What do you think?
Rate this book
From Waris to Heer: A Novel of Punjab
I am the story of the perennial lovers, Ranjha and Heer. I am the story of Waris Shah, of Bulleh Shah’s dhammal, the rise of the Sikh misl and the fall of the Mughal Empire. I am a story told in two parts, in two different narrative styles. On the one hand, I am the story of a young Waris, displaced from his home and his journey to Kasur, Pakpattan and Malka Hans, where he finally composed this most iconic love legend of Punjab. On the other hand, I am the story of Heer and Ranjha, being written by Waris Shah. Throughout the novel, I flow between these two narratives, these two worlds—of eighteenth-century Punjab and a timeless Punjab.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 29, 2024
18 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 7, 2024
It is hard to categorize this work. It has elements of a story, dialogue, dictation, and many other things. In form, I don’t think it can be called a novel or a novella, nor can I call it a short story or a ‘Qissa’ for that matter. It is experimental fiction, as it combines elements of every aforementioned form.
What can be said with certainty is that it is written in a simple and lucid manner. The narrative flows easily and gracefully, without convoluting complex themes and ideas. That in itself is quite a feat.
The only knock on it is the occasional spillage of academic or say, mechanistic words. The author was an academic in his previous life, so that makes sense. Nevertheless, it is a stylistic gripe and doesn’t take away much from the work.
To sum it up, it is an effortless and a surprisingly enlightening read.
What can be said with certainty is that it is written in a simple and lucid manner. The narrative flows easily and gracefully, without convoluting complex themes and ideas. That in itself is quite a feat.
The only knock on it is the occasional spillage of academic or say, mechanistic words. The author was an academic in his previous life, so that makes sense. Nevertheless, it is a stylistic gripe and doesn’t take away much from the work.
To sum it up, it is an effortless and a surprisingly enlightening read.
July 16, 2025
A book which is the story of Waris and entwined stories of Bulleh Shah & other mystics. The story in between brings the story of Heer and Ranjha. And ending makes everyone think how many Heers have been made sacrificial lambs in the name of societal norms.
It is a part of typical Punjabi literature and the style of writing is superb.
It is a part of typical Punjabi literature and the style of writing is superb.
March 25, 2024
[image error]
In the timeless tapestry of love, few tales resonate as profoundly as that of Heer and Ranjha—a saga immortalized by the pen of Waris Shah. This book embarks on a poignant journey, delving into the depths of this iconic love legend and the enigmatic figure behind its creation. Set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Punjab, the novel unfolds in the style of a qissa, weaving together the threads of passion, longing, and destiny. With lyrical prose that echoes the spirit of the original text, it breathes new life into the age-old tale, making it accessible to a modern audience.
Amid the unrest of cultural imperatives and scholarly oversight, this cleverness stands as a demonstration of the perseverance through force of affection and responsibility. This book arises as a mixed tribute to the flexibility of the human soul and the immortal charm of genuine romance. The feelings, the language, the way of life, the general public, the set of experiences, there is such a great amount to see in this book. Regardless of, what number of times you read it, you never feel exhausted. you will continuously discover some new aspects each time you go through the pages.
A retelling of the famous sentiment of Heer and Ranjha, From Waris To Heer by Haroon Khalid meshes into the existence of eighteenth-century Sufi writer Waris Shah, giving a brief look into society, culture and religion in pre-pilgrim Punjab. In this novel, the writer gives recognition to this mind-boggling custom of qissa composing. The words find their musicality and what arises is a text that is found somewhere close to verse and exposition.
In the timeless tapestry of love, few tales resonate as profoundly as that of Heer and Ranjha—a saga immortalized by the pen of Waris Shah. This book embarks on a poignant journey, delving into the depths of this iconic love legend and the enigmatic figure behind its creation. Set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Punjab, the novel unfolds in the style of a qissa, weaving together the threads of passion, longing, and destiny. With lyrical prose that echoes the spirit of the original text, it breathes new life into the age-old tale, making it accessible to a modern audience.
Amid the unrest of cultural imperatives and scholarly oversight, this cleverness stands as a demonstration of the perseverance through force of affection and responsibility. This book arises as a mixed tribute to the flexibility of the human soul and the immortal charm of genuine romance. The feelings, the language, the way of life, the general public, the set of experiences, there is such a great amount to see in this book. Regardless of, what number of times you read it, you never feel exhausted. you will continuously discover some new aspects each time you go through the pages.
A retelling of the famous sentiment of Heer and Ranjha, From Waris To Heer by Haroon Khalid meshes into the existence of eighteenth-century Sufi writer Waris Shah, giving a brief look into society, culture and religion in pre-pilgrim Punjab. In this novel, the writer gives recognition to this mind-boggling custom of qissa composing. The words find their musicality and what arises is a text that is found somewhere close to verse and exposition.
May 1, 2024
It’s really hard to explain the levels of literary achievement that Haroon has achieved in FWTH. History, culture, spirituality, love, all these facets blend seamlessly into each other in what can only be described as a triumph of literature.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Haroon should become required reading for anyone who wants to understand Punjab, and Punjabiyat.
This book is just absolutely phenomenal, and will require at least two more readings for me to fully understand all the messages hidden in its depths. But those are hours that will be very well spent. Truly fantastic!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Haroon should become required reading for anyone who wants to understand Punjab, and Punjabiyat.
This book is just absolutely phenomenal, and will require at least two more readings for me to fully understand all the messages hidden in its depths. But those are hours that will be very well spent. Truly fantastic!
May 30, 2024
Damn you Waris .
June 29, 2024
POIGNANT RIVETING ENTHRALLING THOUGHT-PROVOKING.
Haroon Khalid is a master storyteller and I'm in awe of his writing. This is my first book by him and I am so grateful that his work, this book chose me, it came to me else I would have been deprived of this legendary qissa.
The book is a legendary tale of heer-ranjha narrated by Waris Shah. It is also a tale about love, it's transcendental opulence. The book describes the time when Punjab was in a state of political upheaval, how a 17 year old orphan boy travelled all the way to Lahore from his pind only to witness a public execution. The book is about Waris Shah and how he became Waris Shah, how much one has to endure to achieve that level of enlightenment.
What I loved about this book is:
🍃Haroon knows his craft, has that abundance knowledge where he can put his words at play. The foundation of the facts of political status of Punjab at that time with the layering of the soft fabric of philosophy, theology, love, Sufism & monotheism is just 🤌🏻.
🍃 I loved where he intricately portrayed the intermeshing of all the religions/ideologies together. Where Ranjha is Shiva, Ram, Krishna, & Yousuf where Heer is Parvati, Sita, Radha and Zulekha.
🍃This lyrical prose depicts the journey of love through numerous landscapes to its abode. Intangible yet ubiquitous in its various embodiments, love is a transcendental force that can connect the most fertile mind to the barren soul.
🍃I loved the way he used every emotion, non-living thing and infused life into them to make them into a living thing only to let them narrate their part of story. It was fascinating to read where Chenab comes and tells her part, then there is a forest which does the same then a pearl-necklace, begging bowl, sexual desire and Honour telling their parts.
🍃There isn't any question under the sun he hasn't asked that needs to be asked and to be pondered upon. I love the way he described the relationship between divine & devotee.
🍃I loved where Waris broke all the mental barriers when he became Ranjha, when he became Heer. But for me the most important part was where Haroon became Waris.
This book is everything you'd want to read. It is a literary masterpiece.
Haroon Khalid is a master storyteller and I'm in awe of his writing. This is my first book by him and I am so grateful that his work, this book chose me, it came to me else I would have been deprived of this legendary qissa.
The book is a legendary tale of heer-ranjha narrated by Waris Shah. It is also a tale about love, it's transcendental opulence. The book describes the time when Punjab was in a state of political upheaval, how a 17 year old orphan boy travelled all the way to Lahore from his pind only to witness a public execution. The book is about Waris Shah and how he became Waris Shah, how much one has to endure to achieve that level of enlightenment.
What I loved about this book is:
🍃Haroon knows his craft, has that abundance knowledge where he can put his words at play. The foundation of the facts of political status of Punjab at that time with the layering of the soft fabric of philosophy, theology, love, Sufism & monotheism is just 🤌🏻.
🍃 I loved where he intricately portrayed the intermeshing of all the religions/ideologies together. Where Ranjha is Shiva, Ram, Krishna, & Yousuf where Heer is Parvati, Sita, Radha and Zulekha.
🍃This lyrical prose depicts the journey of love through numerous landscapes to its abode. Intangible yet ubiquitous in its various embodiments, love is a transcendental force that can connect the most fertile mind to the barren soul.
🍃I loved the way he used every emotion, non-living thing and infused life into them to make them into a living thing only to let them narrate their part of story. It was fascinating to read where Chenab comes and tells her part, then there is a forest which does the same then a pearl-necklace, begging bowl, sexual desire and Honour telling their parts.
🍃There isn't any question under the sun he hasn't asked that needs to be asked and to be pondered upon. I love the way he described the relationship between divine & devotee.
🍃I loved where Waris broke all the mental barriers when he became Ranjha, when he became Heer. But for me the most important part was where Haroon became Waris.
This book is everything you'd want to read. It is a literary masterpiece.
November 20, 2024
Name : From Waris to Heer
Author : Haroon Khalid
Genre : Spiritual historical fiction
My 💭:
[17/11/24 11.33PM]
The Epilogue of this book kind of broke me 💔. So I am writing down my review after gathering my thoughts a good 3 hours later.
I don't think that I have ever a book of this genre. I have read spritual fiction as well as historical fiction, but never a mixture of the two. I think that is maybe why it took me almost halfway through the book to even grasp the concept of the story. It is very very uniquely written from the narrative of many characters, but there's always the one common character tethering them - Waris, the author.
To be honest, I don't think I have developed enough emotional maturity to understand the spiritual side of the story. I think, I THINK, the root of it lies in the fact that Waris is the creator of Heer and Ranjha's story, so in a way, his soul flows through all the characters he created. After reading the blurb, I was expecting multiple narrations in different chapters, but it was not so. The narratives were changing in the chapter itself - it was really confusing as well as magical at times. I think authors will get it truly, because, for them the line between their own selves and their created characters must blur at times.
I have never read or heard Heer and Ranjha's story, though I have listened to countless songs about them. I would like to thank the author for telling me their story in this magical way; however much I understood it was sweet and blissful and painful and cruel and bittersweet. I will definitely have to read it again with an aged mind.
I loved the Epilogue because it spoke of something I have argued with my ma all my life - the concept of heaven and hell. Why should we live on the basis of something we don't know for sure exists? Why not live for this current life itself and make it as happy as possible for ourselves and for others? So many wars and violent acts for this blind belief on something theoretical, it's really sad. I wish we could live in a world where epic love stories didn't mean only tragedies.
Maybe GenZ might pave a new way with their disbelief in EVERYTHING, haha 😆.
Author : Haroon Khalid
Genre : Spiritual historical fiction
My 💭:
[17/11/24 11.33PM]
The Epilogue of this book kind of broke me 💔. So I am writing down my review after gathering my thoughts a good 3 hours later.
I don't think that I have ever a book of this genre. I have read spritual fiction as well as historical fiction, but never a mixture of the two. I think that is maybe why it took me almost halfway through the book to even grasp the concept of the story. It is very very uniquely written from the narrative of many characters, but there's always the one common character tethering them - Waris, the author.
To be honest, I don't think I have developed enough emotional maturity to understand the spiritual side of the story. I think, I THINK, the root of it lies in the fact that Waris is the creator of Heer and Ranjha's story, so in a way, his soul flows through all the characters he created. After reading the blurb, I was expecting multiple narrations in different chapters, but it was not so. The narratives were changing in the chapter itself - it was really confusing as well as magical at times. I think authors will get it truly, because, for them the line between their own selves and their created characters must blur at times.
I have never read or heard Heer and Ranjha's story, though I have listened to countless songs about them. I would like to thank the author for telling me their story in this magical way; however much I understood it was sweet and blissful and painful and cruel and bittersweet. I will definitely have to read it again with an aged mind.
I loved the Epilogue because it spoke of something I have argued with my ma all my life - the concept of heaven and hell. Why should we live on the basis of something we don't know for sure exists? Why not live for this current life itself and make it as happy as possible for ourselves and for others? So many wars and violent acts for this blind belief on something theoretical, it's really sad. I wish we could live in a world where epic love stories didn't mean only tragedies.
Maybe GenZ might pave a new way with their disbelief in EVERYTHING, haha 😆.
May 13, 2024
Who was Heer ? Who was Ranjha ?
Do we see them even today ?
Haroon Khalid’s book , “ From Waris to Heer ” is not just a correlation to history and present times but also connects the English speaking Punjabis to our Quissas and Khanis of Punjabi Virsa. We have read Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet but know very little about our own Heer and Ranjha. Haroon’s knowledge of history and sensitivity to human emotions is reflected in his writings. Making us time travel into the old Punjab where we see Waris Shah. Waris Shah comes alive before our eyes. His version of Heer shows his empathy and understanding of feminine emotions which are often ignored and questioning the patriarchal society that crushes the female voices that assert themselves. Was Waris a feminist his version of Heer invokes thought provoking questions regarding
How much have we moved from our past ? Has the world changed for women today? For their aspirations are often crushed in the garb of izzat and ghairat.Do we see Heer and Ranjha in today’s day and age? Even in today’s world Heer though is loved and adored by her family is often sacrificed at the altar of society’s pressure izzat. Often today’s Ranjha is a young man with a different vision from the familial ways of life. Waris’s Ranjha was a young man gifted in playing flute but ridiculed by his family. This is called rebellion and youth is often labelled as rebels for just asserting themselves.
A must read book
Do we see them even today ?
Haroon Khalid’s book , “ From Waris to Heer ” is not just a correlation to history and present times but also connects the English speaking Punjabis to our Quissas and Khanis of Punjabi Virsa. We have read Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet but know very little about our own Heer and Ranjha. Haroon’s knowledge of history and sensitivity to human emotions is reflected in his writings. Making us time travel into the old Punjab where we see Waris Shah. Waris Shah comes alive before our eyes. His version of Heer shows his empathy and understanding of feminine emotions which are often ignored and questioning the patriarchal society that crushes the female voices that assert themselves. Was Waris a feminist his version of Heer invokes thought provoking questions regarding
How much have we moved from our past ? Has the world changed for women today? For their aspirations are often crushed in the garb of izzat and ghairat.Do we see Heer and Ranjha in today’s day and age? Even in today’s world Heer though is loved and adored by her family is often sacrificed at the altar of society’s pressure izzat. Often today’s Ranjha is a young man with a different vision from the familial ways of life. Waris’s Ranjha was a young man gifted in playing flute but ridiculed by his family. This is called rebellion and youth is often labelled as rebels for just asserting themselves.
A must read book
March 9, 2024
Just completed reading the book. Other than bringing out the love between the divine and devotee(Heer-Ranjha/Ranjha-Heer), the book so eloquently talks about the social/religious situation in Punjab during the period. The style of narrating by Haroon is so refreshing. It’s a must read for everyone. It’s totally a 10/10.
May 5, 2025
From Waris to Heer is not just a story. It is the story of Punjab. It is the story of the land divided, and yet united by tales, songs and rivers.
Read my full review on my blog
https://undecidedindubai.wordpress.co...
Read my full review on my blog
https://undecidedindubai.wordpress.co...
October 1, 2024
FROM WARIS TO HEER (2024) by Haroon Khalid
This novel by one of my favorite authors features two parallel narratives. One follows the life and evolution of Waris Shah. It begins with his birth in Jandiala, influenced by his father’s teachings, then his father’s death, his move to Lahore, meeting Bulleh Shah, his time in Kasur under Ghulam Murtaza, his journey to Pakpattan, and finally, his arrival in Malka Hans. The author beautifully describes Waris Shah’s philosophy of rebellion against bigotry, class, and the acceptance of multiple paths to enlightenment. The characters of Gulsher, Umar, Aftab, Saraswati, and others are aptly described to highlight Waris Shah’s philosophical evolution and its impact on his rewriting of the qissa of Heer.
The other narrative tells the story of Ranjha and Heer, shaped and molded by Waris Shah. The author skillfully blurs the lines between the story and the storyteller when Waris becomes Heer and vice versa. Even inanimate elements become narrators, making it even more fascinating. This novel is truly an extension of Haroon Khalid.
This novel by one of my favorite authors features two parallel narratives. One follows the life and evolution of Waris Shah. It begins with his birth in Jandiala, influenced by his father’s teachings, then his father’s death, his move to Lahore, meeting Bulleh Shah, his time in Kasur under Ghulam Murtaza, his journey to Pakpattan, and finally, his arrival in Malka Hans. The author beautifully describes Waris Shah’s philosophy of rebellion against bigotry, class, and the acceptance of multiple paths to enlightenment. The characters of Gulsher, Umar, Aftab, Saraswati, and others are aptly described to highlight Waris Shah’s philosophical evolution and its impact on his rewriting of the qissa of Heer.
The other narrative tells the story of Ranjha and Heer, shaped and molded by Waris Shah. The author skillfully blurs the lines between the story and the storyteller when Waris becomes Heer and vice versa. Even inanimate elements become narrators, making it even more fascinating. This novel is truly an extension of Haroon Khalid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
Famed Pakistani anthropologist and journalist, Haroon Khalid, pens his fifth book in From Waris To Heer. In it, he takes on the imagined life of Waris Shah as he composes his pièce de résistance - Heer. Heer Ranjha's love story, made more famous by Waris's poem, is one of the greatest South Asian tragic love stories and has had a last influence on Indian pop culture.
This book is a story within a story and the writing has a very magical realist quality to it - history and folklore blur as the reader is taken on a ride through pre-Colonial, Mughal era Punjab.
Through the book sometimes Waris is telling a tale, sometime ordinary people are waxing eloquent about the political climate and sometimes the story takes over. You switch between Waris's life and Heer's story, showing how ultimately Heer (the poem) isn't just a fictional tale but a commentary on Waris's reality.
However, I don't care much for historical fiction or imagined realities, and this book didn't do anything to change my mind. I enjoy Khalid's pure nonfiction and was left disappointed with his new experimental book.
This book is a story within a story and the writing has a very magical realist quality to it - history and folklore blur as the reader is taken on a ride through pre-Colonial, Mughal era Punjab.
Through the book sometimes Waris is telling a tale, sometime ordinary people are waxing eloquent about the political climate and sometimes the story takes over. You switch between Waris's life and Heer's story, showing how ultimately Heer (the poem) isn't just a fictional tale but a commentary on Waris's reality.
However, I don't care much for historical fiction or imagined realities, and this book didn't do anything to change my mind. I enjoy Khalid's pure nonfiction and was left disappointed with his new experimental book.
December 23, 2024
Felt like I was constantly learning something new about Panjab's culture, history and the Sufis. It’s not just a story but a bridge to understanding the deeper spirit of the region. Some parts felt a bit dense but overall, it was insightful.
May 8, 2024
Such a waste of a book. I had high expectations from the author but he really disappointed. Punjabi singers do a better job of telling this amazing story than the author. The book feels like the author has given ChatGpt a topic and asked her to expand in 300 pages. No point even wasting your time on this book or crap!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews