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A Season for Martyrs
The U.S. literary debut of an up-and-coming Pakistani essayist and novelist
This novel revolves around the last three months of Benazir Bhotto's life -- from her arrival back in Pakistan in October of 2007 to her death in a suicide bombing on December 27th -- as told through the eyes of Ali, a young journalist who is the estranged son of a wealthy landowner.
The contemporary narrative has flashbacks to the history of Ali's feudal family, Sufi mystics, a warrior clan, and the history of outside British and American interference.
With Bhutto serving as the centerpiece of the deadly turmoil, Bina Shah reveals the many contradictions of a country that is struggling to enter into modernity.
A Season for Martyrs is her US debut, and we have lightning in a bottle with this very, very talented novelist and journalist.
This novel revolves around the last three months of Benazir Bhotto's life -- from her arrival back in Pakistan in October of 2007 to her death in a suicide bombing on December 27th -- as told through the eyes of Ali, a young journalist who is the estranged son of a wealthy landowner.
The contemporary narrative has flashbacks to the history of Ali's feudal family, Sufi mystics, a warrior clan, and the history of outside British and American interference.
With Bhutto serving as the centerpiece of the deadly turmoil, Bina Shah reveals the many contradictions of a country that is struggling to enter into modernity.
A Season for Martyrs is her US debut, and we have lightning in a bottle with this very, very talented novelist and journalist.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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627 people want to read
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October 2, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
There is a tendency in America to think too small when it comes to global politics. The world, according to many news agencies, ends at the border of the United States, sometimes it even excludes Hawaii and Alaska. Despite the heavy number of 24 hour news networks, most news on television, at least American television, is sadly general and nationalistic. There are exceptions to this of course, but in most classes the nightly news will either spend a minute about the Ebola outbreak while cable news recycles the same sound bites, over and over.
When Benazhir Bhutto was killed the best coverage, at least in my area was BBC World News, but even there it lacked a certain quality. It implied, if not directly stated, that she universally loved in Pakistan.
And this is hardly ever the case, as this novel shows.
Shah’s novel focuses on Ali, a young man in Pakistan who stands in the middle of everything. He isn’t political, couldn’t really care about current events but works for a news station. His family life is complicated, and Ali, a Muslim, loves a young Hindu woman who loves him back. Ali’s life changes when Benazhir Bhutto returns to Pakistan to seek re-election. One of the bones of discontent in his family is how Bhutto is seen, strongly supported by Ali’s father, while Ali himself has a less glossed view. Ali, himself, hopes to be able to continue with his education, perhaps by going to America. Throw in the Bush War on Terror, and you have a novel that could be a lecture, but thankfully isn’t. Ali steers clear of the Romeo and Juliet vibe as well, making the story a coming of age story in terms of politics.
What Shah presents is history, not only in the now of Ali’s story, but in the past of Pakistan as well, starting with a mythical story and ending with that of Ali’s own father. These tales alternate with Ali’s own story. At first, it doesn’t quite seem as if this will work, but it does. It works extremely well.
The narrative allows Shah to present another view to the War on Terror, one that is even different from the recent look at drones that John Oliver did on his HBO series. Ali wants to be almost too many things it seems like, and while he struggles to make sense of who and what he is, he also struggles to make sense of who and what the people around him are. This true regardless of his boss at the news agency who at first seems a bit bitch like, but perhaps is merely driven, to his close friend who may be bi-sexual or just gay, to his sister who longs for a bit more freedom, freedom that Ali isn’t quite sure he can get for himself.
It is a honed in viewpoint of one particular time and the effects that politics and thinking about politics can have on the individual. Ali struggles with questions that we all ask – when do you give up on your country or politicians? When is forgiveness an option? Should it even be one?
And over it, the most dominant symbol is Bhutto and what, we the reader know, is going to happen to her.
In some ways, it is that knowledge that makes the end hit like a punch.
If you are an American, it will be a thought provoking read that will highlight other effects of the War on Terror and international policy. This is a mirror to Ali who slowly and surely awakens from his shocked apathy.
There is a tendency in America to think too small when it comes to global politics. The world, according to many news agencies, ends at the border of the United States, sometimes it even excludes Hawaii and Alaska. Despite the heavy number of 24 hour news networks, most news on television, at least American television, is sadly general and nationalistic. There are exceptions to this of course, but in most classes the nightly news will either spend a minute about the Ebola outbreak while cable news recycles the same sound bites, over and over.
When Benazhir Bhutto was killed the best coverage, at least in my area was BBC World News, but even there it lacked a certain quality. It implied, if not directly stated, that she universally loved in Pakistan.
And this is hardly ever the case, as this novel shows.
Shah’s novel focuses on Ali, a young man in Pakistan who stands in the middle of everything. He isn’t political, couldn’t really care about current events but works for a news station. His family life is complicated, and Ali, a Muslim, loves a young Hindu woman who loves him back. Ali’s life changes when Benazhir Bhutto returns to Pakistan to seek re-election. One of the bones of discontent in his family is how Bhutto is seen, strongly supported by Ali’s father, while Ali himself has a less glossed view. Ali, himself, hopes to be able to continue with his education, perhaps by going to America. Throw in the Bush War on Terror, and you have a novel that could be a lecture, but thankfully isn’t. Ali steers clear of the Romeo and Juliet vibe as well, making the story a coming of age story in terms of politics.
What Shah presents is history, not only in the now of Ali’s story, but in the past of Pakistan as well, starting with a mythical story and ending with that of Ali’s own father. These tales alternate with Ali’s own story. At first, it doesn’t quite seem as if this will work, but it does. It works extremely well.
The narrative allows Shah to present another view to the War on Terror, one that is even different from the recent look at drones that John Oliver did on his HBO series. Ali wants to be almost too many things it seems like, and while he struggles to make sense of who and what he is, he also struggles to make sense of who and what the people around him are. This true regardless of his boss at the news agency who at first seems a bit bitch like, but perhaps is merely driven, to his close friend who may be bi-sexual or just gay, to his sister who longs for a bit more freedom, freedom that Ali isn’t quite sure he can get for himself.
