The One Who Did Not Ask (Dastak Na Do) by Rukhsana Ahmad

by Rukhsana Ahmad

"The One Who Did Not Ask" (originally titled Dastak Na Do) by Rukhsana Ahmad is a powerful novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the struggle for personal freedom. Set against the backdrop of cultural traditions and evolving modern values, this gripping story follows the life of a young woman torn between duty and desire. Rukhsana Ahmad masterfully weaves a tale of emotional turmoil, resilience, and self-discovery. The novel offers a compelling portrayal of the challenges women face in patriarchal societies while highlighting the courage it takes to defy norms and carve one's own path. ✅ A deeply moving and thought-provoking novel ✅ Captivating storytelling with rich cultural nuances ✅ Perfect for fans of contemporary fiction and feminist literature ✅ A must-read for those who appreciate emotionally powerful narratives Women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, Rukhsana Ahmad books, South Asian literature, feminist novel, cultural identity, emotional storytelling, Dastak Na Do, historical fiction, love and struggle, strong female protagonist, social issues, coming-of-age novel, women's empowerment, family drama, thought-provoking books, bestselling Urdu novels, literary fiction, translated fiction ✔ Readers who enjoy stories about strong, independent women ✔ Fans of South Asian literature and Urdu-to-English translations ✔ Book lovers interested in themes of societal constraints and personal freedom Immerse yourself in The One Who Did Not Ask and experience a story that will stay with you long after the last page. Order your copy today!

263 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Rukhsana Ahmad has written and adapted several plays for the stage and radio, achieving distinction in both. Her play River on Fire was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn International Prize. Her first novel, The Hope Chest, was published by Virago. We Sinful Women, her pioneering translation of Urdu feminist poetry, is widely acclaimed. Rukhsana is a co-founder of Kali Theatre Company, London. She has served as a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at Queen Marys, University of London. The Gatekeepers Wife and other stories, is an anthology of her short fiction.