too boring to read so the reader can skip those parts and can further move on. This might put negative impact on writer. (Sans Sakin thi, Karakoram ka Taj Mehel)
-Some parts were too exaggerated and phainkoo. When Haya first called him at Mehndi, he was watching her by next door. I meant seriously? Wo bandi itni smart banti thi, Pinky ko pehchan lia. Why she couldn’t recognize Jihan as Dolly? Jihan escaped from Indian Jail. Kiddin?
-Suleman Sahab knew the reality of Jihan, why the hell he didn’t tell to his family?
-Extreme level of evil type khandan and puzzled relationships (taya, tai, phopho, cousin), not just JKP but in Mushaf and KKTM too.
-Over-discussed outfits (chooridar pajama, takhne tak ati frock, baal kandhe se aagey liey hue, blue jeans, hath jaib mai daaley hue blah blah).
-Jihan was Major and spy okay? How the hell he got enough time for those riddles.
-Some phrases that were over-repeating and really made me to puke. (Shaaney uchkana, Muskurahat dabaye bolna, khafgi se dekhna, hont bheenchey dekhna, halaq mai ansoun ka phanda lagna)
Aaaand Ayeshey and Baharey are in Egypt, Jihan has got new assignment and Haya is still in contact with them. Wait for sequel guys :D
Or akhri baat Ye Major jihan Sikander Ahmed jesey loug world ke kis koney mai miltey hain <3 :P
December 13, 2020
Completed another fantastic novel by Nemrah Ahmed. Like many readers, I also believed that it was far away from reality... How can 1 person disguise himself into four characters? And all have opposite characteristics from one another. Although, The story was unrealistic but the concept of hijab was appreciable.
I love the part of the seminar when the scholars discuss whether the hijab is compulsory or optional? I also love how beautifully the writer has explained to her readers that what is the connection between verses of hijab in Surah Ahzaab.
I love the couple of haya Sulaiman and Jihan Sikandar but noticed that Nemrah Ahmed's novel character had too much same roles. I read her novel Namal, Musaf, and Jannat ke pattay and many more. In all of these novels, the heroes are extra ordinary. Other than the heroine someone very innocent loves the hero too. Just like farishtay, abdar, and ayeshay gul. In each of these novels, there was one small, valuable child, like taimoor, Sonia, and baharay. Other than these there are many more similarities.
I suggest everyone to read it and tries to understand the real concept of this novel.
I love the part of the seminar when the scholars discuss whether the hijab is compulsory or optional? I also love how beautifully the writer has explained to her readers that what is the connection between verses of hijab in Surah Ahzaab.
I love the couple of haya Sulaiman and Jihan Sikandar but noticed that Nemrah Ahmed's novel character had too much same roles. I read her novel Namal, Musaf, and Jannat ke pattay and many more. In all of these novels, the heroes are extra ordinary. Other than the heroine someone very innocent loves the hero too. Just like farishtay, abdar, and ayeshay gul. In each of these novels, there was one small, valuable child, like taimoor, Sonia, and baharay. Other than these there are many more similarities.
I suggest everyone to read it and tries to understand the real concept of this novel.
August 20, 2024
this definitely changed a lot of the things i used to believe in my small little bubble. i really enjoyed the riddles - this novel is not just “a story”, personally for me it has a narrative that is now extremely close to me. i never knew i would love two characters so much; Haya and Cihan - the amount of respect they have for each other and then seeing it turn into such a beautiful thing really made my heart warm. this novel will forever stay in my head.
i did find some parts a bit too much (for the lack of a better word) ie. Haya’s kidnapping. i understand the point of it but the way it was told was a bit too quick and dragged at the same time.
i did find some parts a bit too much (for the lack of a better word) ie. Haya’s kidnapping. i understand the point of it but the way it was told was a bit too quick and dragged at the same time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2016
whenever you want to read a book in urdu you are limited to an extent because the only topics authors are writing are romance or sometimes horror.No fantasy or thrillers.The topics discussed are family loyalty or a tragic love story.But jannat ke patty has a little bit of everyting.Although the plot resembles a motley of a lot of books.but still it made sense.The protagonists actually had a conversation despite many urdu novels in which they only stare at each other with "kan akhiyon".
Read
November 21, 2017EDIT
Read it finally and now i can't gather my thoughts. Its one of those books that you like but also point out some flaws. In the start the book was very good, a good mystery but then it took a filmy turn which is Nimra Ahmed's forte, so i was like rolling my eyes throughout that part and i was telling and laughing over it with my bro. I mean how can this be? a man with many faces. matlab kaheen kuch over he hogaya thora. Jihan was a bit mean and Haya was dumb. I felt veryyyyy irritated with their miscommunication on purpose :|
And the most odd thing was, ek esi video pe itnaaa vabaal, jo ghar k function ki hai, function mei sab family mojood thy sab k samny they both performed then family ku galat perceive karti? in fact wo khud is ko hatany mei help krty as wo ghar ka funtion tha! Stupidest thing according to me.
Overall a good book for me to keep reading and have a laugh over it. Some moments were cute.
Read it finally and now i can't gather my thoughts. Its one of those books that you like but also point out some flaws. In the start the book was very good, a good mystery but then it took a filmy turn which is Nimra Ahmed's forte, so i was like rolling my eyes throughout that part and i was telling and laughing over it with my bro. I mean how can this be? a man with many faces. matlab kaheen kuch over he hogaya thora. Jihan was a bit mean and Haya was dumb. I felt veryyyyy irritated with their miscommunication on purpose :|
And the most odd thing was, ek esi video pe itnaaa vabaal, jo ghar k function ki hai, function mei sab family mojood thy sab k samny they both performed then family ku galat perceive karti? in fact wo khud is ko hatany mei help krty as wo ghar ka funtion tha! Stupidest thing according to me.
Overall a good book for me to keep reading and have a laugh over it. Some moments were cute.
May 12, 2014
she tried very hard to copy Umera Ahmad, her huge admiration of Turkish dramas can b seen in this "novel" if u read any thing and specially a novel on Spiritualism you learn by their acts and their thoughts, but in this novel no sense really, she should work hard on her writings,as story concern she tried to built it on a suspense passage and tht's why u keep it reading , otherwise...
December 31, 2013
This book is on my top 5 favorite list.
September 23, 2025
Jali ko aag kehte hain bujhi ko rakh kehte hain jo jihan haya k pas nahi hay usko dmagh kehte hain. Wah wah Ghalib.
This book was so hyped and it ended up being the most underwhelming book to exist. Are they supposed to be a couple? Cuz it didn’t feel like it. She’s extremely delusional and dumb and he was unnecessarily rude and all the explanations in his pov just didn’t justify it for me.
The intentional miscommunication gave me a brain aneurysm. Just tell her. Just talk to him. But no. He’s giving her hints like honey she’s not a spy or smth. The million riddles were so unnecessary. Jihan ANNOYED me in Her POV sm oh my lord. I get the ARP part but dolly and Maj Ahmed was so unnecessary. She gave extreme pick me and annoying vibes until her spiritual or religious journey started.
And as much as I love seeing her religious journey and even related to it to an extent….it felt like jumping from point to point instead of everything flowing together. Idk how to make sense of it but I just didn’t feel connected to the writing. His POV felt like a summary of everything like ok.
I liked jihans backstory and all cuz it was intriguing and interesting but after that I got annoyed again. These two as a dynamic is smth I don’t ever wanna read again. Tbh these two are truly soulmates cuz they are equally dumb and annoying.
DJ was so out of nowhere like what? There was no proper reason for that. End of story. Periodt. Like what was the reason?!?
Ayeshy was soo sweet I love her. Bahary was a lil drama queen. They were both so sweet. I acc liked Sabeen phupo especially everything was mentioned I was like MAAM u are a KWEEN.
As for the dance video I feel like it was too dragged like bas kro yar itna na ghaseeto but chalo kher h dafa kro. As for the plot…..kahan hay? Drama plot etc idk what that was but it wasn’t a plot.
Also she did have a character development but it felt rushed and bland to me…..and her religious journey somewhat felt the same. Even tho I liked that part it felt a little rushed and I don’t mean k 5 mahine m ye Sara hojana mera mtlb h writing se. The writing felt so rushed and off idk.
I did love when Haya stood up for Jihan at the end like ok pop off I guess. I liked when Haya would go out and roam around w DJ like I wanna go to Turkey too now but that’s it. I miss moments w DJ and I can’t stop thinking about that last moment w Bahary like I miss those 3😭 That’s all that was good oh and Ayeshy slapped ARP and I was like SLAYED. ALSO DJ and Bahary would’ve been besties. PERIODT.
Nemrah Ahmed ka aik formula hay jo wo har kitab p use krti hain. I mean I’ll still read the books but I noticed it Yk. And this is barely a review cuz I have sm more to say and soo many details but anyway. Rehne den.
UPDATE (Almost 2 years later):
I grew as a person in these one and a half years and I have come to realize that while I still agree with everything I said in the original review, I also wanna say the characters on their own would’ve been better.
The characters together had no chemistry whatsoever and I discussed the book with someone and they said that Jihan played Dollys role for a mission thingy too. So while I get why he played ARP, and dolly and Maj Ahmed being himself, he didn’t have to drag Haya into it by talking to her with the identity of those characters.
Haya was so illogical for continuing to talk to Mj Ahmed and ARP. The call with Mj Ahmed where she slept was so illogical and senseless cuz she didn’t know it’s Jihan and she’s loyal to Jihan so why tf? And then ARP, she’s sleeping in his house and also knows he’s stalking her and has pics of her in his house but she’s calm about that.
Anyway anyway, Haya did not have a single problem in her life and the author just added her family being offended by hijab /niqab for the sake of drama. Nothing else. It felt that way atleast cuz it Was of no use. The plot was entirely useless and I’m sorry but there was no plot. It didn’t make sense and was all over the place. Random stuff randomly happening, random people dying, random characters hating on her and adding drama.
Now let’s get back to Jihan. I dislike him as a husband….he made her go thru the entire world for a USB n also the drama w his 3 identities crap. BUT …..…recently I’ve been thinking and I realize I might relate to him more than I think and would like. Ew moment. But it’s true.
He said/thought some things in his POV and they were very real and valid and I knew that back then too. His insecurities, communication issues, introvert personality, and him being closed off makes so much sense when u put his backstory into consideration. He was used to doing everything alone and only cared about him and his mother.
He Wanted to prove he could break the cycle (his father and all) and he did that. He hated his relatives which he was so valid for. I loved his backstory aspect esp cuz it’s quite relatable to an extent.
THAT ALL BEING SAID, all of his issues being acknowledged and all………everything he did in the book just annoyed me because every thing kept adding up and while I understand where he was coming from, I’m not gonna justify it or say that it was right. His behaviour with Haya was very off.
It’s in the original review too and I stand by that but I think him alone as a character…..just him…no marriage no shadi drama no plot no Haya……I would’ve loved him. But put everything into perspective and I hate it.
Ok bye
This book was so hyped and it ended up being the most underwhelming book to exist. Are they supposed to be a couple? Cuz it didn’t feel like it. She’s extremely delusional and dumb and he was unnecessarily rude and all the explanations in his pov just didn’t justify it for me.
The intentional miscommunication gave me a brain aneurysm. Just tell her. Just talk to him. But no. He’s giving her hints like honey she’s not a spy or smth. The million riddles were so unnecessary. Jihan ANNOYED me in Her POV sm oh my lord. I get the ARP part but dolly and Maj Ahmed was so unnecessary. She gave extreme pick me and annoying vibes until her spiritual or religious journey started.
And as much as I love seeing her religious journey and even related to it to an extent….it felt like jumping from point to point instead of everything flowing together. Idk how to make sense of it but I just didn’t feel connected to the writing. His POV felt like a summary of everything like ok.
I liked jihans backstory and all cuz it was intriguing and interesting but after that I got annoyed again. These two as a dynamic is smth I don’t ever wanna read again. Tbh these two are truly soulmates cuz they are equally dumb and annoying.
DJ was so out of nowhere like what? There was no proper reason for that. End of story. Periodt. Like what was the reason?!?
Ayeshy was soo sweet I love her. Bahary was a lil drama queen. They were both so sweet. I acc liked Sabeen phupo especially everything was mentioned I was like MAAM u are a KWEEN.
As for the dance video I feel like it was too dragged like bas kro yar itna na ghaseeto but chalo kher h dafa kro. As for the plot…..kahan hay? Drama plot etc idk what that was but it wasn’t a plot.
Also she did have a character development but it felt rushed and bland to me…..and her religious journey somewhat felt the same. Even tho I liked that part it felt a little rushed and I don’t mean k 5 mahine m ye Sara hojana mera mtlb h writing se. The writing felt so rushed and off idk.
I did love when Haya stood up for Jihan at the end like ok pop off I guess. I liked when Haya would go out and roam around w DJ like I wanna go to Turkey too now but that’s it. I miss moments w DJ and I can’t stop thinking about that last moment w Bahary like I miss those 3😭 That’s all that was good oh and Ayeshy slapped ARP and I was like SLAYED. ALSO DJ and Bahary would’ve been besties. PERIODT.
Nemrah Ahmed ka aik formula hay jo wo har kitab p use krti hain. I mean I’ll still read the books but I noticed it Yk. And this is barely a review cuz I have sm more to say and soo many details but anyway. Rehne den.
UPDATE (Almost 2 years later):
I grew as a person in these one and a half years and I have come to realize that while I still agree with everything I said in the original review, I also wanna say the characters on their own would’ve been better.
The characters together had no chemistry whatsoever and I discussed the book with someone and they said that Jihan played Dollys role for a mission thingy too. So while I get why he played ARP, and dolly and Maj Ahmed being himself, he didn’t have to drag Haya into it by talking to her with the identity of those characters.
Haya was so illogical for continuing to talk to Mj Ahmed and ARP. The call with Mj Ahmed where she slept was so illogical and senseless cuz she didn’t know it’s Jihan and she’s loyal to Jihan so why tf? And then ARP, she’s sleeping in his house and also knows he’s stalking her and has pics of her in his house but she’s calm about that.
Anyway anyway, Haya did not have a single problem in her life and the author just added her family being offended by hijab /niqab for the sake of drama. Nothing else. It felt that way atleast cuz it Was of no use. The plot was entirely useless and I’m sorry but there was no plot. It didn’t make sense and was all over the place. Random stuff randomly happening, random people dying, random characters hating on her and adding drama.
Now let’s get back to Jihan. I dislike him as a husband….he made her go thru the entire world for a USB n also the drama w his 3 identities crap. BUT …..…recently I’ve been thinking and I realize I might relate to him more than I think and would like. Ew moment. But it’s true.
He said/thought some things in his POV and they were very real and valid and I knew that back then too. His insecurities, communication issues, introvert personality, and him being closed off makes so much sense when u put his backstory into consideration. He was used to doing everything alone and only cared about him and his mother.
He Wanted to prove he could break the cycle (his father and all) and he did that. He hated his relatives which he was so valid for. I loved his backstory aspect esp cuz it’s quite relatable to an extent.
THAT ALL BEING SAID, all of his issues being acknowledged and all………everything he did in the book just annoyed me because every thing kept adding up and while I understand where he was coming from, I’m not gonna justify it or say that it was right. His behaviour with Haya was very off.
It’s in the original review too and I stand by that but I think him alone as a character…..just him…no marriage no shadi drama no plot no Haya……I would’ve loved him. But put everything into perspective and I hate it.
Ok bye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2016
I am not a fan of Nemrah Ahmed. I only liked her one novel and that was Karakoram k Tajmahal. It was brilliant. As far as others are concerned, did not like them much. The story of Muhsaf was ok but message was v good. As far as this one is concerned, it is over fantasized and is so prolonged. Religious theme aside, I feel like im reading a mixture of English novels compiled together from various sections. Too long and some parts require skipping n it did not even effect the story line.
Usually her novels seem to be inspired by English classics and spy thrillers, some tits here some there. Been English Literature student all my life, I can feel that tone. However, most of the readers who do not have such background, can not reach to this aspect.
Namal is a straight forward English translation of so many common Eng novels. She adds up various Quranic riddles and themes to make it look local n desi.
Anyways, I am not a fan of hers and its a true critic. One can read to pass a time n get some religious know how in a light hearted manner. Simple words and all. But, noone can write like Umera Ahmed. I feel they all inspired by her , when she started writing on Religious tones.
Usually her novels seem to be inspired by English classics and spy thrillers, some tits here some there. Been English Literature student all my life, I can feel that tone. However, most of the readers who do not have such background, can not reach to this aspect.
Namal is a straight forward English translation of so many common Eng novels. She adds up various Quranic riddles and themes to make it look local n desi.
Anyways, I am not a fan of hers and its a true critic. One can read to pass a time n get some religious know how in a light hearted manner. Simple words and all. But, noone can write like Umera Ahmed. I feel they all inspired by her , when she started writing on Religious tones.
February 21, 2025
It was a good read, especially the plot and the plot twist. The message about the struggles of someone trying to do a hijab or niqab were beautifully highlighted. It's often the relatives who comment about your dressing. The writing style and quotes, along with the humour and dialogues >>>>>>
Although, One thing I am not a fan of is when Haya was blamed for the kidnapping because she is beautiful and they got to know she is beautiful. Nowadays, when women get raped, kidnapped etc there are people who blame women for these because they were wearing less clothes, not doing hijab etc. Anytime a news like this comes, we clearly say that women should not be blamed, so why do we think it is cool and nice when fictional character does it? No, I am not calling Cihan anything. I am just saying this is one thing about him I do not agree with. Also, with the concept of "beautiful", I have seen specific standards of beauty in the books by the writer, so I don’t Know what beautiful means here. Hijab is as farz on anyone beautiful as much on someone not pretty.
Also, I do not like Ayeshay Gul. She had no personality beside lecturing on "Achi larkian."
Although, One thing I am not a fan of is when Haya was blamed for the kidnapping because she is beautiful and they got to know she is beautiful. Nowadays, when women get raped, kidnapped etc there are people who blame women for these because they were wearing less clothes, not doing hijab etc. Anytime a news like this comes, we clearly say that women should not be blamed, so why do we think it is cool and nice when fictional character does it? No, I am not calling Cihan anything. I am just saying this is one thing about him I do not agree with. Also, with the concept of "beautiful", I have seen specific standards of beauty in the books by the writer, so I don’t Know what beautiful means here. Hijab is as farz on anyone beautiful as much on someone not pretty.
Also, I do not like Ayeshay Gul. She had no personality beside lecturing on "Achi larkian."
March 25, 2017
An interesting story poorly told.
It was like a season of '24', only it went on for six months. So much happened in those months magar end may sab shaanay uchka k reh gaye. I was surprised shaanay uchka uchka k sab k shaanay kandhoon se alag kyun nahi hogaye?!
A few things I learned from Jannat k Pattay:
* If your family is strict enough to enroll you in an All Women University with zero male friends, it's totally okay to go out looking hot in a sleeveless dress.
* If your strict father grants approval that you can go study abroad, he will not be interested in keeping an update on your whereabouts. (You can keep both numbers off and chill).
* Buy all the jeans and tops you can't wear in front of your family. But when you visit a foreign country, forget the jeans and wear choori daar pajama pe lambi takhnoo ko chhoti frock instead.
* If your nikah happened when you were 1, over the course of 23 years, it is totally cool not to be curious. It's okay to never once talk, or visit, or even question about your shohar or his family. You can always try to find him on Facebook or just let it be.
* No matter how much you are tortured, you will be up and standing in no time, cutting trees.
* Shaanay uchkana is an acceptable answer in all situations.
* You can live in someone's house while being rude to him and get away with it. Not to mention, that someone destroyed the dying, in-debt business of your hardworking, poor husband because of you.
The first part literally had me convinced Haya was schizophrenic but that was not the case. In all the dumb ways she handled her situations, I was sure she was going to get under a bus while crossing a road without looking. Oh wait, something like that did happen, didn't it?!
The story is saved by Jehan, the handsome hero who actually had an interesting personality backed by a solid background story. But he too disappoints a little by telling his dumb impulsive wife all his plans and even taking her along to see the fireworks in the end. I secretly hoped he would leave her and fall for someone else but alas! :D Jehan made a fool out of Haya countless times but since she was a beauty without brains with no self respect, she was okay with it. Ayeshay Gul on the other hand knew when to slap a guy for lying.
DJ, no doubt, was the best part of the book. A witty girl with quirky sense of humor, her chirpiness was very entertaining.
It was like a season of '24', only it went on for six months. So much happened in those months magar end may sab shaanay uchka k reh gaye. I was surprised shaanay uchka uchka k sab k shaanay kandhoon se alag kyun nahi hogaye?!
A few things I learned from Jannat k Pattay:
* If your family is strict enough to enroll you in an All Women University with zero male friends, it's totally okay to go out looking hot in a sleeveless dress.
* If your strict father grants approval that you can go study abroad, he will not be interested in keeping an update on your whereabouts. (You can keep both numbers off and chill).
* Buy all the jeans and tops you can't wear in front of your family. But when you visit a foreign country, forget the jeans and wear choori daar pajama pe lambi takhnoo ko chhoti frock instead.
* If your nikah happened when you were 1, over the course of 23 years, it is totally cool not to be curious. It's okay to never once talk, or visit, or even question about your shohar or his family. You can always try to find him on Facebook or just let it be.
* No matter how much you are tortured, you will be up and standing in no time, cutting trees.
* Shaanay uchkana is an acceptable answer in all situations.
* You can live in someone's house while being rude to him and get away with it. Not to mention, that someone destroyed the dying, in-debt business of your hardworking, poor husband because of you.
The first part literally had me convinced Haya was schizophrenic but that was not the case. In all the dumb ways she handled her situations, I was sure she was going to get under a bus while crossing a road without looking. Oh wait, something like that did happen, didn't it?!
The story is saved by Jehan, the handsome hero who actually had an interesting personality backed by a solid background story. But he too disappoints a little by telling his dumb impulsive wife all his plans and even taking her along to see the fireworks in the end. I secretly hoped he would leave her and fall for someone else but alas! :D Jehan made a fool out of Haya countless times but since she was a beauty without brains with no self respect, she was okay with it. Ayeshay Gul on the other hand knew when to slap a guy for lying.
DJ, no doubt, was the best part of the book. A witty girl with quirky sense of humor, her chirpiness was very entertaining.
November 6, 2017
Nope. Not something I'd recommend to anyone.
Yes, there were a few moments that were cute and made me smile but that still doesn't counter the absurdities that I read in this novel.
What was the author even thinking? I can debate so many points from this book.
Cihan was many things but he wasn't a hypocrite and Haya may not be many things but she is a moron.
All is well and good but I'd like to know the author's stance on fidelity because this topic is in focus in this book and treated so very lightly.
While religion is a personal thing for every individual, being loyal or not affects the other person in the equation as well! It's high time people realised that.
Patriarchy is evident in this book that nobody cares that the hero continues humiliating the heroine as it is covered in pulling her leg but I strongly disagree. It was not joking when it hurt to the depths of her soul! However much of a moron she be, nobody deserves to be humiliated!
Yes, there were a few moments that were cute and made me smile but that still doesn't counter the absurdities that I read in this novel.
What was the author even thinking? I can debate so many points from this book.
Cihan was many things but he wasn't a hypocrite and Haya may not be many things but she is a moron.
All is well and good but I'd like to know the author's stance on fidelity because this topic is in focus in this book and treated so very lightly.
While religion is a personal thing for every individual, being loyal or not affects the other person in the equation as well! It's high time people realised that.
Patriarchy is evident in this book that nobody cares that the hero continues humiliating the heroine as it is covered in pulling her leg but I strongly disagree. It was not joking when it hurt to the depths of her soul! However much of a moron she be, nobody deserves to be humiliated!
June 20, 2023
JKP is the Pakistani version of Colleen Hoover Books (not in that sense) because whether it’s online reading sites or bookstores. You’ll always find Nemrah Ahmed’s novels (rightfully so)
She’s famous and I like her writing style. She gives me the details I crave, her transitions and symbolism reminds me of Kdramas. She’s hands down only Pakistani writer (in the present time) that I enjoy reading novels from.
But my views about JKP might not be the same as my admiration for NA’s writing style. I read this novel a long time ago, it was my first Urdu novel and also my first novel from NA. I didn’t know anything about the storyline. So I went into this completely blank.
The first expression? Ummm the author mentions Child Marriage and I’m immediately taken a back. But I’m like okay.. maybe she’ll talk about the issues surrounding CM. So I let it pass, for the time being.
Now the MC was alright. I liked she was educated and all. But I didn’t understand how and why she was alright with her marriage when she most likely didn’t even consent to it. She was just a child…
Anyways, right off the bat. The author makes it seem that if you’re not covering properly you’ll be harassed. Which is such a wrong way to put it. But like I’ve seen girls getting harassed in abayas as well. It’s the men’s mentality that needs to change. Covering is something that is a choice (ik ik it’s not really a choice but you cannot force someone because in doing so you might actually make them hate it)
Quran is very clear about Jilbab (an overcoat) and Khimr (a head covering) the whole debate about Niqab (veil) is there but NA makes it seem compulsory. In doing so, she’s downplaying every single woman out there who follows a different school of thought. Malaysians don’t cover their faces, Saudi Arabia recently lifted the law that made it compulsory for women to hide their faces. So we can say that covering your head and body is compulsory, and if a woman is doing that. She’s following Islam. If a woman goes a step further and puts on a Veil, that’s completely alright too. But you can’t force someone to do that. And you definitely can’t belittle women who don’t put a veil on their faces.
Anyways, let’s come back to the story. Jihan is.. a stalker, a creep, a misogynistic toxic male character. There I said it. He literally stalks his wife, thinks it’s alright to impersonate different people and put on different disguises so he can test her. What a fucking weirdo and also he doesn’t have anything better to do with his time? A Pakistani spy has so much spare time he spends it stalking his wife. Ehhh
The Turkey parts I did enjoy, I also liked the part where Jihan is arrested by Indian authorities. Guess I just have a twisted mind and I enjoyed him getting his ass handed to him, because I feel like I already hate him for being a creepy stalker.
The last straw for me was when MC takes a lift from a guy who is her father’s friend’s son. Okay I know it’s wrong to just sit in a car with a strange man. But she decides to get out. She doesn’t want to be in there. But the guy tries to do something and she gets out. I remember that Jihan saves her but he then calls her “behaya” Umm dude she just survived a dangerous situation and you’re calling her that? That was when I thought this male character is so toxic. But boy was I so wrong. Because he’s not just toxic he’s such a dual personality creep. In Turkey he makes sure to belittle and disrespect MC as much as he can. I couldn’t stand his mood swings. I don’t care how important his mission is, how he has to hide his identity. He has no right to disrespect a girl like that.
The author compares women who don’t cover with whores. And when MC gets kidnapped by some human trafficking ring, the author makes it very clear it’s because of the fact she wasn’t covering properly. And since she wasn’t covering properly she’s a whore. I cannot explain how angry that whole sequence made me.
I did read further ahead (even though I wanted to burn the damn novel at this point, which I should have honestly speaking)
I dropped it right where Jihan has to go into surgery. I wished he’d die :) I mean every other character just died in this story.
I don’t like when authors shove problematic things into stories in guise of Islam. I get it she’s a Farhat Hashmi student but girl give me a break.
I hated it. Hated the generalisation of women, women who don’t cover, how the author blamed victims and made it seem that certain aspects were part of being a Muslim when in reality there’s difference of opinion amongst Muslim school of thought and scholars in general.
The whole child marriage aspect of it (even if she went ahead and explained it from Ayesha R.A marriage POV it still won’t work because the Arab women back then and Pakistan women today are not the same) was so disturbing and apparently no one finds it weird. Not a single character brings it up as problematic. How can a child consent to marriage when they don’t even know what is it! God Lord. Islam says marriage is Halal when you hit puberty but you must be of sound mind and know the difference between right or wrong. You can’t marry a 6-10 year old just because she hit puberty because the age of puberty is different in different parts of the worlds. It’s the physical and mental capabilities that are seen.
NA shouldn’t write novels from a scholarly perspective, she’s not cut out for it. Yeah it’s alright when authors write about their experiences and how they found Islam, how it made them a better human. But you cannot shove problematic things just because you advocate for it. You just cannot do it. It’s Islam, a religion, a way of life that we’re talking about.
She’s famous and I like her writing style. She gives me the details I crave, her transitions and symbolism reminds me of Kdramas. She’s hands down only Pakistani writer (in the present time) that I enjoy reading novels from.
But my views about JKP might not be the same as my admiration for NA’s writing style. I read this novel a long time ago, it was my first Urdu novel and also my first novel from NA. I didn’t know anything about the storyline. So I went into this completely blank.
The first expression? Ummm the author mentions Child Marriage and I’m immediately taken a back. But I’m like okay.. maybe she’ll talk about the issues surrounding CM. So I let it pass, for the time being.
Now the MC was alright. I liked she was educated and all. But I didn’t understand how and why she was alright with her marriage when she most likely didn’t even consent to it. She was just a child…
Anyways, right off the bat. The author makes it seem that if you’re not covering properly you’ll be harassed. Which is such a wrong way to put it. But like I’ve seen girls getting harassed in abayas as well. It’s the men’s mentality that needs to change. Covering is something that is a choice (ik ik it’s not really a choice but you cannot force someone because in doing so you might actually make them hate it)
Quran is very clear about Jilbab (an overcoat) and Khimr (a head covering) the whole debate about Niqab (veil) is there but NA makes it seem compulsory. In doing so, she’s downplaying every single woman out there who follows a different school of thought. Malaysians don’t cover their faces, Saudi Arabia recently lifted the law that made it compulsory for women to hide their faces. So we can say that covering your head and body is compulsory, and if a woman is doing that. She’s following Islam. If a woman goes a step further and puts on a Veil, that’s completely alright too. But you can’t force someone to do that. And you definitely can’t belittle women who don’t put a veil on their faces.
Anyways, let’s come back to the story. Jihan is.. a stalker, a creep, a misogynistic toxic male character. There I said it. He literally stalks his wife, thinks it’s alright to impersonate different people and put on different disguises so he can test her. What a fucking weirdo and also he doesn’t have anything better to do with his time? A Pakistani spy has so much spare time he spends it stalking his wife. Ehhh
The Turkey parts I did enjoy, I also liked the part where Jihan is arrested by Indian authorities. Guess I just have a twisted mind and I enjoyed him getting his ass handed to him, because I feel like I already hate him for being a creepy stalker.
The last straw for me was when MC takes a lift from a guy who is her father’s friend’s son. Okay I know it’s wrong to just sit in a car with a strange man. But she decides to get out. She doesn’t want to be in there. But the guy tries to do something and she gets out. I remember that Jihan saves her but he then calls her “behaya” Umm dude she just survived a dangerous situation and you’re calling her that? That was when I thought this male character is so toxic. But boy was I so wrong. Because he’s not just toxic he’s such a dual personality creep. In Turkey he makes sure to belittle and disrespect MC as much as he can. I couldn’t stand his mood swings. I don’t care how important his mission is, how he has to hide his identity. He has no right to disrespect a girl like that.
The author compares women who don’t cover with whores. And when MC gets kidnapped by some human trafficking ring, the author makes it very clear it’s because of the fact she wasn’t covering properly. And since she wasn’t covering properly she’s a whore. I cannot explain how angry that whole sequence made me.
I did read further ahead (even though I wanted to burn the damn novel at this point, which I should have honestly speaking)
I dropped it right where Jihan has to go into surgery. I wished he’d die :) I mean every other character just died in this story.
I don’t like when authors shove problematic things into stories in guise of Islam. I get it she’s a Farhat Hashmi student but girl give me a break.
I hated it. Hated the generalisation of women, women who don’t cover, how the author blamed victims and made it seem that certain aspects were part of being a Muslim when in reality there’s difference of opinion amongst Muslim school of thought and scholars in general.
The whole child marriage aspect of it (even if she went ahead and explained it from Ayesha R.A marriage POV it still won’t work because the Arab women back then and Pakistan women today are not the same) was so disturbing and apparently no one finds it weird. Not a single character brings it up as problematic. How can a child consent to marriage when they don’t even know what is it! God Lord. Islam says marriage is Halal when you hit puberty but you must be of sound mind and know the difference between right or wrong. You can’t marry a 6-10 year old just because she hit puberty because the age of puberty is different in different parts of the worlds. It’s the physical and mental capabilities that are seen.
NA shouldn’t write novels from a scholarly perspective, she’s not cut out for it. Yeah it’s alright when authors write about their experiences and how they found Islam, how it made them a better human. But you cannot shove problematic things just because you advocate for it. You just cannot do it. It’s Islam, a religion, a way of life that we’re talking about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2016
I read this book before I was on goodreads so didn't have a chance to write a review but as this novel is my most favorite of urdu literature so I guess I should express my love for it... !!!
First of all, thank you Nemrah for writing something different. Your always write out of the circle of typical urdu literature and that is what I like about you. There is no doubt that your writing style is inspired by modern English literature but I have no problem with that in fact this is what I love most about your books... !
This novel is everything I want in a good novel. Romance, friendship,mystery, adventure, crime, cousins drama, patriotism, religion, and norms of our society.
I love the protagonists of this novel...
Haya and Jahan both have special place in my heart. I loved the character of DJ and Sabeen.
Though I always doubted Ayeshy's intentions but eventually loved her.
The ending was perfect. !!
First of all, thank you Nemrah for writing something different. Your always write out of the circle of typical urdu literature and that is what I like about you. There is no doubt that your writing style is inspired by modern English literature but I have no problem with that in fact this is what I love most about your books... !
This novel is everything I want in a good novel. Romance, friendship,mystery, adventure, crime, cousins drama, patriotism, religion, and norms of our society.
I love the protagonists of this novel...
Haya and Jahan both have special place in my heart. I loved the character of DJ and Sabeen.
Though I always doubted Ayeshy's intentions but eventually loved her.
The ending was perfect. !!
September 13, 2016
Jannat Kay Pattay is unquestionably one of the most beautiful books ever. It has its flaws but I love the message it conveys and the way it reaches your heart and soul.
Also, thank you so much for setting my expectations so high that I'll probably be waiting my whole life for a real version of Jihan Sikander.
Why is he fictional? Why isn't Jihan real?
Read My Full Review @ A Bibliophile's Obsession
Also, thank you so much for setting my expectations so high that I'll probably be waiting my whole life for a real version of Jihan Sikander.
Why is he fictional? Why isn't Jihan real?
Read My Full Review @ A Bibliophile's Obsession
February 22, 2020
This is the first complete novel that I’ve read in a language that isn’t English (well, technically "heard" as I listened to the audiobook).
This book was a whirlwind of basically everything. I was told before embarking on this journey that the novel doesn’t really fit any particular genre and I've to agree; this book contains everything. It’s a book you'd enjoy reading if you wish to feel the sense of satisfaction of having no plot holes. A book that makes you develop a sort of bond with its characters.
I loved how spirituality was incorporated in a very easy to accept, comfortable way. I loved how this book gave a lot of messages to the reader through the thoughts, choices and actions of its main characters.
I’ve never read anything in Urdu before. My comprehension skills are very weak which caused me to stop every couple of minutes while listening to the book - trying to translate and comprehend everything. But as I kept listening, I felt myself improving in my language skills too. The super descriptive, sweet tone of the book was quite engaging which made me have the patience to finish it all.
I loved every bit of this book. I truly understand why translated books never have the true essence of a language now.
This book was a whirlwind of basically everything. I was told before embarking on this journey that the novel doesn’t really fit any particular genre and I've to agree; this book contains everything. It’s a book you'd enjoy reading if you wish to feel the sense of satisfaction of having no plot holes. A book that makes you develop a sort of bond with its characters.
I loved how spirituality was incorporated in a very easy to accept, comfortable way. I loved how this book gave a lot of messages to the reader through the thoughts, choices and actions of its main characters.
I’ve never read anything in Urdu before. My comprehension skills are very weak which caused me to stop every couple of minutes while listening to the book - trying to translate and comprehend everything. But as I kept listening, I felt myself improving in my language skills too. The super descriptive, sweet tone of the book was quite engaging which made me have the patience to finish it all.
I loved every bit of this book. I truly understand why translated books never have the true essence of a language now.
November 29, 2023
January 1, 2023
Its a 5 star 🖤 Its 5 stars a thousand times over, its 5 EVERY DAMN TIME!
Haya Suleman and Jehan Sikandar lives in my heart rest free ALL THE TIME, everyday. I have never cried like I did while re-reading this masterpiece.
i CAN WRITE A BOOK ABOUUT HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS
Reading this the first time was ofc mind-blowing. but the destruction Nemrah Ahmad did this time is unmatched, I will never be the same again.
The fact that Jehan never confessed will always haunt my dreams but the pain is mine to bear and I shall. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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Although there are so many books that I've read and though "I wish she wouldn't" but in this book it is just too beautiful. This is the very first book of it's type that I've read and must I say, I am glad I did.
This book is just too beautiful, it had m fangirling after it for months and that is a big deal.
H approved!
-H ♥
Its a 5 star 🖤 Its 5 stars a thousand times over, its 5 EVERY DAMN TIME!
Haya Suleman and Jehan Sikandar lives in my heart rest free ALL THE TIME, everyday. I have never cried like I did while re-reading this masterpiece.
i CAN WRITE A BOOK ABOUUT HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS
Reading this the first time was ofc mind-blowing. but the destruction Nemrah Ahmad did this time is unmatched, I will never be the same again.
The fact that Jehan never confessed will always haunt my dreams but the pain is mine to bear and I shall. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
----------
Although there are so many books that I've read and though "I wish she wouldn't" but in this book it is just too beautiful. This is the very first book of it's type that I've read and must I say, I am glad I did.
This book is just too beautiful, it had m fangirling after it for months and that is a big deal.
H approved!
-H ♥
August 31, 2021
I read this story extremely late even though I am usually up to date with these things. I thoroughly enjoyed myself however I would be a hypocrite to say that I didn't think of Umera Ahmed while reading this which is really unfair to Nimra. Just because they have some common elements in their writing style does not mean she is trying to COPY Umerah. She still has room to grow but she has put out some amazing pieces. Even if she was trying to copy Umera, there is nothing wrong with that as Umera is a very prolific writer and taking inspiration from some one is not bad. Overall, this was an excellent story and I loved the character of Jahan but most characters including Jahan lacked some complexity.
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