It is a honed in viewpoint of one particular time and the effects that politics and thinking about politics can have on the individual. Ali struggles with questions that we all ask – when do you give up on your country or politicians? When is forgiveness an option? Should it even be one?
And over it, the most dominant symbol is Bhutto and what, we the reader know, is going to happen to her.
In some ways, it is that knowledge that makes the end hit like a punch.
If you are an American, it will be a thought provoking read that will highlight other effects of the War on Terror and international policy. This is a mirror to Ali who slowly and surely awakens from his shocked apathy.
May 28, 2019
Cricket craze, Mush and Bush, Media Tsunamis, Celebrities and Scandals from 00s!
Author's understanding of crises haunting the paradoxical society of Pakistan is commendable. She is practical, straight-forward and funny when discussing these issues, not easy for a women in this country. I had some knowledge of her involvement in Feminist movement within Pakistan but somehow I underestimated her and her abilities in literature. So, everything is going quite well until author's support/inclination for a personality, faction or a party beyond an appropriate level, starts to surface. Hence the three stars.
Author liked Benazir Bhutto. I get it. She was the first Muslim female prime Minister, a symbol of women struggle all over the Islamic world. She wanted to follow her father. You liked her father. I get that as well although I am pretty sure back in 1965, it wasn't Bhutto who finalized the deal with Russia at Tashkent(as mentioned in the book). Bhutto was completely against it and that's when the rifts between Ayub and Bhutto started which became the motivation for Pakistan People's Party. Having said above there are no issues if author support anyone or any party but why use them in such a way. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has had its share of looting and plundering in this country. And that too a big chunk thanks to Zardari.
The book also depicts the lives of some famous personalities in the history of Sindh. How some Sindhi intelligentsia tried to stop the annexation of Sindh from the hands of imperialist British. There are some fictionalized diary entries which showed the level of 'Apartheid' state British were trying to build in sub-continent using all the Machiavellian techniques and the level atrocities which were unraveled upon the native people. Some glimpses on the lives of Khizr, G.M. Syed, Bhitai the Sufi poet etc. are given which actually add beauty to the book. The author's love for the beautiful and mystified province of Sindh is quite apparent.
"But if the West has done so much to make things bad for ordinary Pakistanis, why were they all so eager to abandon Pakistan and take up residence in Western countries?"
Main character is Ali, a young man facing the typical complexities of being a youth in Pakistan. Tough life, tough bosses, religion and high expectations. He takes a job to support his family, a job which he doesn't like very much and is getting fed up day by day living through the harsh conditions of daily life in Karachi (street crime is a specialty in this city). He finds a girlfriend, who is a Hindu, and another problem is added to the already full bucket. And then there are rising tensions, suicide bombings, people struggling for power. Year is 2007, a dictator not letting go and civilians doing everything to make him go. A major factor, America, is perplexed. On the one side there is Musharraf's help in War on Terror and on the other side are America's morals of supporting democracy which they have been selling the whole world for a long time. Ali, hopeless on the outside, is now struggling inside...
The decade of 2000s is quite important in the Pakistani history. It was like a math function. We entered under dictatorship, came out as democracy (Not happening for the first time though, only 40 years in the 70 years since the independence!). The role of media has changed dramatically. It is utilized as a weapon now by the 'powerful' and interesting parties. Something Noam Chomsky told us in 80s but Pakistan has always been slow to pick up with rest of the world. Army has moved from government to governance.
Two major events of the above mentioned decade were '2005 earthquake' and '2007 Benazir Bhutto assassination'. On the day of Earthquake, I was taking haircut and suddenly everything starts to vibrate. My only worry was that this stupid barber might make a wrong cut on my hair and then take that as an excuse to give me a head-shave just like last time because the cut bestowed by him will look very very odd. Luckily, the barber stopped and by now vibration had increased even more. Soon we realized what was happening and we were running outside barefoot, we were in Lahore and there was no considerable damage but up North, it was a big disaster. Pakistanis were united in their help for the victims, even the Taliban, about whom government was doubtful whether they are good or bad, joined the struggle working alongside international NGOs. The unity and brotherhood was quite visible at that time which suddenly eroded away. The year 2007 played a major role in tha erosion. Government vs. Supreme Court.
"wishing he could tell the police that there were dangerous criminals being harbored inside City24 building, longing to call up the American consulate and say Kazim Mazhar knew where Osama bin Laden was hiding."
You will often find Pakistanis indulged in debates rather than actually doing something. And you will frequently find within that debate there is America, Israel and India. Somehow these countries have managed to do every bad thing in Pakistan. They might not have been able to hack Pakistan but they surely have hacked the minds of Pakistanis quite efficiently(America with Hollywood, India with Bollywood, Israel utilizing other means). Still people are trying hard to get an American visa. They study hard, stay out of bad habits, try not to be too religious and whatnot just so that they can have a better chance at American visa. But why? I can go on all day.
"everyone thought they knew what was good for the people of this country: a nuclear bomb; or Islamic law; or to join the War on Terror, because if they didn't, Pakistan would get bombed into the Stone Age"
Discussions, gossips, eating may be counted as the favorite hobbies of Pakistanis. Work might be the last priority even though we hang pictures of M A Jinnah in various places and who said, 'work, work and work'. Every Pakistani seems to have a pretty fair idea of every bloody issue, thanks to never ending gossip. Everyone knows what exactly is right even if logic says its wrong. Same goes for the leaders here as well. Musharraf justified War on Terror with Bush, telling him we will bomb Pakistan to stone ages, after 9/11. Musharraf might be telling the truth because you can expect such things from the not-so-intelligent Bush. He just cared for Oil and Pakistan had none. So better go to Stone Age and start making or contributing as fossil...
"Ali murmured along with everyone else, wondering which fact was more depressing: that these rights had been snatched from them or that he didn't even known he possessed them in the first place."
"They didn't question him, either; Ali could see that they were frightening by the way he could draw shutters down and keep them out of his private world."
Every youth in Pakistan passes through some typical phases in his life. His parents want a safe and secure job, while he wants the most beautiful, the most pious girlfriend. Big conflict there! He goes through a corrupt education system which teaches him how to be numb in a sophisticated way. Some stupid people like myself try to shake that numbness and become a source of bullies and laughter. It's so fun to be a Pakistani... although I dont like nationalism and I hate borders.
"He had never been to school, could not understand the grand designs of the men who wanted to rule the country."
We lost East Pakistan in 1971 which became Bangladesh. They have a literacy rate of almost 100 and Pakistan is struggling near 50. Who is to blame? Book-reading is considered something deviant. Some have been lucky to have parents who felt the importance of education during their own lives. They worked hard on their children, made them study course books. Speaking for myself as soon as I was having a good job I bid my farewell to course books. Always been a not-very-obedient child. Now my mother sometimes try to tell me to not read so many books, at times feeling that she might not have put enough effort in my formal education...
"No matter how macho everyone pretended to be in Pakistan, even the biggest muscle-bound buffoon was frightened of being taken to police thana."
Pakistan is a unique country to have variable laws. Laws are dependent upon your status, links, what you can offer etc. Those who have nothing much of the above end up in the hands of law enforcement agencies and receive beatings and punishment, even the share of the ones who have everything above. Interesting country!
"The country and its people were a whore to be used voilently and greedily until the users were spent and exhausted and could grab and take no more."
Coming back to the book, it was actually quite a good effort. Somewhere in between a connection was missing and plot could have been more powerful. Maybe reading it after The Goldfinch has clouded my judgement...
Author's understanding of crises haunting the paradoxical society of Pakistan is commendable. She is practical, straight-forward and funny when discussing these issues, not easy for a women in this country. I had some knowledge of her involvement in Feminist movement within Pakistan but somehow I underestimated her and her abilities in literature. So, everything is going quite well until author's support/inclination for a personality, faction or a party beyond an appropriate level, starts to surface. Hence the three stars.
Author liked Benazir Bhutto. I get it. She was the first Muslim female prime Minister, a symbol of women struggle all over the Islamic world. She wanted to follow her father. You liked her father. I get that as well although I am pretty sure back in 1965, it wasn't Bhutto who finalized the deal with Russia at Tashkent(as mentioned in the book). Bhutto was completely against it and that's when the rifts between Ayub and Bhutto started which became the motivation for Pakistan People's Party. Having said above there are no issues if author support anyone or any party but why use them in such a way. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has had its share of looting and plundering in this country. And that too a big chunk thanks to Zardari.
The book also depicts the lives of some famous personalities in the history of Sindh. How some Sindhi intelligentsia tried to stop the annexation of Sindh from the hands of imperialist British. There are some fictionalized diary entries which showed the level of 'Apartheid' state British were trying to build in sub-continent using all the Machiavellian techniques and the level atrocities which were unraveled upon the native people. Some glimpses on the lives of Khizr, G.M. Syed, Bhitai the Sufi poet etc. are given which actually add beauty to the book. The author's love for the beautiful and mystified province of Sindh is quite apparent.
"But if the West has done so much to make things bad for ordinary Pakistanis, why were they all so eager to abandon Pakistan and take up residence in Western countries?"
Main character is Ali, a young man facing the typical complexities of being a youth in Pakistan. Tough life, tough bosses, religion and high expectations. He takes a job to support his family, a job which he doesn't like very much and is getting fed up day by day living through the harsh conditions of daily life in Karachi (street crime is a specialty in this city). He finds a girlfriend, who is a Hindu, and another problem is added to the already full bucket. And then there are rising tensions, suicide bombings, people struggling for power. Year is 2007, a dictator not letting go and civilians doing everything to make him go. A major factor, America, is perplexed. On the one side there is Musharraf's help in War on Terror and on the other side are America's morals of supporting democracy which they have been selling the whole world for a long time. Ali, hopeless on the outside, is now struggling inside...
The decade of 2000s is quite important in the Pakistani history. It was like a math function. We entered under dictatorship, came out as democracy (Not happening for the first time though, only 40 years in the 70 years since the independence!). The role of media has changed dramatically. It is utilized as a weapon now by the 'powerful' and interesting parties. Something Noam Chomsky told us in 80s but Pakistan has always been slow to pick up with rest of the world. Army has moved from government to governance.
Two major events of the above mentioned decade were '2005 earthquake' and '2007 Benazir Bhutto assassination'. On the day of Earthquake, I was taking haircut and suddenly everything starts to vibrate. My only worry was that this stupid barber might make a wrong cut on my hair and then take that as an excuse to give me a head-shave just like last time because the cut bestowed by him will look very very odd. Luckily, the barber stopped and by now vibration had increased even more. Soon we realized what was happening and we were running outside barefoot, we were in Lahore and there was no considerable damage but up North, it was a big disaster. Pakistanis were united in their help for the victims, even the Taliban, about whom government was doubtful whether they are good or bad, joined the struggle working alongside international NGOs. The unity and brotherhood was quite visible at that time which suddenly eroded away. The year 2007 played a major role in tha erosion. Government vs. Supreme Court.
"wishing he could tell the police that there were dangerous criminals being harbored inside City24 building, longing to call up the American consulate and say Kazim Mazhar knew where Osama bin Laden was hiding."
You will often find Pakistanis indulged in debates rather than actually doing something. And you will frequently find within that debate there is America, Israel and India. Somehow these countries have managed to do every bad thing in Pakistan. They might not have been able to hack Pakistan but they surely have hacked the minds of Pakistanis quite efficiently(America with Hollywood, India with Bollywood, Israel utilizing other means). Still people are trying hard to get an American visa. They study hard, stay out of bad habits, try not to be too religious and whatnot just so that they can have a better chance at American visa. But why? I can go on all day.
"everyone thought they knew what was good for the people of this country: a nuclear bomb; or Islamic law; or to join the War on Terror, because if they didn't, Pakistan would get bombed into the Stone Age"
Discussions, gossips, eating may be counted as the favorite hobbies of Pakistanis. Work might be the last priority even though we hang pictures of M A Jinnah in various places and who said, 'work, work and work'. Every Pakistani seems to have a pretty fair idea of every bloody issue, thanks to never ending gossip. Everyone knows what exactly is right even if logic says its wrong. Same goes for the leaders here as well. Musharraf justified War on Terror with Bush, telling him we will bomb Pakistan to stone ages, after 9/11. Musharraf might be telling the truth because you can expect such things from the not-so-intelligent Bush. He just cared for Oil and Pakistan had none. So better go to Stone Age and start making or contributing as fossil...
"Ali murmured along with everyone else, wondering which fact was more depressing: that these rights had been snatched from them or that he didn't even known he possessed them in the first place."
"They didn't question him, either; Ali could see that they were frightening by the way he could draw shutters down and keep them out of his private world."
Every youth in Pakistan passes through some typical phases in his life. His parents want a safe and secure job, while he wants the most beautiful, the most pious girlfriend. Big conflict there! He goes through a corrupt education system which teaches him how to be numb in a sophisticated way. Some stupid people like myself try to shake that numbness and become a source of bullies and laughter. It's so fun to be a Pakistani... although I dont like nationalism and I hate borders.
"He had never been to school, could not understand the grand designs of the men who wanted to rule the country."
We lost East Pakistan in 1971 which became Bangladesh. They have a literacy rate of almost 100 and Pakistan is struggling near 50. Who is to blame? Book-reading is considered something deviant. Some have been lucky to have parents who felt the importance of education during their own lives. They worked hard on their children, made them study course books. Speaking for myself as soon as I was having a good job I bid my farewell to course books. Always been a not-very-obedient child. Now my mother sometimes try to tell me to not read so many books, at times feeling that she might not have put enough effort in my formal education...
"No matter how macho everyone pretended to be in Pakistan, even the biggest muscle-bound buffoon was frightened of being taken to police thana."
Pakistan is a unique country to have variable laws. Laws are dependent upon your status, links, what you can offer etc. Those who have nothing much of the above end up in the hands of law enforcement agencies and receive beatings and punishment, even the share of the ones who have everything above. Interesting country!
"The country and its people were a whore to be used voilently and greedily until the users were spent and exhausted and could grab and take no more."
Coming back to the book, it was actually quite a good effort. Somewhere in between a connection was missing and plot could have been more powerful. Maybe reading it after The Goldfinch has clouded my judgement...
December 10, 2016
In a poignant scene in Bina Shah’s A Season for Martyrs, an old man mentions the son he has lost to the British suppression of revolt in Sindh. It is 1943, and Sultan’s son, a rebellious Hur warrior, has been imprisoned in a raid and shot dead by the British. Later, when the trial of one of the main leaders—both religious and political—of Sindh begins, Sultan says to his friend, “…What, did you think I would mourn my son’s death? Don't you know that my son is not dead? Martyrs live forever. That is why they are never afraid to die.”
Martyrdom is one of the things that binds Shah’s book together. Sindh is another. The poetry of Sindhi mystic and poet Shah Abdul Latif, in particular his collection of verses, Shah Jo Risalo, is yet another. Women, whether the Seven Queens of Risalo or the charismatic Benazir Bhutto, or even, in 2007, Salma and Ferzana and Ameena, trying in their own way to oppose or expose the ills of the Musharraf-led regime. Politics. Power. Land. History.
The primary story of A Season for Martyrs is that of Ali Sikandar, journalist and somewhat erratic student, caught between different worlds. One world is that of his estranged father, a Sindhi feudal, wealthy and well-connected, who has left his wife and children for another woman. Another world is that of the well-heeled, the privileged and literate of Karachi and urban Pakistan: a world where Sindhi feudals are looked down upon, where rebellion—against the old order, against tyranny and oppression—is gathering force.
Emblematic of this rebellion is Benazir Bhutto, ex-Prime Minister, who returns to Pakistan in October 2007, readying for a bid to return to power. The story follows the life of Ali as he moves forward, from October to December of that fateful year, when Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. And, interwoven with the story of Ali are brief episodes from lives, across the centuries, in Sindh. A mystic, deeply in love with his young wife, leaves her to go wandering—and ends up composing a great work of poetry. A man sets out to prevent the British from surveying Sindh under the pretext of transporting a gift of horses. A teenager joins the freedom movement. Another teenager, in 1943, becomes a jailer and finds himself playing chess with a man about to be executed.
All these stories, even when they seem disparate, eventually come together to present a compelling and vivid picture of Sindh and Sindhis. What makes Sindh, its language and culture, its people and its society, what they are. A land, not just of Sufi saints and feudal landlords who straddle the worlds of materialism and mysticism with seeming ease, but one far more complex. Its martyrs: from the men and women who died opposing the British, to Zulfiqar Bhutto, and thirty years after his death, his daughter.
What emerges is a fine novel, one which combines not just fact with fiction, but the personal with the political, the land with the people. It traverses time, it ranges in scope from a single soul to an entire people. And, with Bina Shah’s excellent writing and her skill as a storyteller, A Season for Martyrs becomes a haunting, memorable homage—to Sindh, to Bhutto, to the unnamed martyrs of a beautiful land.
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
Martyrdom is one of the things that binds Shah’s book together. Sindh is another. The poetry of Sindhi mystic and poet Shah Abdul Latif, in particular his collection of verses, Shah Jo Risalo, is yet another. Women, whether the Seven Queens of Risalo or the charismatic Benazir Bhutto, or even, in 2007, Salma and Ferzana and Ameena, trying in their own way to oppose or expose the ills of the Musharraf-led regime. Politics. Power. Land. History.
The primary story of A Season for Martyrs is that of Ali Sikandar, journalist and somewhat erratic student, caught between different worlds. One world is that of his estranged father, a Sindhi feudal, wealthy and well-connected, who has left his wife and children for another woman. Another world is that of the well-heeled, the privileged and literate of Karachi and urban Pakistan: a world where Sindhi feudals are looked down upon, where rebellion—against the old order, against tyranny and oppression—is gathering force.
Emblematic of this rebellion is Benazir Bhutto, ex-Prime Minister, who returns to Pakistan in October 2007, readying for a bid to return to power. The story follows the life of Ali as he moves forward, from October to December of that fateful year, when Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. And, interwoven with the story of Ali are brief episodes from lives, across the centuries, in Sindh. A mystic, deeply in love with his young wife, leaves her to go wandering—and ends up composing a great work of poetry. A man sets out to prevent the British from surveying Sindh under the pretext of transporting a gift of horses. A teenager joins the freedom movement. Another teenager, in 1943, becomes a jailer and finds himself playing chess with a man about to be executed.
All these stories, even when they seem disparate, eventually come together to present a compelling and vivid picture of Sindh and Sindhis. What makes Sindh, its language and culture, its people and its society, what they are. A land, not just of Sufi saints and feudal landlords who straddle the worlds of materialism and mysticism with seeming ease, but one far more complex. Its martyrs: from the men and women who died opposing the British, to Zulfiqar Bhutto, and thirty years after his death, his daughter.
What emerges is a fine novel, one which combines not just fact with fiction, but the personal with the political, the land with the people. It traverses time, it ranges in scope from a single soul to an entire people. And, with Bina Shah’s excellent writing and her skill as a storyteller, A Season for Martyrs becomes a haunting, memorable homage—to Sindh, to Bhutto, to the unnamed martyrs of a beautiful land.
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
November 9, 2014
The story is told in two parts. We have the life of Ali a journalist for Channel 24 and then we have the imminent return of Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan from her exile in Dubai.
Both come from the same family of feudal zamindars of the Sindh community. Benazir Bhutto's father took his political leanings far and established a party which was at odds with the feelings of his community. He was for the common man, he sought land distribution (which did not go down too well with the people who owned land), he also sought the upliftment of the common man. For this he paid the ultimate price. His daughter took up the political baton and was set to make wide sweeping changes. That this could happen in an orthodox Muslim country was in itself a massive story. That it actually happened is the fact.
Ali's life is also complicated. Involved in a love affair with a Hindu girl which in itself was a no no from both sides he knows that the chances of this love affair reaching its goal is almost impossible. His story that his father is dead just to avoid scandal is also not helping him or his family. His father has taken a second wife and moved away - he not acknowledging his father's existence is causing him more heartbreak than he imagined. The relationship between father and children has been distant and Ali as a young man is now feeling its absence the most. Ali has also secretly applied for a visa to the US and when this gets known to his family he is treated with suspicion because he did not disclose this to them. Trying to reconcile his personal life with the professional is also hard for Ali. He supports Benazir Bhutto but at the same time is skeptical about her aims. The corruption charges against the Bhuttos has not gone away and he is aware as do most of Pakistan of their enormous wealth both in Pakistan and abroad and he wonders how this came about.
The story then shifts to Bhutto's planned arrival in Pakistan and the events that preceded it. The dismissal of the Chief Justice and the breakdown of law and order was huge at the time as other than bringing in the military hard, there was no way for Musharaff to stay in power. Like most autocratic regimes the army was brutal and the death toll and the missing toll was very heavy.
A story of personal lives and political turmoil combined, alongside a fascinating slice of history and the development of a country goes alongside each other in this book.
Loved it.
Both come from the same family of feudal zamindars of the Sindh community. Benazir Bhutto's father took his political leanings far and established a party which was at odds with the feelings of his community. He was for the common man, he sought land distribution (which did not go down too well with the people who owned land), he also sought the upliftment of the common man. For this he paid the ultimate price. His daughter took up the political baton and was set to make wide sweeping changes. That this could happen in an orthodox Muslim country was in itself a massive story. That it actually happened is the fact.
Ali's life is also complicated. Involved in a love affair with a Hindu girl which in itself was a no no from both sides he knows that the chances of this love affair reaching its goal is almost impossible. His story that his father is dead just to avoid scandal is also not helping him or his family. His father has taken a second wife and moved away - he not acknowledging his father's existence is causing him more heartbreak than he imagined. The relationship between father and children has been distant and Ali as a young man is now feeling its absence the most. Ali has also secretly applied for a visa to the US and when this gets known to his family he is treated with suspicion because he did not disclose this to them. Trying to reconcile his personal life with the professional is also hard for Ali. He supports Benazir Bhutto but at the same time is skeptical about her aims. The corruption charges against the Bhuttos has not gone away and he is aware as do most of Pakistan of their enormous wealth both in Pakistan and abroad and he wonders how this came about.
The story then shifts to Bhutto's planned arrival in Pakistan and the events that preceded it. The dismissal of the Chief Justice and the breakdown of law and order was huge at the time as other than bringing in the military hard, there was no way for Musharaff to stay in power. Like most autocratic regimes the army was brutal and the death toll and the missing toll was very heavy.
A story of personal lives and political turmoil combined, alongside a fascinating slice of history and the development of a country goes alongside each other in this book.
Loved it.
July 17, 2015
This book was entertaining and interesting, but I never fully embraced the characters. I thought the author did a much better job with the supporting characters than the main actors. The story was periodically strange and I’m not sure that the historical and fantasy-type chapters added to the book in any way. Had she dedicated that space to expanding more on the main character (or making them more worth our time), it might have been a better overall story. Regardless, it was easy to read and enjoyable, for the most part.
December 14, 2014
Overall a good book, but I had a hard time really getting in to the plot in the beginning with the history flashbacks.
May 24, 2024
This is a book that a friend picked out for me, maybe just based on the cover, and it's not bad. Well, I mean that she made a good choice, though I feel that I need to re-read this book to fully comprehend how the historical parts tie into the more modern tale being told.
The tale being told is one of Pakistan in 2007, when Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, returned from exile. Although A Season for Martyrs is fiction, it is most certainly based on actual events gives the reader a sense of tensions running through the country and how much people were ready for change.
But the more personal story is of a young man named Ali, who has a troubled relationship with his father- so troubled that he tells people his father died five years ago- and a frustrating relationship with his mother and siblings. He knows that his mother and siblings love him, yet he yearns for more, yearns for America, but sadly drops his plans at literally the last minute.
And as he decides that he is going to stay in Pakistan, he realizes that he needs to fight for his country instead of being a passive bystander. And so he gets involved in the People's Resistance Movement. Bina Shah describes how Ali and his companions go to a protest to make their voices heard and express their disgust at the actions of President Zia. Even for a supposed democracy, the treatment of the protesters is far, far different from what would, or should, be tolerated in the US. So horrific to read how the police beat and rounded up the protesters like criminals, even though many of the protesters refused to carry anything that could be used as a weapon.
Ali has had a troubled relationship with his father, but then his father is the one person who is able to save him from prison. It's hard for Ali to let go of his resentment for his father, Sikandar, who is a feudal, a zamindar. Sikandar is frustrated that Ali does not want to honor his history of generations of zamindars in the Singh province. Even though they go their separate ways, that moment, of Sikandar saving Ali from prison, allowed father and son to come together and understand that Sikandar still cares for Ali and his family, and Ali still wants his father around.
It wasn't until I was nearly finished with this book that I realized that the historical chapters- which alternate with the modern history chapters- are telling a story chronologically that sets the stage for modern-day Sindh.
Last part: even though the modern-day chapters were about the final three months of Benazir Bhutto's life, I'm glad that the book ended on a high note at her inspirational rally instead of her real-life assassination a few moments later. I know that was intentional on Bina Shah's part.
The tale being told is one of Pakistan in 2007, when Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, returned from exile. Although A Season for Martyrs is fiction, it is most certainly based on actual events gives the reader a sense of tensions running through the country and how much people were ready for change.
But the more personal story is of a young man named Ali, who has a troubled relationship with his father- so troubled that he tells people his father died five years ago- and a frustrating relationship with his mother and siblings. He knows that his mother and siblings love him, yet he yearns for more, yearns for America, but sadly drops his plans at literally the last minute.
And as he decides that he is going to stay in Pakistan, he realizes that he needs to fight for his country instead of being a passive bystander. And so he gets involved in the People's Resistance Movement. Bina Shah describes how Ali and his companions go to a protest to make their voices heard and express their disgust at the actions of President Zia. Even for a supposed democracy, the treatment of the protesters is far, far different from what would, or should, be tolerated in the US. So horrific to read how the police beat and rounded up the protesters like criminals, even though many of the protesters refused to carry anything that could be used as a weapon.
Ali has had a troubled relationship with his father, but then his father is the one person who is able to save him from prison. It's hard for Ali to let go of his resentment for his father, Sikandar, who is a feudal, a zamindar. Sikandar is frustrated that Ali does not want to honor his history of generations of zamindars in the Singh province. Even though they go their separate ways, that moment, of Sikandar saving Ali from prison, allowed father and son to come together and understand that Sikandar still cares for Ali and his family, and Ali still wants his father around.
It wasn't until I was nearly finished with this book that I realized that the historical chapters- which alternate with the modern history chapters- are telling a story chronologically that sets the stage for modern-day Sindh.
Last part: even though the modern-day chapters were about the final three months of Benazir Bhutto's life, I'm glad that the book ended on a high note at her inspirational rally instead of her real-life assassination a few moments later. I know that was intentional on Bina Shah's part.
June 4, 2025
One of the things I admire about Shah’s work—whether or not I agree with the content—is that she writes with a Pakistani audience in mind. Unlike many contemporary authors such as Kamila Shamsie, Taha Kehar, and Faiqa Mansab, who often appear to cater primarily to Western readerships, Shah’s voice feels rooted in the local context. That’s refreshing and commendable. With that being said, let’s dive into this particular book.
I’m in two minds about it. If I judge it purely as a story, I genuinely enjoyed it. The writing is compelling, the structure is ambitious, and the blend of history with contemporary storytelling is engaging. However, as someone born and raised in Pakistan, I deeply disagree with the portrayal of the Bhutto dynasty, which feels one-sided and biased.
The novel switches between centuries-old historical narratives—especially the stories of Sindh’s revered Pirs—and the last three months of 2007, the period leading up to Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. Both timelines are well-written, and I found the sections on the Sufi saints especially rich and fascinating. In fact, I would love to see those stories expanded into a standalone book.
What ultimately disappointed me, though, was the lack of critical engagement with the darker side of PPP’s political legacy. The narrative glosses over numerous troubling episodes: the alleged sidelining of Nusrat Bhutto by Benazir due to political rivalry, the unresolved and suspicious death of Murtaza Bhutto—killed just outside his home while Benazir was Prime Minister—and the well-documented corruption scandals involving Swiss accounts tied to Benazir and her husband. These aren’t conspiracy theories; they’re part of the public record and have been scrutinized internationally.
Let me be clear: Benazir’s assassination was horrific and unjustifiable. But I disagree with the notion that death absolves someone of all accountability for their actions in life. This balance—between martyrdom and moral scrutiny—is completely absent here.
Another issue I had was the narrative's treatment of feudalism. Ali repeatedly laments being stereotyped for his feudal background, yet when he finds himself in trouble, he immediately calls his father, who pulls strings to get him out. At no point does Ali reflect on the privilege he enjoys or consider extending the same support to others in similar situations.
To check my own bias, I spent 10–15 minutes looking up examples of feudal lords who have genuinely improved the lives of their field workers. While a few scant names came up, none stood up to deeper scrutiny. So when Ali complains about discrimination, I couldn’t help but wonder—does he really have a leg to stand on?
In the end, while I thoroughly enjoyed the craft of Shah’s writing, as I did in The Monsoon War, I felt that this book leaned too heavily in one direction—politically and morally. That’s why, despite appreciating the narrative style, I’m giving it 3 stars.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog https://pakistaniteacher.wordpress.co... or follow me on Instagram @apakistaniteacher.
I’m in two minds about it. If I judge it purely as a story, I genuinely enjoyed it. The writing is compelling, the structure is ambitious, and the blend of history with contemporary storytelling is engaging. However, as someone born and raised in Pakistan, I deeply disagree with the portrayal of the Bhutto dynasty, which feels one-sided and biased.
The novel switches between centuries-old historical narratives—especially the stories of Sindh’s revered Pirs—and the last three months of 2007, the period leading up to Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. Both timelines are well-written, and I found the sections on the Sufi saints especially rich and fascinating. In fact, I would love to see those stories expanded into a standalone book.
What ultimately disappointed me, though, was the lack of critical engagement with the darker side of PPP’s political legacy. The narrative glosses over numerous troubling episodes: the alleged sidelining of Nusrat Bhutto by Benazir due to political rivalry, the unresolved and suspicious death of Murtaza Bhutto—killed just outside his home while Benazir was Prime Minister—and the well-documented corruption scandals involving Swiss accounts tied to Benazir and her husband. These aren’t conspiracy theories; they’re part of the public record and have been scrutinized internationally.
Let me be clear: Benazir’s assassination was horrific and unjustifiable. But I disagree with the notion that death absolves someone of all accountability for their actions in life. This balance—between martyrdom and moral scrutiny—is completely absent here.
Another issue I had was the narrative's treatment of feudalism. Ali repeatedly laments being stereotyped for his feudal background, yet when he finds himself in trouble, he immediately calls his father, who pulls strings to get him out. At no point does Ali reflect on the privilege he enjoys or consider extending the same support to others in similar situations.
To check my own bias, I spent 10–15 minutes looking up examples of feudal lords who have genuinely improved the lives of their field workers. While a few scant names came up, none stood up to deeper scrutiny. So when Ali complains about discrimination, I couldn’t help but wonder—does he really have a leg to stand on?
In the end, while I thoroughly enjoyed the craft of Shah’s writing, as I did in The Monsoon War, I felt that this book leaned too heavily in one direction—politically and morally. That’s why, despite appreciating the narrative style, I’m giving it 3 stars.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog https://pakistaniteacher.wordpress.co... or follow me on Instagram @apakistaniteacher.
Read
February 9, 2020Another book that is hard to rate. It's written well, an interesting story, and taught me things about a part of the world I know very little about. But the early chapter about Shah Abudul Latif walking away from his wife, certain she'll stay in seclusion "honoring" him by not complaining as he abandons her - I know this is a traditional legend, but I just don't understand its place in this story. It bothered me throughout the rest of the book and made the ending, pointless rather than poignant. Which is a statement on the whole episode of history, absolutely, but doesn't make for the most uplifting reading.
March 14, 2019
This is essentially a story about feudalism culture in province of Sindh in Pakistan, the local folklore and the tradition of Saints and Pir’s. Set around 2007 when Benazir Bhutto returned from exile.
The story follows Ali, a young man, who is in love with a Non- Muslim women, working for a local news channel in Karachi, also an eldest of siblings living with his mother. His father is an affluent man of power in Sindh, living separately with second wife and kids who had always been a big follower of Bhutto’s. Ali is figuring out why his father left his mother and the politics around him.
The story follows Ali, a young man, who is in love with a Non- Muslim women, working for a local news channel in Karachi, also an eldest of siblings living with his mother. His father is an affluent man of power in Sindh, living separately with second wife and kids who had always been a big follower of Bhutto’s. Ali is figuring out why his father left his mother and the politics around him.
September 22, 2017
I really liked this novel! It was very smart and interesting, more so because I was seeking to understand Pakistani politics, although it being Bhutto-biased, the region's colonial history, and what current life is like in Pakistan, albeit the story taking place in 2007 and Bhutto getting assassinated since then. It's a very humanizing tale, especially since we get a warped view of the country from American news. Sure, the novel had some plot flaws, but I think the unique ongoing narratives can make up for them.
July 10, 2020
Bina Shah manages to pull you in from the get go and never lets you go. Given the date stamps—inside one’s head—one knows where the story is headed towards, especially for people who witnessed the scenes of Dec 27 up close but Ali’s perspective sprinkled up with some Sindhi history gives the story a freshness to it which stays with you, at least for some time after you’re through with it.
It does however feel like she tried to push in one too many issues and ideas into the narrative.
Overall an engaging and enjoyable read.
It does however feel like she tried to push in one too many issues and ideas into the narrative.
Overall an engaging and enjoyable read.
July 27, 2022
The format of the book alternating between present day and mythical Sindhi stories is great. The only drawback is the rom com style language and setting employed for the present day, not suitable for a subject this serious.
March 12, 2019
I realized in reading this just how little I know about Pakistan. The snapshots of Pakistani history were especially interesting. The main story was good but didn't quite satisfy completely.
July 9, 2019
The book was an ode to Sindh and portrayed the authors love for the province
July 11, 2023
Excellent book, loved how the author intertwined the Sindh stories with the present story , beautifully written
February 26, 2017
A Season for Martyrs is a beautiful book.
January 31, 2015
Review to post at I am Indeed on 31 January
In her U.S. literary debut, Bina Shah takes readers on a journey through the often twisted and incomprehensible political and social history of Pakistan in the recent past. Using a young journalist and the events leading to Benazir Bhutto’s return from exile. This was my 2015 readathon day choice, and it was perfect for the challenge.
While it is impossible to encompass all of the social and perspective-based impressions from the characters, Shah does present an attitude that is based in both tribal, cultural and religious beliefs, and thoroughly steeped in the history of the people. Pakistan is a ‘cobbled’ country, established in 1947 after the British East India company was ousted (or left, depending on perspective) releasing their stranglehold on India and the surrounding areas. Essentially what emerged was a bit of religious migration with Muslims congregating in what would become Pakistan and the Sikh and Hindi heading to India. To this day – there are fractured families and tensions between the variant religious factions in both India and Pakistan. As with most colonialized areas, those in power (i.e. the west) never really was cognizant or cared about the history and political climate, as the colonization was simply for material gain. This has led to current uprisings, unrest and injustices – possibly even stretching further back into time.
So, with a bit of background, Shah’s story is gripping and engaging – full of political fact and perspective from ‘on the ground’ in her character Ali. Ali is a reporter with the news, and he shares a similar background with Bhutto: both are from feudal zamindar (aristocratic) families from the Sindh community, although Bhutto’s father was more of a populist and at odds with the majority attitudes of his community. That his daughter would adopt and promulgate those views, and rise to the highest political office available in a rigidly Muslim state, as a woman, is nothing short of miraculous. Ali’s career choices are much more accepted: both as a man and one of his elevated family history. But all is not as it seems: Ali is in love with a Hindi woman, a travesty and potentially life-threatening danger in the uncertain times. With a fractured relationship with his father and his family, and questions surrounding the true aims of Benazir Bhutto and her return from exile, he’s make efforts to emigrate to the United States, yet another secret in his ever increasing cache.
All is not about Ali and his struggles though, as Shah also details the events leading to Bhutto’s return from exile, and the not insubstantial controversies from both supporters and detractors. So many elements are in play in this story, yet Shah manages to keep people straight and explain traditional beliefs, family ties and that history without it becoming overwhelming. There are plenty of things to keep straight, and at first it does feel a touch overwhelming, but Shah’s writing is smooth and she adds nuance and never talks “down” to her readers. More compelling than an utterly twisted mystery with multiple suspects, Shah draws you in and provides a bit more understanding of the people and what is important to them, and possibly you will find some common ground. Far more informative than any 3 minute ‘news story’ could ever present, I closed the book feeling I understood the country and its climate just a tiny bit more – and that is really the best thing that could happen.
In some ways, this was an introductory course in modern Pakistani politics that reads like a fictional novel: compelling, emotional and most of all engaging the reader to see and experience the world through another’s eyes.
I was provided a paperback copy of the title from Media Muscle for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In her U.S. literary debut, Bina Shah takes readers on a journey through the often twisted and incomprehensible political and social history of Pakistan in the recent past. Using a young journalist and the events leading to Benazir Bhutto’s return from exile. This was my 2015 readathon day choice, and it was perfect for the challenge.
While it is impossible to encompass all of the social and perspective-based impressions from the characters, Shah does present an attitude that is based in both tribal, cultural and religious beliefs, and thoroughly steeped in the history of the people. Pakistan is a ‘cobbled’ country, established in 1947 after the British East India company was ousted (or left, depending on perspective) releasing their stranglehold on India and the surrounding areas. Essentially what emerged was a bit of religious migration with Muslims congregating in what would become Pakistan and the Sikh and Hindi heading to India. To this day – there are fractured families and tensions between the variant religious factions in both India and Pakistan. As with most colonialized areas, those in power (i.e. the west) never really was cognizant or cared about the history and political climate, as the colonization was simply for material gain. This has led to current uprisings, unrest and injustices – possibly even stretching further back into time.
So, with a bit of background, Shah’s story is gripping and engaging – full of political fact and perspective from ‘on the ground’ in her character Ali. Ali is a reporter with the news, and he shares a similar background with Bhutto: both are from feudal zamindar (aristocratic) families from the Sindh community, although Bhutto’s father was more of a populist and at odds with the majority attitudes of his community. That his daughter would adopt and promulgate those views, and rise to the highest political office available in a rigidly Muslim state, as a woman, is nothing short of miraculous. Ali’s career choices are much more accepted: both as a man and one of his elevated family history. But all is not as it seems: Ali is in love with a Hindi woman, a travesty and potentially life-threatening danger in the uncertain times. With a fractured relationship with his father and his family, and questions surrounding the true aims of Benazir Bhutto and her return from exile, he’s make efforts to emigrate to the United States, yet another secret in his ever increasing cache.
All is not about Ali and his struggles though, as Shah also details the events leading to Bhutto’s return from exile, and the not insubstantial controversies from both supporters and detractors. So many elements are in play in this story, yet Shah manages to keep people straight and explain traditional beliefs, family ties and that history without it becoming overwhelming. There are plenty of things to keep straight, and at first it does feel a touch overwhelming, but Shah’s writing is smooth and she adds nuance and never talks “down” to her readers. More compelling than an utterly twisted mystery with multiple suspects, Shah draws you in and provides a bit more understanding of the people and what is important to them, and possibly you will find some common ground. Far more informative than any 3 minute ‘news story’ could ever present, I closed the book feeling I understood the country and its climate just a tiny bit more – and that is really the best thing that could happen.
In some ways, this was an introductory course in modern Pakistani politics that reads like a fictional novel: compelling, emotional and most of all engaging the reader to see and experience the world through another’s eyes.
I was provided a paperback copy of the title from Media Muscle for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 16, 2014
Many thanks to GoodReads and the publishers of A Season for Martyrs for granting me with a copy of this book.
A Season for Martyrs is a truly beautiful book. Personally, I grew up in DC during 9/11 and had a dear friend pass on one of the planes. After that, I always wondered about life over in the middle east. I always wondered about the victims on Middle Eastern soil. What their lives entailed and how they were (a/e)ffected by bombings in their own country.
This book was a lovely read and gave me insight I had been curious about. To read into a life who was affected on her own soil by the turmoil surrounding her, was truly an appreciated opportunity.
I have no doubt that Shah will be an author to hear more from.
A Season for Martyrs is a truly beautiful book. Personally, I grew up in DC during 9/11 and had a dear friend pass on one of the planes. After that, I always wondered about life over in the middle east. I always wondered about the victims on Middle Eastern soil. What their lives entailed and how they were (a/e)ffected by bombings in their own country.
This book was a lovely read and gave me insight I had been curious about. To read into a life who was affected on her own soil by the turmoil surrounding her, was truly an appreciated opportunity.
I have no doubt that Shah will be an author to hear more from.
June 2, 2015
A Season for Martyr's by Bina Shah is a delicious journey through Sindh in Pakistan. The Novel's events stretch from November 2008 to many centuries back when recalling the Saints of the region and era.
The spell binding story is told primarily through the character of Ali Sikander and the politically charged atmosphere of the time is exciting and true to how events actually occurred.
The stately Benazir Bhutto is indeed the eighth queen of this novel and the King amongst the saints is the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif, it makes me wish to venture on a quest for more knowledge of the rich heritage of Sindh.
August 14, 2025
A fantastic fiction work by Bina Shah revolves around Benazir Bhutto, starts with her homecoming in Karachi from self exile to her death after attending and addressing a mammoth public rally in Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi. Bina Shah has masterfully embedded a story of a character named, scion of a landlord & Pir family, who is passing through difficult times because his father lives with second wife, as well story of few historical characters of Sindh which include Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, father of the heroine of the novel and Pir Pagaro. Bina Shah has given title of 8th Queen to Benazir Bhutto in addition to 7 female characters of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.
Want to read
March 16, 2015Written by a Wellesley alumna.
February 9, 2016
Much better than I expected it to be. It was an enjoying read.
Want to read
May 6, 2015KOBOBOOKS
Reviewed by Asian Review of Books
Reviewed by Asian Review of Books
November 16, 2015
Such amazing book. I could not stop reading it. The only reason I cut a star was because I was left with expecting something a little more.
August 25, 2016
This was a good read. It was well written.
December 31, 2025
learnt a bunch about the Bhutto family, Pakistani politics, and Sindhi culture.. worth it
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews