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Keeru
'We think insects are inferior, insignificant, but insects know how to survive; they are tough. Small, big, swimming, crawling, flying - there are more kinds of insects than we can count.'
Muhammad Hussain Khan 'Keeru' - named after insects - has come a long way since Pakistan, where he was hounded for his caste, and almost beaten to death on false charges of blasphemy. Having escaped to Canada, he is the owner of a small business, but the past has an inexorable habit of haunting him even in the present.
Told from the perspectives of five characters, each tormented by their past and desperately in pursuit of a home, Keeru tells queer and feminist stories as it overturns familiar tropes about migration and family. This award-winning novella is a celebration of resilience and our power to find family, love and hope - sometimes a world away.
Muhammad Hussain Khan 'Keeru' - named after insects - has come a long way since Pakistan, where he was hounded for his caste, and almost beaten to death on false charges of blasphemy. Having escaped to Canada, he is the owner of a small business, but the past has an inexorable habit of haunting him even in the present.
Told from the perspectives of five characters, each tormented by their past and desperately in pursuit of a home, Keeru tells queer and feminist stories as it overturns familiar tropes about migration and family. This award-winning novella is a celebration of resilience and our power to find family, love and hope - sometimes a world away.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 3, 2025
first read of wit month and this was beautiful and raw, i enjoyed it sooo much, thank you hachette india for the copy
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September 12, 2025
This piece of translated fiction (we stan) is a collection of short stories set in the same storyline (which is so cool), and considers a whole lot of important and relevant themes (race, sexuality, prejudice and more).
The characters were absolutely great. I adored learning their stories. What is especially intruiging about this story is we have the perspectives of five characters in five interconnected short stories which are a part of the same storyline. How it works is that the story picks up where the first character left off in the next short story, through the second character’s perspective.
We have our MC Keeru, his mother Bebe, Keeru’s employee and business partner Laila, new business partner, friend (and more) Daljeet, and almost-employees and friend Bella. Their stories intersect beautifully, coming together to discuss themes of loss, old hurts, prejudices, religion, caste, sexuality and more.
There is this one instance where Laila, who came to Canada when she was barely out of teenagehood due to her arranged marriage, talks about how her manner of speaking in English or Urdu or Punjabi is criticized. She points out how her language only becomes an issue to the person when she starts disagreeing with them and it is quite telling.
At it’s core, this book is hopeful. It is an acknowledgement of the systems of knowledge with their underlying prejudices and societal norms, and the idea that one is moving past them.
Though hopeful, this read also never fails to acknowledge that a lot of the times it is your own family that hurts you- that sons rape their mothers, parents abuse their children, and that the greatest harms can be inflicted by family. There is one instance where Bebe, Keeru’s mother, is suspicious of her son and questions whether he is taking advantage of the imbalance of power between him and Laila, owing to the employer-employee relationship. And though she has raised her son well, to respect women, she remains cognizant of gender norms and the deeply toxic and harmful actions and views that men can have towards women, whose societal influence can override any good upbringing.
I think this is an important read, and it is short enough to definitely warrant checking out (under 200 pages). I hope you love it <3 Thank you to Hachette India for my copy of this read.
The characters were absolutely great. I adored learning their stories. What is especially intruiging about this story is we have the perspectives of five characters in five interconnected short stories which are a part of the same storyline. How it works is that the story picks up where the first character left off in the next short story, through the second character’s perspective.
We have our MC Keeru, his mother Bebe, Keeru’s employee and business partner Laila, new business partner, friend (and more) Daljeet, and almost-employees and friend Bella. Their stories intersect beautifully, coming together to discuss themes of loss, old hurts, prejudices, religion, caste, sexuality and more.
There is this one instance where Laila, who came to Canada when she was barely out of teenagehood due to her arranged marriage, talks about how her manner of speaking in English or Urdu or Punjabi is criticized. She points out how her language only becomes an issue to the person when she starts disagreeing with them and it is quite telling.
“I think, they don’t like the questions I ask, and they don’t want to answer them, so they tell me to shut up, or they start finding problems with my language. We don’t want to hear you/ you can’t speak properly. Your words have no value/ you don’t know the language.
Actually, I have realized that these people don’t want to recognize the truth of my existence. They don’t want to accept that every person’s language is a history of their existence, Instead of recognizing me, they say, go change your history before we hear what you have to say. Only the kings of the world, the ones with all the power, can dismiss people in this manner.”
At it’s core, this book is hopeful. It is an acknowledgement of the systems of knowledge with their underlying prejudices and societal norms, and the idea that one is moving past them.
“I didn’t want to find the same kind of man inside me that I was taught to hate my whole life. What could be a bigger injustice? l was forced to hate my own reality. I am also learning that the same propaganda machinery that wanted me to hate the love inside me also wanted me to believe that my whole caste is wretched, low, inferior; the same machinery says that some beliefs are inferior, some human beings are inferior. Daljeet and I grew up hearing and believing these things. It will take us time to free ourselves from them.”
Though hopeful, this read also never fails to acknowledge that a lot of the times it is your own family that hurts you- that sons rape their mothers, parents abuse their children, and that the greatest harms can be inflicted by family. There is one instance where Bebe, Keeru’s mother, is suspicious of her son and questions whether he is taking advantage of the imbalance of power between him and Laila, owing to the employer-employee relationship. And though she has raised her son well, to respect women, she remains cognizant of gender norms and the deeply toxic and harmful actions and views that men can have towards women, whose societal influence can override any good upbringing.
“He is my son, but you can’t really trust any man. Baba Khan used to call me sister, sister, but whenever he got the chance, he would grab my hand, try to hug me.”
I think this is an important read, and it is short enough to definitely warrant checking out (under 200 pages). I hope you love it <3 Thank you to Hachette India for my copy of this read.
August 11, 2025
Keeru has built a life for himself in Canada. He left Pakistan as a teenager, accused of blasphemy. When he left his homeland,it was a fight for survival, after enduring a brutal attack from within his own community. What unfolds is the story of Keeru’s resilience: how he slowly rebuilds his life, establishes his own business, and eventually brings his mother to live with him, to let her spend her final years in peace, safety, and joy..
‘Keeru’- the novella, is narrated by five people, each connected (biologically and socially) to Keeru (the person). We meet Haleema, Keeru’s mother whose story is so broken, it will make your heart weep. From surviving the Partition riots to enduring sectarian Shia-Sunni conflict, Haleema’s life is shaped by relentless violence and systemic cruelty. But her voice carries both fragility and strength that will leave a lasting impression.
There’s Aunty Naila who wants to escape her abusive, good-for-nothing husband, to claw her way toward dignity. Daljeet, trying to build his life for himself,outside the looming presence of his brother-in-law, all while wrestling with a confusing desire he doesn’t quite know how to name. Bella, trying to do something right with her life.
Keeru brings a lot to the table. It confronts the layered realities of caste oppression, particularly the marginalization of Dalits. It sheds light on how women are made to endure and survive under the crushing weight of patriarchy. Violence simmers on the edges of their lives—sometimes silent, sometimes explosive—but always present. This collection feels like an intimate portrait of these people whose present life is full of a version of what we catch a glimpse of within our own life. But their individual past, the things they had to escape from and the silent fights, its gut wenching but delivered in a subtle, mostly casual way.
The translation falters occasionally, but these moments are brief and never take away from the emotional or narrative core of the stories.
‘Keeru’ is the perfect novella if you’re drawn to intergenerational stories, family sagas, or diasporic narratives full of emotional nuance and lived complexity.
‘Keeru’- the novella, is narrated by five people, each connected (biologically and socially) to Keeru (the person). We meet Haleema, Keeru’s mother whose story is so broken, it will make your heart weep. From surviving the Partition riots to enduring sectarian Shia-Sunni conflict, Haleema’s life is shaped by relentless violence and systemic cruelty. But her voice carries both fragility and strength that will leave a lasting impression.
There’s Aunty Naila who wants to escape her abusive, good-for-nothing husband, to claw her way toward dignity. Daljeet, trying to build his life for himself,outside the looming presence of his brother-in-law, all while wrestling with a confusing desire he doesn’t quite know how to name. Bella, trying to do something right with her life.
Keeru brings a lot to the table. It confronts the layered realities of caste oppression, particularly the marginalization of Dalits. It sheds light on how women are made to endure and survive under the crushing weight of patriarchy. Violence simmers on the edges of their lives—sometimes silent, sometimes explosive—but always present. This collection feels like an intimate portrait of these people whose present life is full of a version of what we catch a glimpse of within our own life. But their individual past, the things they had to escape from and the silent fights, its gut wenching but delivered in a subtle, mostly casual way.
The translation falters occasionally, but these moments are brief and never take away from the emotional or narrative core of the stories.
‘Keeru’ is the perfect novella if you’re drawn to intergenerational stories, family sagas, or diasporic narratives full of emotional nuance and lived complexity.
August 12, 2025
This is a short novella told from the POV of five characters. The first perspective is from Muhammad Hussain Khan Keeru. ‘Keeru’ meaning pest or vermin. When he was only 14, he was forced to move to Canada from Pakistan because he was hounded for his caste and he was assaulted and beaten in false charges of blasphemy. He never even got to finish his high school.
Now he is in Canada, running a small business, and is going to be reunited with his dear mother after 17 years of separation.
We also get to see his mother, Haleema’s perspective. She had a lot of hardship in her life. She lost her family and her husband in the name of riots and fights over religion.
This novella is short, around 150 pages, but it hits hard. We get to see the injustice these characters had to suffer. Every character has their own battles and are doing their best to live their lives.
As it is a novella, there isn’t a solid plot line in it. But even so, this book is worth reading in my opinion. This story touches many important topics like communal disharmony, violence, migration, queerness, and unhappy marriages.
Also, I loved how all the main characters cared for each other and respected each other. I loved how sweet and endearing the ending was. Seriously the ending made me so happy! I got attached to the characters and I wished this book was longer.
Overall, a good book and a quick read as well. I would definitely recommend it.
Now he is in Canada, running a small business, and is going to be reunited with his dear mother after 17 years of separation.
We also get to see his mother, Haleema’s perspective. She had a lot of hardship in her life. She lost her family and her husband in the name of riots and fights over religion.
This novella is short, around 150 pages, but it hits hard. We get to see the injustice these characters had to suffer. Every character has their own battles and are doing their best to live their lives.
As it is a novella, there isn’t a solid plot line in it. But even so, this book is worth reading in my opinion. This story touches many important topics like communal disharmony, violence, migration, queerness, and unhappy marriages.
Also, I loved how all the main characters cared for each other and respected each other. I loved how sweet and endearing the ending was. Seriously the ending made me so happy! I got attached to the characters and I wished this book was longer.
Overall, a good book and a quick read as well. I would definitely recommend it.
September 21, 2025
In 150 pages or so, Fauzia Rafique has woven a beautiful tale of love, hope, and an immigrant's journey towards his dreams and to make a happy life for his mother.
Through 5 different perspectives, we follow the life of 'Keeru', born to a Christian-turned-Muslim mother and a Muslim father who was long gone. Keeru, who was named after the word 'insect' was raised in a community full of hate and prejudice. It didn't help his case of being a dalit (lower caste) and when he was accused of blasphemy and almost stoned to death, his mother sent him to Canada.
Keeru has now built a life for himself and he his anticipating his Bebe's arrival to Canada. Even though Keeru was raised in a society that threw stones at him, he grew up to be a beautiful person. He has not only changed his own life, but he inspires to change the lives of his co-workers and his business partner.
This book is essentially a love story which slowly revealed towards the end. It's short, sweet and charming and I loved how the 'love story' reveal at the end put a smile on my face. It's a mysterious part of the book that puts a lot of things in perspective.
If you are looking for an Indian translated fiction that feels like a warm hug even after managing to make you uncomfortable with the very real experiences of casteism and bigotry, this definitely do pick it up.
Through 5 different perspectives, we follow the life of 'Keeru', born to a Christian-turned-Muslim mother and a Muslim father who was long gone. Keeru, who was named after the word 'insect' was raised in a community full of hate and prejudice. It didn't help his case of being a dalit (lower caste) and when he was accused of blasphemy and almost stoned to death, his mother sent him to Canada.
Keeru has now built a life for himself and he his anticipating his Bebe's arrival to Canada. Even though Keeru was raised in a society that threw stones at him, he grew up to be a beautiful person. He has not only changed his own life, but he inspires to change the lives of his co-workers and his business partner.
This book is essentially a love story which slowly revealed towards the end. It's short, sweet and charming and I loved how the 'love story' reveal at the end put a smile on my face. It's a mysterious part of the book that puts a lot of things in perspective.
If you are looking for an Indian translated fiction that feels like a warm hug even after managing to make you uncomfortable with the very real experiences of casteism and bigotry, this definitely do pick it up.
September 1, 2025
Keeru by Fauzia Rafique, translated by Haider Shahbaz, is a moving and powerful novella. It tells the story of Muhammad Hussain Khan, called “Keeru,” a name meaning pest. Forced to leave Pakistan at 14 after false charges and caste violence, he tries to build a life in Canada. But his past never stops haunting him. What makes this book special is that the story is told through five different voices, giving us many sides of pain, survival, and hope.
Through these voices, we see Keeru’s mother Haleema, scarred by Partition and sectarian violence, and Aunty Naila, who dreams of freedom from an abusive marriage. We also meet Daljeet, struggling with his hidden desires, and Bella, who wants to rebuild her life. These stories talk about caste oppression, patriarchy, migration, and the silent violence people live with. Even though the book is only about 150 pages, it feels deep and emotional.
What makes Keeru unique is how it changes the usual story of migration. Moving to a new country is not shown as easy or happy, but as a journey full of memories, struggles, and small hopes. The book also gives space to queer and feminist voices, adding tenderness and courage. The translation keeps the emotions alive, making this slim book a powerful and unforgettable read.
Through these voices, we see Keeru’s mother Haleema, scarred by Partition and sectarian violence, and Aunty Naila, who dreams of freedom from an abusive marriage. We also meet Daljeet, struggling with his hidden desires, and Bella, who wants to rebuild her life. These stories talk about caste oppression, patriarchy, migration, and the silent violence people live with. Even though the book is only about 150 pages, it feels deep and emotional.
What makes Keeru unique is how it changes the usual story of migration. Moving to a new country is not shown as easy or happy, but as a journey full of memories, struggles, and small hopes. The book also gives space to queer and feminist voices, adding tenderness and courage. The translation keeps the emotions alive, making this slim book a powerful and unforgettable read.
September 6, 2025
Keeru by Fauzia Rafique, translated by Haider Shahbaz, is such a short yet powerful novella. It’s the story of Muhammad Hussain Khan, called keeru (meaning pest), who’s forced to leave his country at just 14 because of caste violence and false accusations. He builds a new life in Canada, but his past never really leaves him.
What I loved most is how it’s written through multiple POVs and every character has their own battles. Haleema, Keeru’s mother wounded by Partition, Daljeet struggling with his desires, Naila aunty dreaming of freedom from an abusive marriage and Bella trying to rebuild her life. In just 150 pages, the book touches on migration, caste, patriarchy, feminism, and queerness so delicately yet so impactfully.
Honestly, I always thought migration was kind of exciting, but this book made me realise it’s also about struggles, broken pieces, and memories that weigh heavy. The journey isn’t as easy or happy as it looks from the outside.
What I loved most is how it’s written through multiple POVs and every character has their own battles. Haleema, Keeru’s mother wounded by Partition, Daljeet struggling with his desires, Naila aunty dreaming of freedom from an abusive marriage and Bella trying to rebuild her life. In just 150 pages, the book touches on migration, caste, patriarchy, feminism, and queerness so delicately yet so impactfully.
Honestly, I always thought migration was kind of exciting, but this book made me realise it’s also about struggles, broken pieces, and memories that weigh heavy. The journey isn’t as easy or happy as it looks from the outside.
August 7, 2025
So many emotions and themes packed into just 150 pages—it felt like I’d known these characters for years. Each of them brought something to the story, but Bebe? She completely stole my heart. It’s always fascinating how those who’ve had the hardest lives, with little to no access to privilege, are often the most open-minded. Her quiet strength, the way she embraces change, her son’s identity, and the desire for independence, such powerful, tender characterisation.
While the characters were well written, I did miss the familiar hint of Urdu or Hindi words woven in, the kind that make a translation feel rooted. This one felt more literal, word-to-word, but I’m glad the essence wasn’t lost.
The smallest book with such a lasting impact. I’ll be thinking about these people for a long, long time.
While the characters were well written, I did miss the familiar hint of Urdu or Hindi words woven in, the kind that make a translation feel rooted. This one felt more literal, word-to-word, but I’m glad the essence wasn’t lost.
The smallest book with such a lasting impact. I’ll be thinking about these people for a long, long time.
August 22, 2025
Reading Keeru by Fauzia Rafique, in Haider Shahbaz’s English translation, felt less like opening a novella and more like confronting fragments of my own past through someone else’s story. Growing up as a gay man in India in the 1990s, silence was constant. Desire had to be hidden, names invented, shame stitched into daily life. But this book is much more than that. Keeru is life lived waiting to be belonged in any form - the need to be recognised as part of something bigger, and the constant craving of being loved.
When I met Keeru, the man named after insects, hunted in Pakistan for both his caste and his sexuality, I recognised that same mixture of invisibility and survival. At the same time, this book isn’t just about Keeru and his identity – it is also about four other voices, each carrying its own history of pain and its own hunger for belonging. Migration here isn’t framed as victory or escape; it is messy, haunted, yet threaded with the possibility of love and chosen family in unexpected places.
Shahbaz’s translation touched me deeply. His choices let each voice retain its cadence without flattening Rafique’s lyricism. The language is tender but unsentimental, allowing the rawness of exile and the quiet persistence of queer longing to stay intact. Shahbaz adds his own touch to the narrative without disrupting what the author wants to say, adding so much more to the form and structure.
What stayed with me most was not despair, but resilience. Keeru, Haleema, Naila, Daljit, Bella, they all carry pain, yet they remind us that survival itself is defiance. Keeru is a slim book, but it holds a vast and urgent truth: we are never as alone, nor as powerless, as the world would have us believe.
When I met Keeru, the man named after insects, hunted in Pakistan for both his caste and his sexuality, I recognised that same mixture of invisibility and survival. At the same time, this book isn’t just about Keeru and his identity – it is also about four other voices, each carrying its own history of pain and its own hunger for belonging. Migration here isn’t framed as victory or escape; it is messy, haunted, yet threaded with the possibility of love and chosen family in unexpected places.
Shahbaz’s translation touched me deeply. His choices let each voice retain its cadence without flattening Rafique’s lyricism. The language is tender but unsentimental, allowing the rawness of exile and the quiet persistence of queer longing to stay intact. Shahbaz adds his own touch to the narrative without disrupting what the author wants to say, adding so much more to the form and structure.
What stayed with me most was not despair, but resilience. Keeru, Haleema, Naila, Daljit, Bella, they all carry pain, yet they remind us that survival itself is defiance. Keeru is a slim book, but it holds a vast and urgent truth: we are never as alone, nor as powerless, as the world would have us believe.
October 31, 2025
Who says wish fulfillment stories are a bad thing? This is pure yum. (Didn't find the English version so ended up reading Fauzia Rafiqu's urdu translation and cannot find that edition on goodreads.)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews