The Half Mother

by Shahnaz Bashir

The night is tired now, the old moon, hanging in the dark sky, is tired too. It is the 1990s and Kashmir's long war has begun to claim its first victims. Among them are Ghulam Rasool Joo, Haleema's father and her teenage son Imran, who is picked up by the authorities only to disappear into the void of Kashmir's missing people. The Half Mother is the story of Haleema-a mother and a daughter yesterday, a 'half mother' and an orphan today, tormented by not knowing whether Imran is dead or alive, torn apart by her own lonely existence. While she battles for answers and seeks out torture camps, jails and morgues for any signs of Imran, Kashmir burns in a war that will haunt it for years to come. Heart-wrenching, deeply troubling and lyrical, The Half Mother marks the debut of a bold new voice from Kashmir.

Genres: Fiction, Indian Literature, Family

182 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2014

About the author

SHAHNAZ BASHIR was born and brought up in Indian-administered Kashmir. His critically lauded and widely reviewed debut novel The Half Mother won the Muse India Young Writer Award 2015. His second book Scattered Souls was longlisted for Tata Lit Live Best Book Fiction 2017 and won The Citizen's Talent of the Year Award 2016-2017. In April 2018, Kashmir Observer reported “Scattered Souls is the best-selling fiction book in Kashmir till date”. Literary critics have compared his short fiction with works of great writers like Anton Chekhov and Sadat Hassan Manto. His short stories, memoir essays, poetry and reportage have been anthologised or published widely. He was honoured with university gold medal in journalism and was also awarded the Shamim Ahmad Shamim Memorial Kashmir Times Award 2007 for excelling in media studies. In 2018, Shahnaz was awarded a Writer’s Residency in Switzerland by Pro Helvetia—the Swiss Arts Council in India. He teaches narrative journalism, creative writing and conflict reporting to post-graduate students at the Central University of Kashmir.

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“God know that a mother need fortitude and courage and tolerance and flexibility and patience and firmness and nearly every other brave aspect of the human soul.”

----Phyllis McGinley

Shahnaz Bashir, an India author, has penned a tragic story about a mother's love in his book, The Half Mother: A Novel where the author weaves the story of a Kashmiri mother looking for her son who has been arrested by the army in a raid following an attack by the militants in their locality. Thus begins the journey of a desperate mother looking for her son from one army camp to another to one minster's home to another police station to finally approaching the media, but with time, her health deteriorates and it seems no one is aware that a boy is missing.


Synopsis:

The night is tired now, the old moon, hanging in the dark sky, is tired too. It is the 1990s and Kashmir's long war has begun to claim its first victims. Among them are Ghulam Rasool Joo, Haleema's father and her teenage son Imran, who is picked up by the authorities only to disappear into the void of Kashmir's missing people. The Half Mother is the story of Haleema-a mother and a daughter yesterday, a 'half mother' and an orphan today, tormented by not knowing whether Imran is dead or alive, torn apart by her own lonely existence. While she battles for answers and seeks out torture camps, jails and morgues for any signs of Imran, Kashmir burns in a war that will haunt it for years to come. Heart-wrenching, deeply troubling and lyrical, The Half Mother marks the debut of a bold new voice from Kashmir.


Haleema is born into poverty, and soon after her loving mother's death, she had to quit her school and studies and had to marry a medical assistant. But it seems Haleema is also born with bad luck as her marriage comes to an end within a few months and she had to return back to her father's home in Natipora locality. The only good thing that came out of her short-lived marriage is the birth of her son, Imran, who soon becomes her darling boy, and her father's new guiding stick. But the time period of the late 1980s is ripe with obligatory arrests by the army due to the violence and attacks by the militants in Kashmir, following due every Kashmiri family lives with the fear that they either don't get abducted by the militants or get arrested by the army, as either of them guarantees no safe return to home. Unlucky Haleema too faces the wrath of such violence, when her father is killed in a violent raid performed by the Indian army due to a militants attack. And on the very same evening while mourning for the death of her dear father, Haleema loses her loving son, Imran when the army arrests him in a very similar raid and takes him away. Haleema has no time to mourn for her father, hence she puts the grief at the back of her mind and begs in the feet of the army to let his son free as he has done nothing. And from there, Haleema's painful and long journey begins to find her son and bring him back to home, hence she knocks every government official's door, every army camp's door, and even contact those people who too have faced a similar fate like Haleema's and try to form a united body of people to meet the chief minister and also approaches a local journalist from BBC, who at least pays some heed to her story and prints it. But Imran never comes back and no one seems to have any idea about Imran's whereabouts. And with time, Haleema ages and her health fails her, but she never once loses her hope. So in the midst of failing health and the lies that every army-related personnel is giving her, can Haleema find her son, Imran, before it is too late?

This is another such book after Mirza Waheed's The Book of Gold Leaves, that compelled me with its authentic synopsis about a mother's fight and mostly because of the fact that the story is written by a first time Kashmiri author. Kashmir has forever suffered either in the hands of the strong Jihad-believer militants sponsored by Pakistan or in the hands of the fearless Indian Army who came to fame under the pretext of their inhuman torture done by them on the innocent Kashmiris. Kashmir's history is easily forgotten by the people of India but the Kashmiri folks know about it as it is written wither in their family history or in their bloods and they have to live with it every passing day. Trust me, I've been there and I've seen it with my very own eyes, how they have suffered and are still suffering with the war that is still going on discreetly in the background of their daily lives.

Now the author here pens this story like some experienced author, as his fresh voice coincides with maturity, depth and feels like the author knows how to move his readers through the emotional turmoil highlighted in the book. The author's writing style is extremely well-polished, emphatic and is laced with emotions, that are deep and will move the readers with its power. The narrative is realistic and honest and every other human soul can easily comprehend with the dialogues of the central character, and not to mention, Kashmiri mothers, especially whose painful stories are forgotten under the progress of Kashmir's wealth, politics, education and constantly growing tourism industry, will definitely find this story close to their heart and will cherish it forever. The pacing is swift and smooth as the readers sway with the free flow of the story.

The author has cleverly portrayed the plight of a desperate half mother's journey to find her son, who at first knocks the door of the local police station, then goes to the army camp who bluntly denies that her son has never been picked up for questioning, then forms a body of people consisting of half mothers and half widows in the valley of Kashmir and approaches the chief minister and then approaches a BBC journalist, who too is dominated by the state. This painful and heart breaking story will echo the stories of all the mothers and wives from this vast country, India, whose sons or husbands have been arrested by the government authority like police or army for questioning and following which, never returns back to home. Haleema has been projected like an epitome to all the grieving mothers and wives and the readers will easily feel related to her problems thus connecting with her from heart and mind.

The backdrop that the author arrested into the pages of this book is not only striking but also extremely lively which will only act as a time machine for the readers that will transport them not only back in a forgotten and deadly era in Kashmir's history but also to this very paradise. The author has painted the picturesque backdrop of Kashmir with its green valleys and meadows and clear blue stream flowing amidst the snow-white-capped mountains into the heart of the city, Srinagar. The timeline aptly syncs with the projection of the then Kashmir when the war between the army and the insurgents not only changed the lives of the common and innocent Kashmiri folks but also changed the whole ecology of this paradise.

The characters in this book are depicted with realism and their honest demeanor will make the readers fall and root for them till the very end. Haleema is a wonderful protagonist as her pain as well as her voice is believable and her fearless and hopeful demeanor will keep the readers too, hoping for her fight. The rest of the supporting characters, especially Haleema's father who enlightens his grandson with education and so much wisdom, that will make the readers arrested to his presence. Overall, all the characters uphold that old Kashmiri flair and warmth and are perfectly in sync with the story line.

In a nutshell, this is a must read realistic story of a mother coming from the pen of a debut writer as he successfully gives justice to the sorrows of so many lost stories like Haleema's across the paradise. The story is extremely riveting, enthralling yet poignant in every aspect and I recommend each and every one to pick a copy of this book now.

Verdict: A sorrowful journey of a Kashmiri mother looking for her lost son through the valleys.

[Tamjeed Bisati · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional impact of literature can indeed be profound, as it engages our minds and hearts in ways that visual media sometimes cannot. "The Half Mother" is a literary work that not only delves into personal narratives but also serves as a powerful medium to shed light on the collective struggles and atrocities faced by Kashmiris. For Kashmiris, reading "The Half Mother" can be a harrowing yet necessary experience, as it brings to light the long history of oppression endured by the region. Being under an oppressor is nothing new for Kashmir. Kashmir has faced waves of occupation and subjugation, shaping the resilience and identity of its people amidst ongoing challenges. The current phase of Indian rule in Kashmir represents a chapter of intense oppression and human rights violations. The book captures the essence of systemic injustices and anti-human crimes perpetrated against Kashmiris. The imagery of Kashmir as a "heaven on earth" juxtaposed with the realities of occupation and conflict creates a stark contrast that resonates deeply with readers. It highlights the dichotomy between natural beauty and human suffering, inviting introspection and empathy from a global audience. In essence, "The Half Mother" transcends its role as a literary work and becomes a testament to the enduring spirit of a people striving for liberation and human rights amidst adversity.

The story follows Haleema, a woman dedicated to raising her son Imran alongside her father Ghulam Rasool Joo, in a modest yet content life filled with love and aspirations for Imran's future. However, their lives take a tragic turn due to the militant insurgency which was triggered by the rigged elections in 1987, plunging Kashmir into a period of instability and oppression. This era witnesses rampant killings, torture, wrongful imprisonments, and abductions, leaving families shattered with no closure. Haleema's family becomes a microcosm of this turmoil as they navigate through these tumultuous times. The daily reality of cordons, where everyone, regardless of age or gender, must carry ID cards for attendance, epitomizes the pervasive control and surveillance during those dark years. Amidst this environment, tragedy strikes as Ghulam Rasool Joo is brutally killed in front of his daughter and grandson, leaving Haleema and Imran to grapple with profound loss and newfound responsibilities. Despite their resilience, the void left by Ghulam Rasool Joo's death lingers, casting a shadow over their attempts to rebuild their shattered lives. Their resilience is further tested when Imran is detained by armed forces one day, disappearing without a trace, leaving Haleema in a perpetual state of anguish and uncertainty. The narrative intricately weaves together personal tragedy with the broader socio-political landscape, portraying the harsh realities faced by Kashmiris during this tumultuous period.

The crux of the narrative revolves around Haleema's turmoil-ridden journey after the loss of her father and the detention of her son. It delves into her profound loneliness and the relentless battle she wages to find her son, resorting to extreme measures such as visiting prisons and pursuing every possible lead, only to face continuous disappointment. This aspect underscores the deep emotional and psychological toll of uncertainty and loss experienced by countless Kashmiri families. The title "The Half Mother" encapsulates the essence of Haleema's struggle, drawing a parallel with the concept of "half-widows" who are left in limbo regarding their husbands' fate. Haleema questions her identity as a mother, grappling with the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing whether her son is alive or not. This internal conflict resonates with the broader theme of ambiguous loss experienced by families in conflict zones, highlighting the complexities of grief and resilience. The author's vivid storytelling paints a poignant picture of Haleema's ordeal, evoking empathy and understanding among readers, especially those familiar with Kashmir's chaotic history. The imagery crafted by the author allows readers, particularly Kashmiris who have witnessed oppression firsthand, to vividly envision the challenges faced by Haleema and others in similar circumstances. While the story itself may not be based on a true incident, it draws inspiration from real events and experiences, lending authenticity to its portrayal of the human cost of conflict and oppression. This blend of fiction and reality adds depth to the narrative, offering a nuanced exploration of themes such as loss, identity, and resilience within the context of Kashmir's socio-political landscape.

"The Half Mother" is essential reading for understanding India's harsh regime in Kashmir, offering a vivid portrayal of the ground realities. Through Haleema's story, the book reveals the profound injustices faced by Kashmiris under this regime, highlighting enforced disappearances that leave families in perpetual anguish. The book challenges readers to grasp the deep trauma of not knowing the fate of loved ones, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice amidst ongoing repression in the region.

[Yaqeen Sikander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing written story. I don't remember the last time I cried like this after reading any book. Perhaps being a Kashmiri I could relate. The Author has depicted the story in a way it needs to be told. He has combined and fictionalised different stories. Hats off, Amazing work Shahnaz Bashir

[Japneet (millennial_reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss and hope are two strange words. One is often followed by the other and where the feeling of loss only brings along despair and dejection, it's only hope that keeps us going. But what if hope becomes your only reason to live? What if hanging on a thread of hope is the only thing that is helping you survive? That's the story of many fathers, sons, and half widows in Kashmir. For context, half widows are women whose husband's have disappeared and one can't be sure whether they are alive or dead. By the same rule, this woman becomes a ''𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳''. Heartbreaking as it is, it's the truth of many in Kashmir & it's the truth of Haleema in '𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒇 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'.

#japreviewslit

"𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒉���𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒐, 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕."

'𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒇 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓' is a story set in 1990s Kashmir. The war has begun and the first victims of the war were Haleema's father, Ghulam Joo and her son, Imran Joo who is picked up by the authorities and disappears and his name is put on the list of missing people. It follows the story of Haleema who is trying to get any clue about the whereabouts of her son, any hint about his condition, just to know if he is dead or alive.

It follows her visits to the offices of BBC and other newspapers and channels just to have a missing person ad in the newspaper, to mortuaries, taking a 'tour of jails' just to find out something, anything about her son. It's a classic example of '𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍'. Her story is sad, heart-wrenching and troubling, not a story you would hope to come true for your worst enemy but sadly enough it's the lived reality of many in Kashmir.

Coming to the writing, there is urgency in Bashir's writing. While reading the story there are many moments when it seems like it's very important for the author to tell this story because this is the story of many in Kashmir and it needs more attention.

It's common knowledge that every place has a history but have you ever wondered why we are not taught about the history of Kashmir? Imran once discussed with Ghulam Joo (Ab Jaan) "I asked her why we were never taught about the history of Kashmir. How can one study about Mesopotamia and Indus Valley and Harappa and this and that civilization but not about the place one hails from?... Then I thought Kashmir had no real History, otherwise I would have not been punished."

To which Ab Jaan said "Until we stop oppressing ourselves others will never stop oppressing us. Remember this. Mark my words... Everything has a history. And we have a firm history. Our own history. Except the fact that it has never seen the light of the day. Because some people don't want it to be there. Not a bit of it. They don't want us to know ourselves. They don't want us to learn about who we are."

This book raises many important questions and makes you think about things that you never might have thought about in normal, everyday circumstances. It makes you cry, makes you sad and feel helpless. It tells you about the othee side of Kashmir which is not Paradise but 'living hell' on earth for people. It brings to light one of the gravest human tragedies of the long war in Kashmir. What was done to Kashmiris is now being done to Palestinians and staying silent is the worst thing we can do. Amplifying their cause, speaking up for them, sharing it on social media, right now is one of the ways to help them. People from Palestine themselves have said it! And yes, those who call this 'performative' please keep it all to yourselves. You are the ones spreading negativity. Try helping Palestine not become the next Kashmir.

[Yas Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the power of writing fiction that we(writers, authors) cannot write, by or about Kashmir, in a non-fiction genre. Author has brilliantly pen down the emotions of Haleema, a mother whose son is missing. It is not only the story Of Haleema but of the whole Kashmir valley, where mother waits for his missing son, wife for her missing husband, sister for her brother, son or daughter for his father and father for his son. The haunting story of every house here in kashmir. The book is full of emotions. A heart wrenching novel. Shahnaz Bashir at his best.
"What can you do in a place where you can get killed like a stray cat or dog, and be thrown away to rot in the wild." Its Kashmir, the Paradise on Earth. Paradise. Indeed!

[vitasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

on a journey to unravel layers of my identities

[Asha Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss and hope are two sides of the same coin. No writer could have illustrated it better than Shahnaz Bashir. Life is horrifying in the valleys of Kashmir, and just how dreadful it all is, lies at the heart of this novel ‘The Half Mother’, narrated through the story of a mother on an endless journey to tracing her son abducted by the army in the valley in 1980s.

In a way, this longing, this pain of waiting, was like preparing for hope. The pain of expecting was an education too, an exposure to what life held and meant.

The war of Kashmir took off from Haleema’s humble abode in the valleys the day her father is brutally murdered, and later that same night when her son is taken away. Her life since then has been a long day of failed attempts, mounting desperation, dejection, half-truths, atrocities by people in power, equally-helpless acquaintances, etc. making her life a living nightmare of sorts with nothing getting her any closer to knowing the one truth she seeks. Written with abject candor, draped in fiction, the stories within this saga of life in Kashmir during the 80s, opens doors to a horrid world where everything one can’t even imagine is a reality oozing out of every roof, every home, every man, every corner of the valley, and that’s what makes it utterly gut-wrenching. The author hasn’t spared the reader any detail and almost revels in revealing this reality that has been under covers for decades. That his own heart is aching and bleeding at the end of it all, would be an understatement.

Until we stop oppressing ourselves others will never stop oppressing us. Remember this.

The writing deserves a special mention. The prose revels in its honesty, in its unrefined candidness, the pain throbbing under its words, emotions spilling off the diction, and evocative imagery that brings it all together to paint a canvas that’s as real, as heart-breaking, as its burning muse. Through the brilliant crafting, the author can’t hold himself from letting out volumes of his own itch, the urge to amend, the urgency to reverse, the haste for closures, and therein lies the beauty of this novel that leaves you gasping for breath. One can’t wait to know if Haleema finally meets her son, what’s happened with her boy, and what fate has in store for her, and the end of that mystery is elusive as ever.

Everything has a history. And we have a firm history. Our own history. Except the fact that it has never seen the light of the day. Because some people don’t want it to be there. Not a bit of it. They don’t want us to know ourselves. They don’t want us to learn about who we are.

The valley has long yelled, protested, begged, cried, to be heard, to be seen, to be held, to be healed. Decades after decades Kashmiris have returned empty-handed when seeking for justice, but more so when asking for a decent life, a livable life, for themselves, for their progeny, with a hope to recover what was lost, what was rightfully theirs – their home, their heartland. When will something be done? The catastrophe that is the life of the people of Kashmir, is still an unanswered conundrum that the author has passionately tried to divert attention to once again. Haleema is not just a half-mother looking for her son. She is ‘Kashmir’, looking for freedom from hell.

The Half Mother is the story of every Kashmiri who has lost someone very dear and have been struggling in vain to make meaning of what remains. And not just Kashmir, but of all those countries and regions, that have been scarred by years of injustice, trying hard to make a war-torn life become bearable. Read this book to live with them, and share their pain, for the least we can do is acknowledge their tragedy and raise a voice for them.

[Zubaidah Anuar · Rating 5 out of 5]

At one point towards the end I stopped reading, anticipating an unhappy ending that would cause me emotional breakdown (sounds exaggerating but that is just me). I have read in the news and have been told by friends that the children taken were never returned. And I continued. It was more difficult to read when my eyes were filled with tears. Cheeks warmed by them. It is a heart-wrenching story of innocent beings, oppressed and psychologically and physically tortured in this paradise on earth. The story told by the reporter was even sadder than the words of the half mother (this is the part that I used the end of my dupatta to wipe both watery eyes and nose. After the pain she has to endure I thought there was hope for the to see her son, to loose the prefix 'half' from her 'mother' title. At the end, the story left me speechless and mindless for a while. The author's way of narrating has made me numb for awhile. Yet, I am hoping the rest of them, who are still waiting for the disappeared to eventually have a closure.

[Idrees Jeelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being fiction The half mother could very well be a tale of anyone of the numerous victims of war in Kashmir. With the compassionate realism and purity of narration, this novel reveals the other face of Kashmir, The ugly one, The one that no body wants to see or write about or talk about in their filmsy talk shows and news hours. After you finish the last page, you find yourself still deep inside the novel, You can still hear the breathless breathing of Haleema. Hats off to Shahnaz Bashir for such beautiful and hauntingly wonderful work

[Consuelo Murgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really have a soft spot for books with exotic settings (Kashmir in this case) and dealing with dramatic events, especially if involving female characters with tormented lives.

[Mehak Nisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first. Novel as to be bookwork.,....i love it...and have bought it two times...i read it once a year..always...every year....

[Anurag Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pride ourselves in living in a meta modernist era, where free-market economy, internet, globalization has brought the world together, where supranational institutions keep an eye for deviations from “the normal”, where human rights violations are condemned, where people’s wishes are considered sacrosanct, and yet we witness events that exhibit primitive brutality, scaling up to the supposedly anachronic acts of violence.

Such is the narrative of this book; the co-existence of the contradicting values and claims, and the destruction that it engenders. It is the story of the beauty and the beast, the beauty that is Kashmir and the beast that is its volatile identity. It is a love story between the two, where love is lost in obscurity, however.

The author draws an evocative character of Kashmir as it was in the 1990s, the time of the covert war, ripples from which are still felt today. He successfully connects all the elements that are apposite to Kashmir of the time; the ecology (paddy fields, meadows, poplar trees, cherry orchards, horse chestnut trees), the architecture, the food (collard greens, knol khol, Rogan josh, rice), the nature of the society (a very collectivist society), the religion, the filial relations, the traditions, the division of classes, the extant characteristics of family units, the rise in the insurgency, youth crossing border, the anecdotes of violation of women’s modesty, the alleged atrocities committed by the army, the violent turn of events, the killings and the arrests (abductions), the public uproar, the struggle of the families, the limitations on the media (newspapers, radios, tv), the inefficiency of the politicians and the bureaucrats, the facetious governmental support, and the solidarity sought amongst the sufferers.

All along it is a journey of a mother who in her lonesome, searches for her son who was snatched by the authorities. Her torture is aggrandized by the lack of information on the welfare of her son; she couldn’t be sure if he was still alive. It is certainly not a happy read. Some moments would bring a lump to one’s throat. It is bold and explicit with small episodes of pronounced violence. The author is successful in delivering a profound tale that arouses emotions and makes you empathize with the mother. The profundity lies in the dread that originates when the mother realizes the meaninglessness of her life without her father and especially her son and the oblivion that lies ahead.

A phantom of desolation shrouds the words that emanate from the book. I scuffled with my mind to transfigure the black and white imagery into the colourful picturesque Kashmir that I once visited. My attempts were only partially successful in turning my mind to the verdure of the spring and an all seasonal scarlet.

I would recommend reading the dreadful tale and questioning our position in the world and what are we doing to make it a better place. Also, don’t forget that it’s a fictional book.

[Akhila Saroha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since common people only get to hear the media version of Kashmir, the story from only one side, Shahnaz Bashir, in his "The half mother" makes a bold effort to present the story of the other side. His attempt is a daring feat because being a male, he takes the task of portraying and narrating the story and emotions of a woman. The Half Mother is a powerful account of what a mother feels and goes through when her child is taken away from her infront of her eyes.
This is the main theme around which the entire narrative revolves. There are other minor themes and issues that the author attempts to raise here. These are, the position of women, loss mistaken identity, relationships, love, family, political manipulation, subjugation of common man.
The power of Bashir is such that this idea of half resonates throughout the text and gives jolts to the reader. Resultant of this, the reader is helplessly sympathetic towards the protagonist, Haleema but at the same time is in awe of her powerful transformation from a mute, voiceless, crying mother to becoming the leader of the Association of Relatives of the Disappeared Persons.
The two most important men in her life, her life, her father Ab Jaan and Imran also emerge as lively and realistic characters. They both meet their tragic fates which infuses pathos in Bashir's writing. Bashir's debut with this powerful and daring writing successfully gives voice to the women who suffer the most, especially mothers. They remain half not just as mothers but also in every phase of their lives.

[Abdul Rafay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review: The Half Mother by Shahnaz Bashir

Shahnaz Bashir’s The Half Mother is a haunting and deeply moving tale of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Set against the backdrop of Kashmir's conflict in the 1990s, the novel follows Haleema, a mother whose son, Imran, is taken away by soldiers one fateful night. Left in a state of endless agony, she embarks on a desperate search, knocking on every door, pleading with authorities, and wandering through the turbulent streets of Srinagar in the hope of finding her son.

Bashir masterfully captures the grief and helplessness of thousands of families caught in the crossfire of political turmoil. Through poetic prose and raw storytelling, he brings to life the pain of enforced disappearances and the silent suffering of those left behind. Haleema’s journey is not just one of personal loss but also a testament to the resilience of Kashmiri mothers who live in uncertainty, clinging to fading hopes.

The novel is emotionally gripping and profoundly unsettling, immersing readers in the tragic reality of conflict. It is a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, forcing you to confront the human cost of war and the depth of a mother’s love.

[Sanjit Mandal]

A book that portrays the brutality of people in power. Emotions and feelings of a mother don't have any place in such a world. A son gets kidnapped but nobody helps the mother in finding him. A mother oscillates like a pendulum from one army camp to another in Natipora, Srinagar, and the mainland India. She is given a new identity in the form of a "half-mother," because, they are not sure whether the son is alive or dead. Haleema, throughout the novel, lives a morose life that has only one purpose; to find her dear son. The deterioration of her mental health is such that she starts forgetting herself and the people around her.
The narrative mirrors Kashimiri life under the agressive AFSPA on common people.

[Ankan Shrivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story so melancholic and a writing so accomplished !!
Unbelievable debut novel from Shahnaz Bashir. The feeling was almost like reading Ondaatje.

The Half Mother is a soulful cry of a tortured, humiliated and battered populace. The coldness of terror can be felt in bones and the helplessness of a mother echoes throughout the story.

A must read for those who value liberty and an eye opener for those who don't!!

[Muneeb Ahmad · Rating 2 out of 5]

The rise of militancy and the eventual war destroyed many lives and desecrated many homes in the valley. The gut-wrenching incidents that happened during that time can be found in many other accounts.
The author captures one such household during that period. He captures the gloomy atmosphere that loomed over the valley very well. But he tries that with the help of few characters so naturally the story goes from extremely emotional to slightly exaggerated one.
A good read nonetheless.

[Sarah Zaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an emotional roller coaster. You feel for the characters. It definitely feels real. You can't help but be moved by the injustice and the resultant turmoil. No wonder the recent research on the youth shows emotional scarring and increased substance abuse. The book is not about this, but it answers many questions.

[Khushi Sinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Curfewed Night, it only made sense to dive into more books on Kashmir.
This story is of a women who loses her father and son to the continuous oppression in the valleys of Kashmir. As an Indian,one should definitely read this.

[Mir Basit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome
I love it. It narrates the story of a single mother for his son who has been captured by security forces in mid 1990 era in kashmir.

[Aniket · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of 3 generations in Kashmir. 1 killed, 1 dead and 1 missing. He got killed because he stood up, she died because they kidnapped her only hope. He got missing because someone else's statement.

[Anupama C K(b0rn_2_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother's search for her missing son

[Affan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful to the professor who included this in the syllabus. Beautifully written. My heart is in pieces now.

[Vasu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to stories/realities on Kashmir. I have a bias. This one is raw ! Like many others.

A mother, unknown about her son's existence. Absolutely no closure. Heartbreaking.

[Shubh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I weeping my silent cry!! No I am not😢

[Fiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching

[Sameen Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a mother s wait.A mother who never gave up hope.

[Ariffa Jarena Banu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pain and Longing of a MOTHER for her DISAPPEARED SON is portrayed amazingly.... Struggle of Kashmiri people is also well said here..

[Ashoke]

Shannaz's lyrical writing lifts this two-liner plot into the realms of literature. The deeply felt empathy for the protagonist, a Kashmiri mother searching for his teenage son taken away by the Indian army, balances Shahnaz's obvious bias against India and the Army to offer a riveting, rewarding read. #Half-Mother #ShahnazBashir