Shadows Of Time: a Novel

by Asim Aftab

On a fine spring day in the 1980s, Shahid Hussain is hosting two sides of his family to resolve an inheritance dispute. It quickly becomes clear that the dispute is not just about the inheritance. The ill-will within the family can be traced back to an unpleasant episode dating from the 1950s.

Over the course of three Sundays, the story unfolds. Ehtesham wishes to apologise to his mother for leaving home. Fehmeeda tries to revive her past friendship with Humera. Humera struggles to console her husband after the death of a close friend. Kamal recalls how his father damaged his life by playing a cruel trick on him. When the clan finally gathers at a birthday party, will they be able to forgive each other and move on? Or will their plans for the future open new fissures between them?

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2025

Reviews

[Maryam]

Wait this is one of the best debut fiction novels I’ve read out of Pakistan in a while. It starts off v treacly and slow but it’s quite Jane Austen-esque!!! Asim reallt captures the mannerisms and thinking behind a certain era in Pakistani society.