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The Spinner's Tale
Sheikh Ahmed Uzair Sufi is one of the most feared men in Pakistan, a top Jihadi militant, who believes in nothing save his own limitless scope for violence. But no one suspected this future back in 1994, when he was simple old Ausi and leaves school with his cricket mad best friend Eddy to start a new life. While Eddy goes to college in America, Ausi's life takes dangerous and unexpected turns. The two friends stay in touch even as they pursue vastly different lives, their shared passion for cricket and nostalgia for their school days binding them together. Even as Ausi treads down a darker path, what will happen to their friendship? Omar Shahid Hamid, bestselling author of The Prisoner, takes us on another thrilling, sinister ride, stretching from Karachi to Kashmir to Afghanistan, in The Spinner's Tale.
308 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Omar Shahid Hamid
11 books189 followersOmar Shahid Hamid served with Pakistan's Karachi police for 12 years, during which time he was targeted by various terrorist groups and criminal outfits. He received his Masters in Criminal Justice Policy from the London School of Economics, and his Masters in Law from University College London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 16, 2023
I don’t think I’m scared of dying. After all, a man like me who has cheated death so many times has no excuse to fear it. It’s dying alone that frightens me.
The appeal of Omar Shahid Hamid’s writing, I’ve now realized, rests upon his knowledge of how the country of Pakistan works. That old, often controversial adage of writing what one knows is nowhere shown more clearly than in his novels, both his previous one as well as this one.
Involving police officers, jihadis and kidnappings, both these books use the same template for their plots, making the comparison inevitable, but it’s hard to say which book comes out as the better of the two. While I enjoyed The Prisoner to a certain degree, The Spinner’s Tale has made me realize why I didn’t completely fall in love with it.
And that’s because Hamid’s books are pure thrillers without any proper artistry behind them. We’re not reading these books for their brilliant prose or their deft character handling, but rather because, in the words of the done-to-death review phrases, they are nitty-gritty and fast-paced. They’re smart, entertaining books which focus more on the mystery than on the writing, which are such a rarity amongst the heavy-handed purple prose writings of most Pakistani authors.
Of course, one could easily accuse Omar Shahid Hamid of choosing clichéd topics to write about. Religion, politics and corruption are the holy trinity for Pakistani authors, and all three maintain an almost constant presence in Hamid’s books.
“It’s funny. All these years when we were in college, Ausi was just kind of drifting...but turning to religion seemed to be a seminal point in his life. Since then, he’s discovered his focus, like he knows exactly where he wants to go and how to get there. It’s fascinating how faith changes your life.”
From the starting, this book makes it clear that religion is a major focusing point in this novel. The major protagonist, our chess player in this story is Sheikh Ahmed Uzair Sufi, a notorious Jihadi militant who has been accused of, among other stuff, beheading a pregnant American journalist and attempting to assassinate the Pakistani president twice. When Sheikh Ahmed is brought to a deserted outpost in the Nara desert in Sindh and left in the care of DSP Omar Abbasi, he begins a game of cat and mouse by convincing Abbasi to search for letters written by Sheikh Ahmed’s friend Eddy, letters which will apparently reveal the Sheikh’s history. His only demand? That Abbasi bring the letters back and give them to the Sheikh, so he can treasure the words of his best friend.
“Arre baba, he’s one of the most wanted men in the world. I’ve heard the Americans are offering a bounty for him, but the government wants him on trial. Apparently, they consider him second or third in importance after Osama.”
The story makes it clear from the very beginning that Sheikh Ahmed is a cunning, ruthless killer whose beheading of the pregnant journalist was videotaped as proof, so Omar Abbasi jumps on this chance to find out his history. After all, how is it possible that even during his days of being incarcerated, or hiding underground, the Sheikh managed to stay in touch with such an old childhood friend, one whose affections and loyalties didn’t waver even after videotaped evidence of the Sheikh’s crimes were aired on national television?
“You were in a new world and you needed a new friend. I remember thinking that you must have been the loneliest man on the planet. That is how I feel today. I need a friend and I wish you were here.”
This is thus the premise of our story, a chase for long-lost letters, and interspersed with this chase are flashbacks to the Sheikh’s early days as a student nicknamed Ausi. Studying at an elite school, he spends his days discussing cricket with his best friend Eddy and lusting after the gorgeous Sana, who sees Ausi as nothing more than a very good friend. The cricket, the connecting point between these two young boys, is one of the smartest things Omar Shahid Hamid could have done, because in Pakistan cricket elicits almost the same level of passionate devotion as religion.
“You should follow cricket. It’s one of the things that defines us as Pakistanis. It gives us a sense of self-belief as a nation and brings us together.”
Any Pakistani will easily tell you how dutifully cricket is followed in this country. A cricket match can easily shut the whole city down, forcing people to skip important events and stay glued to their TV screens. This book uses that blind, unceasing loyalty to the game by incorporating it into the story, by letting it be the connection between Ausi and Eddy.
“When you explained to me in the greatest detail the variations that Maninder Singh was bowling in his left arm spin, I knew then that we were going to be friends for a very long time.”
Each letter that these boys exchange, as Eddy moves to study abroad and Ausi stays behind in Pakistan, have one or another reference to the latest cricket match, the scores, the players. And amongst these exchanges are confessions, expressions of loss and love, and a constant sense of wanting to stay connected.
“Is this guilt? After all I’ve done? A bit late now, don’t you think? Or is it fear? (Perhaps that is why I am writing to you now. When the shadow of one’s mortality falls upon you, you turn to what was most familiar in your life.)”
Which would have worked out great, except these letters are so obviously a narrative device meant to tell the reader a story that they fall completely flat. There is no hint of warmth in them, no proper sense of connection between the two boys. The letters, ultimately, come off as too pointedly structured, too obviously manipulated to inform the reader of the boys’ background.
There is always, I have firmly believed, something in the words of an author that help you care about the characters, help you believe that they are real and warm and living, and in the case of this book, that something is completely missing. Maybe if the letters had turned into a random, rambling recapping of memories instead of the awful, awkward tone they employ they could have been salvaged. As it is, their tone doesn’t fit into the reality of the narrative at all.
This awkwardness finds its way into the characterization as well. One of the things a number of Pakistani authors have tackled is explaining the background and the history of the home-grown terrorist. After all, what kind of past must one have in order to justify such atrocious killings, such wanton destruction? Surely a horrible, tortured one. And yet we have examples like Saad Aziz, a graduate of IBA, one of Pakistan’s most elite business institutes, who was one of the killers of Sabeen Mehmood, Pakistani human rights activist and social worker. Aziz’s whole schooling ran along the same lines of privilege (O’level from Beaconhouse, A’levels from The Lycuem, BBA from IBA) and even his business prospects tended towards the wealthy (internship at a multinational, owning his own restaurant at Sindhi Muslim), and yet Aziz was found to be involved in multiple terrorist operations. This reality finds it version in this book too, with everyone expressing disbelief over the fact that the Sheikh studied at such an elite institute.
“I miss school. What a privileged life we led! If only I could return to a world where my only concern was how to get through my O levels.”
But even though the book uses an adaptation of that reality, it fails to properly connect the dots of Ausi’s transition from the smart, serious student to a rampaging psychopath. Sure, his entrance to university life is disappointing, what with his father not paying for his university education abroad or his rejection from the cricket team for his lack of connections. But his overall need for destruction is so sudden, so violent that it doesn’t feel real. One of his friends dies and he goes on a total rampage at his university, beating up professors, settings fire to things. Surely there has to be some distance between a friendly, socially-engaged university student and one who believes it is completely acceptable to raise your hands at an adult.
“You are not weak, you are lost. I was too. Sometimes we have to wander in the wilderness before we find our true destiny. And the pain we suffer fashions us. It tempers us like a sword that is raked in hot coal.”
The book attempts to trace this story, of how Eddy and Ausi’s separate paths take them further away from each other even as they keep in touch, but it doesn’t do as good a job as one could expect. There are constant shifts in story telling from the past to the present, which start to become irritating after a while because it’s hard to keep track of what happened when. But once we learn to accept the fact that something in Ausi is angry and looking for revenge, the rest of the story begins to slot into place.
Ahmad Uzair Sheikh is a broken man, and he knows it. The problem is, no one else knows it.
And of course, it is at this point that religion creeps in. Angry, dissatisfied young men in Pakistan most often find the concept of jihad being forced down their throat, because what better weapons of destruction then those who believe the world has wronged them? This must be why madressahs all over the country find it so easy to recruit followers and eager enthusiasts ready to kill themselves through suicide bombs, because no other explanation seems to make sense to me.
“You are a Muslim. You have a duty to wage jihad to protect the weak and oppressed. On top of that, you are a Kashimiri. You have a double duty to wage jihad against those who have occupied your country.”
Add to that the Kashmir issue and this book really racks it up a notch. Ausi, or as he is slowly starting to become, Sheikh Uzair, has Kashmiri roots, and that is where he runs to when he gets in trouble. And that is where his training properly starts.
He has discovered that ninety per cent of this war is fought for propaganda. The lalas try and convince people that Pakistani terrorists are invading the peaceful land of Kashmir to stir up trouble. On the other hand, his people stick to the version that it is the unending cruelty of the Indians that has led to this uprising. There are lies on both sides.
A book about terrorism is incomplete without some mention of violence, but Omar Shahid Hamid takes this a step further by placing us inside the mind of the terrorist as Sheikh Uzair justifies his actions. Even as Omar Abassi, our DSP at the beginning, races across the city trying to put together the strands of Ausi’s life, contacting his family and friends, we spend our time instead various other character’s minds, seeing how they think, and it is within Sheikh Uzair’s mind that the book produces its most chilling phrases.
“Sometimes I think random violence is the best way to grab people’s attention. You have to shock people, deliver a 2000 watt jolt to their system. That is how you change the world.”
Again and again the story shows us how Ausi’s mindset is shifting, how the people he surrounds himself with affect him personally, how he plots and plans to hurt those who have hurt him.
“If you cannot find humour in the business of killing, then what can you find it in?”
Even though one could consider Omar Abbasi the main proponent which forces our plot forward, it is the questions that the reader needs answer to. Can we trust Sheikh Uzair about the contents of the letter not being a secret code? Where is this mysterious Eddy? Who is this man who trusts such a well-known and villainous terrorist? And what keeps these two men connected to each other across time and space, with changing lives and priorities, and differing views on so many things? It is in the attempt to answer these that the plot moves forward, delivering one of the most surprise endings in a Pakistani fiction book I’ve read recently. If only for that ending, I’d say this story was worth it.
Eddy doesn’t understand why one group of people wants to kill another group of people over things that happened 1500 years ago. But Ausi understands that this is a basic instinct, and people need symbols to justify doing the things they could never do otherwise.
Recommendation
To change the world, you must violate it first.
This book gets a lot of things right: the pace, the action, the building up of the mystery, but it also gets a number of things very wrong, especially its treatment of the female characters (including failing the Bechedel test and Sexy Lamp Test so spectacularly it becomes almost a joke. Is Omar Shahid Hamid incapable of writing female characters who are more than props to allow the men in the story to fight, grieve or show their manliness?). Overall, if you can convince yourself to forgive these failings, then I suggest you read this story, if only because such an honest account of the Pakistani police system, terrorist set up and overall mania in the country is generally a hard note to get so right.
**
I review Pakistani Fiction, and talk about Pakistani fiction, and want to talk to people who like to talk about fiction (Pakistani and otherwise, take your pick.) To read more reviews or just contact me so you can talk about books, check out my Blog or follow me on Twitter!
The appeal of Omar Shahid Hamid’s writing, I’ve now realized, rests upon his knowledge of how the country of Pakistan works. That old, often controversial adage of writing what one knows is nowhere shown more clearly than in his novels, both his previous one as well as this one.
Involving police officers, jihadis and kidnappings, both these books use the same template for their plots, making the comparison inevitable, but it’s hard to say which book comes out as the better of the two. While I enjoyed The Prisoner to a certain degree, The Spinner’s Tale has made me realize why I didn’t completely fall in love with it.
And that’s because Hamid’s books are pure thrillers without any proper artistry behind them. We’re not reading these books for their brilliant prose or their deft character handling, but rather because, in the words of the done-to-death review phrases, they are nitty-gritty and fast-paced. They’re smart, entertaining books which focus more on the mystery than on the writing, which are such a rarity amongst the heavy-handed purple prose writings of most Pakistani authors.
Of course, one could easily accuse Omar Shahid Hamid of choosing clichéd topics to write about. Religion, politics and corruption are the holy trinity for Pakistani authors, and all three maintain an almost constant presence in Hamid’s books.
“It’s funny. All these years when we were in college, Ausi was just kind of drifting...but turning to religion seemed to be a seminal point in his life. Since then, he’s discovered his focus, like he knows exactly where he wants to go and how to get there. It’s fascinating how faith changes your life.”
From the starting, this book makes it clear that religion is a major focusing point in this novel. The major protagonist, our chess player in this story is Sheikh Ahmed Uzair Sufi, a notorious Jihadi militant who has been accused of, among other stuff, beheading a pregnant American journalist and attempting to assassinate the Pakistani president twice. When Sheikh Ahmed is brought to a deserted outpost in the Nara desert in Sindh and left in the care of DSP Omar Abbasi, he begins a game of cat and mouse by convincing Abbasi to search for letters written by Sheikh Ahmed’s friend Eddy, letters which will apparently reveal the Sheikh’s history. His only demand? That Abbasi bring the letters back and give them to the Sheikh, so he can treasure the words of his best friend.
“Arre baba, he’s one of the most wanted men in the world. I’ve heard the Americans are offering a bounty for him, but the government wants him on trial. Apparently, they consider him second or third in importance after Osama.”
The story makes it clear from the very beginning that Sheikh Ahmed is a cunning, ruthless killer whose beheading of the pregnant journalist was videotaped as proof, so Omar Abbasi jumps on this chance to find out his history. After all, how is it possible that even during his days of being incarcerated, or hiding underground, the Sheikh managed to stay in touch with such an old childhood friend, one whose affections and loyalties didn’t waver even after videotaped evidence of the Sheikh’s crimes were aired on national television?
“You were in a new world and you needed a new friend. I remember thinking that you must have been the loneliest man on the planet. That is how I feel today. I need a friend and I wish you were here.”
This is thus the premise of our story, a chase for long-lost letters, and interspersed with this chase are flashbacks to the Sheikh’s early days as a student nicknamed Ausi. Studying at an elite school, he spends his days discussing cricket with his best friend Eddy and lusting after the gorgeous Sana, who sees Ausi as nothing more than a very good friend. The cricket, the connecting point between these two young boys, is one of the smartest things Omar Shahid Hamid could have done, because in Pakistan cricket elicits almost the same level of passionate devotion as religion.
“You should follow cricket. It’s one of the things that defines us as Pakistanis. It gives us a sense of self-belief as a nation and brings us together.”
Any Pakistani will easily tell you how dutifully cricket is followed in this country. A cricket match can easily shut the whole city down, forcing people to skip important events and stay glued to their TV screens. This book uses that blind, unceasing loyalty to the game by incorporating it into the story, by letting it be the connection between Ausi and Eddy.
“When you explained to me in the greatest detail the variations that Maninder Singh was bowling in his left arm spin, I knew then that we were going to be friends for a very long time.”
Each letter that these boys exchange, as Eddy moves to study abroad and Ausi stays behind in Pakistan, have one or another reference to the latest cricket match, the scores, the players. And amongst these exchanges are confessions, expressions of loss and love, and a constant sense of wanting to stay connected.
“Is this guilt? After all I’ve done? A bit late now, don’t you think? Or is it fear? (Perhaps that is why I am writing to you now. When the shadow of one’s mortality falls upon you, you turn to what was most familiar in your life.)”
Which would have worked out great, except these letters are so obviously a narrative device meant to tell the reader a story that they fall completely flat. There is no hint of warmth in them, no proper sense of connection between the two boys. The letters, ultimately, come off as too pointedly structured, too obviously manipulated to inform the reader of the boys’ background.
There is always, I have firmly believed, something in the words of an author that help you care about the characters, help you believe that they are real and warm and living, and in the case of this book, that something is completely missing. Maybe if the letters had turned into a random, rambling recapping of memories instead of the awful, awkward tone they employ they could have been salvaged. As it is, their tone doesn’t fit into the reality of the narrative at all.
This awkwardness finds its way into the characterization as well. One of the things a number of Pakistani authors have tackled is explaining the background and the history of the home-grown terrorist. After all, what kind of past must one have in order to justify such atrocious killings, such wanton destruction? Surely a horrible, tortured one. And yet we have examples like Saad Aziz, a graduate of IBA, one of Pakistan’s most elite business institutes, who was one of the killers of Sabeen Mehmood, Pakistani human rights activist and social worker. Aziz’s whole schooling ran along the same lines of privilege (O’level from Beaconhouse, A’levels from The Lycuem, BBA from IBA) and even his business prospects tended towards the wealthy (internship at a multinational, owning his own restaurant at Sindhi Muslim), and yet Aziz was found to be involved in multiple terrorist operations. This reality finds it version in this book too, with everyone expressing disbelief over the fact that the Sheikh studied at such an elite institute.
“I miss school. What a privileged life we led! If only I could return to a world where my only concern was how to get through my O levels.”
But even though the book uses an adaptation of that reality, it fails to properly connect the dots of Ausi’s transition from the smart, serious student to a rampaging psychopath. Sure, his entrance to university life is disappointing, what with his father not paying for his university education abroad or his rejection from the cricket team for his lack of connections. But his overall need for destruction is so sudden, so violent that it doesn’t feel real. One of his friends dies and he goes on a total rampage at his university, beating up professors, settings fire to things. Surely there has to be some distance between a friendly, socially-engaged university student and one who believes it is completely acceptable to raise your hands at an adult.
“You are not weak, you are lost. I was too. Sometimes we have to wander in the wilderness before we find our true destiny. And the pain we suffer fashions us. It tempers us like a sword that is raked in hot coal.”
The book attempts to trace this story, of how Eddy and Ausi’s separate paths take them further away from each other even as they keep in touch, but it doesn’t do as good a job as one could expect. There are constant shifts in story telling from the past to the present, which start to become irritating after a while because it’s hard to keep track of what happened when. But once we learn to accept the fact that something in Ausi is angry and looking for revenge, the rest of the story begins to slot into place.
Ahmad Uzair Sheikh is a broken man, and he knows it. The problem is, no one else knows it.
And of course, it is at this point that religion creeps in. Angry, dissatisfied young men in Pakistan most often find the concept of jihad being forced down their throat, because what better weapons of destruction then those who believe the world has wronged them? This must be why madressahs all over the country find it so easy to recruit followers and eager enthusiasts ready to kill themselves through suicide bombs, because no other explanation seems to make sense to me.
“You are a Muslim. You have a duty to wage jihad to protect the weak and oppressed. On top of that, you are a Kashimiri. You have a double duty to wage jihad against those who have occupied your country.”
Add to that the Kashmir issue and this book really racks it up a notch. Ausi, or as he is slowly starting to become, Sheikh Uzair, has Kashmiri roots, and that is where he runs to when he gets in trouble. And that is where his training properly starts.
He has discovered that ninety per cent of this war is fought for propaganda. The lalas try and convince people that Pakistani terrorists are invading the peaceful land of Kashmir to stir up trouble. On the other hand, his people stick to the version that it is the unending cruelty of the Indians that has led to this uprising. There are lies on both sides.
A book about terrorism is incomplete without some mention of violence, but Omar Shahid Hamid takes this a step further by placing us inside the mind of the terrorist as Sheikh Uzair justifies his actions. Even as Omar Abassi, our DSP at the beginning, races across the city trying to put together the strands of Ausi’s life, contacting his family and friends, we spend our time instead various other character’s minds, seeing how they think, and it is within Sheikh Uzair’s mind that the book produces its most chilling phrases.
“Sometimes I think random violence is the best way to grab people’s attention. You have to shock people, deliver a 2000 watt jolt to their system. That is how you change the world.”
Again and again the story shows us how Ausi’s mindset is shifting, how the people he surrounds himself with affect him personally, how he plots and plans to hurt those who have hurt him.
“If you cannot find humour in the business of killing, then what can you find it in?”
Even though one could consider Omar Abbasi the main proponent which forces our plot forward, it is the questions that the reader needs answer to. Can we trust Sheikh Uzair about the contents of the letter not being a secret code? Where is this mysterious Eddy? Who is this man who trusts such a well-known and villainous terrorist? And what keeps these two men connected to each other across time and space, with changing lives and priorities, and differing views on so many things? It is in the attempt to answer these that the plot moves forward, delivering one of the most surprise endings in a Pakistani fiction book I’ve read recently. If only for that ending, I’d say this story was worth it.
Eddy doesn’t understand why one group of people wants to kill another group of people over things that happened 1500 years ago. But Ausi understands that this is a basic instinct, and people need symbols to justify doing the things they could never do otherwise.
Recommendation
To change the world, you must violate it first.
This book gets a lot of things right: the pace, the action, the building up of the mystery, but it also gets a number of things very wrong, especially its treatment of the female characters (including failing the Bechedel test and Sexy Lamp Test so spectacularly it becomes almost a joke. Is Omar Shahid Hamid incapable of writing female characters who are more than props to allow the men in the story to fight, grieve or show their manliness?). Overall, if you can convince yourself to forgive these failings, then I suggest you read this story, if only because such an honest account of the Pakistani police system, terrorist set up and overall mania in the country is generally a hard note to get so right.
**
I review Pakistani Fiction, and talk about Pakistani fiction, and want to talk to people who like to talk about fiction (Pakistani and otherwise, take your pick.) To read more reviews or just contact me so you can talk about books, check out my Blog or follow me on Twitter!
October 25, 2024
This was not bad at all.
I didn't want to read His "The Prisoner" as I had a slight information about the incident of Daniel Pearl. However I was quickly drawned to this title as it's beautifully designed and named.
In Ausi (Ahmad Uzair Shaikh Sufi) author created persona of Ahmad Omar Saeed Sahaikh, Saad Aziz and Abdur Rasheed (Laal Masjid).
The first was the one just like Ausi shuffled his presence from Balkans to Afghanistan with brief time fighting in Kashmir and in Indian prison. First two certainty came from well off background with being educated from prominent and posh institutions of country while third just like Ausi, may be fought and died for a cause which he never believed in.
This book certainly introduced a new perspective of terrorism that it's not completely religious radicalism which changes youth but may be psychological and political horrors of a country. May be they are killing or being killed for the sake of themselves rather than the belief we expect them to have.
I didn't want to read His "The Prisoner" as I had a slight information about the incident of Daniel Pearl. However I was quickly drawned to this title as it's beautifully designed and named.
In Ausi (Ahmad Uzair Shaikh Sufi) author created persona of Ahmad Omar Saeed Sahaikh, Saad Aziz and Abdur Rasheed (Laal Masjid).
The first was the one just like Ausi shuffled his presence from Balkans to Afghanistan with brief time fighting in Kashmir and in Indian prison. First two certainty came from well off background with being educated from prominent and posh institutions of country while third just like Ausi, may be fought and died for a cause which he never believed in.
This book certainly introduced a new perspective of terrorism that it's not completely religious radicalism which changes youth but may be psychological and political horrors of a country. May be they are killing or being killed for the sake of themselves rather than the belief we expect them to have.
July 20, 2022
Difficult past or the wrong life choices. Few things can really push a person to the limits, where he can turn into an animal.
As amazing as I was expecting Omar shahid hamid's writing to be.
Story revolves around A boy from a middle class family, who somehow joined an Elite school, and his 2 friends.
.
That boy got involved into politics and mafia gangs during his Medical collage days. Which almost made him run for his life.
After that, he moved abroad to find a different and better life. but more challenges were waiting for him.
So,
That boy "Ausi" becomes a jihadi and joins Kashmiri fighters.
After being imprisoned by indian government he gets arrested by Pakistani intelligence agencies.
.
How he plays mind games with the Assitant superintendent of police, who was incharge of keeping him away in a lock up. and how he manipulate other people, using religious slogans.
I feel really bad for that ASP, I swear! :(
As amazing as I was expecting Omar shahid hamid's writing to be.
Story revolves around A boy from a middle class family, who somehow joined an Elite school, and his 2 friends.
.
That boy got involved into politics and mafia gangs during his Medical collage days. Which almost made him run for his life.
After that, he moved abroad to find a different and better life. but more challenges were waiting for him.
So,
That boy "Ausi" becomes a jihadi and joins Kashmiri fighters.
After being imprisoned by indian government he gets arrested by Pakistani intelligence agencies.
.
How he plays mind games with the Assitant superintendent of police, who was incharge of keeping him away in a lock up. and how he manipulate other people, using religious slogans.
I feel really bad for that ASP, I swear! :(
March 26, 2016
Gritty. Gripping. Horrifying. Brutal. Diabolically thrilling. Omar Shahid Hamid's second novel based again in his original hometown, Karachi is, in comparative term, even better than his debut novel. The theme of A Spinner's Tale borrows heavily from events past and from his experiences as a police officer there.
A character driven book, it focuses primarily on its antagonist - a cold blooded terror mastermind whose demonic manipulation leads to severe consequences and whose beastly nature is insatiable in its lust for blood. With a fast moving plot and honest portrayal of the extremist mindset, it is sure to have a profound psychological impact on its readers.
A character driven book, it focuses primarily on its antagonist - a cold blooded terror mastermind whose demonic manipulation leads to severe consequences and whose beastly nature is insatiable in its lust for blood. With a fast moving plot and honest portrayal of the extremist mindset, it is sure to have a profound psychological impact on its readers.
June 19, 2015
A dark, distressing - and ultimately chilling - tale of the circumstances that can turn a conventional, modern youth into a dehumanised, brutal terrorist - and the hapless fate of those who cross him. Mr Hamid's second book is as engrossing as his debut and he makes use of quite a mass of real contemporary happenings (though with changes or at least adapted) including the hijacking of IC-814, the kidnapping and savage murder of Daniel Pearl, the assassination attempts on President Musharraf and others, in his narrative as well as his over a decade-long police experience to give it considerable verisimilitude. However, unlike the first, this doesn't end so happily as it did. Certainly, not for the squeamish - with the graphic violence, and language, which somehow fit in to give it a gritty feel. Mr Hamid has a definite touch and I will be eagerly awaiting his next work..
March 27, 2020
Horrifyingly riveting story of betrayal and fidelity, love and hatred and incessant desire to shake up the world around. The setting of the story is of paramount interest to me, for most of the events and their dates coincide with my entry into a military college.
Omar Shahid Hamid is a treasure trove of intelligence, wit, creativity and humor. The book must be taught, critically analyzed and discussed in all the educational institutions in Pakistan. For it provides an excellent insight into the terror and Jihadi infrastructures. This book also restores my faith in the effectiveness of fiction in unearthing the complexities of human behavior.
Omar Shahid Hamid is a treasure trove of intelligence, wit, creativity and humor. The book must be taught, critically analyzed and discussed in all the educational institutions in Pakistan. For it provides an excellent insight into the terror and Jihadi infrastructures. This book also restores my faith in the effectiveness of fiction in unearthing the complexities of human behavior.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2015
This book will undoubtedly be compared to his previous work, or be expected to be somewhat the same.
The Spinner's Tale is not as fast paced as the author's previous novel, but still as gripping. The book is set along two timelines woth frequent flashbacks to provide insight into the protagonist's mind and evolution. Owing to flashback mode it has its elements of question marks and disconnect; which are somewhat made up for in the last 50 pages of the book.
Borrowing once again from true political incidents in Pakistan, the story revolves around Sheikh Uzair, a student hailing from a not-so-affluent background at a prestigious school, befriending a person a polar opposite , all this while crushing on a girl when they all become friends. The book is about life after school, when they each lead different lives and the episodes that transpire a hardworking simple valued student to become a cruel wanted criminal.
There are plenty of clues by the halfway mark and a reader may have an inclination of the direction of the book, however whether they register or not, by the time a reader completes the book it leaves a strong impression, the climax hitting hard despite the gut feeling
The Spinner's Tale is not as fast paced as the author's previous novel, but still as gripping. The book is set along two timelines woth frequent flashbacks to provide insight into the protagonist's mind and evolution. Owing to flashback mode it has its elements of question marks and disconnect; which are somewhat made up for in the last 50 pages of the book.
Borrowing once again from true political incidents in Pakistan, the story revolves around Sheikh Uzair, a student hailing from a not-so-affluent background at a prestigious school, befriending a person a polar opposite , all this while crushing on a girl when they all become friends. The book is about life after school, when they each lead different lives and the episodes that transpire a hardworking simple valued student to become a cruel wanted criminal.
There are plenty of clues by the halfway mark and a reader may have an inclination of the direction of the book, however whether they register or not, by the time a reader completes the book it leaves a strong impression, the climax hitting hard despite the gut feeling
October 20, 2015
Genre: Crime-noir
Mini Review: I laughed, I cried, but most of the time I was horrified. Shahid has done it again folks. The Spinner's Tale has a dark and gore narrative, which explains that how social circumstances (injustice, corruption, nepotism and so on) can turn an educated/moderate youth into a horrifying and dehumanized psycho terrorist. At the same the book also attempts to explore other themes like friendship, religious fanaticism, interfaith grievances and finally, Jihad. All in all, Shahid's work proved the fact that, 'Monsters are not born, they are made'.
-
Highly recommended to all my fellow Pakistani bookstagrammers and to all those obsessed with terrorism phenomenon.
Mini Review: I laughed, I cried, but most of the time I was horrified. Shahid has done it again folks. The Spinner's Tale has a dark and gore narrative, which explains that how social circumstances (injustice, corruption, nepotism and so on) can turn an educated/moderate youth into a horrifying and dehumanized psycho terrorist. At the same the book also attempts to explore other themes like friendship, religious fanaticism, interfaith grievances and finally, Jihad. All in all, Shahid's work proved the fact that, 'Monsters are not born, they are made'.
-
Highly recommended to all my fellow Pakistani bookstagrammers and to all those obsessed with terrorism phenomenon.
September 9, 2015
Disturbing & Intense!!
Best part I could not find the feel of his previous book in this one, this one stands out on its own!
The ending is what shakes you - and is as open-ended as the situation with terrorism itself!
Read it to open your mind you the world we live in, if nothing else ... Otherwise just read to enjoy a well-crafted thriller!!
Best part I could not find the feel of his previous book in this one, this one stands out on its own!
The ending is what shakes you - and is as open-ended as the situation with terrorism itself!
Read it to open your mind you the world we live in, if nothing else ... Otherwise just read to enjoy a well-crafted thriller!!
September 6, 2019
The writing was as good as the other novels by Mr.Omar. His ability to use terrorists, intelligence agencies, police, army, and the politicians to create an interesting story is always praiseworthy. The narrative made good use of the exchange of letters between the main characters. The ending was surprising.
August 8, 2017
If it weren't for the ending, I would have given this book a whole 5 stars!!!
That's how much I liked it. The writing was unbelievably wonderful.
It had all the elements of crime/fiction novel: blood, murder, horrific brutal acts of violence, guns; all with gory details.
It was hard to put down and I would have read it in one sitting if it weren't for school 🙄
That's how much I liked it. The writing was unbelievably wonderful.
It had all the elements of crime/fiction novel: blood, murder, horrific brutal acts of violence, guns; all with gory details.
It was hard to put down and I would have read it in one sitting if it weren't for school 🙄
February 19, 2025
I was a bit disappointed in the end. For the most part the book is well written and has good pacing, but the ending felt very rushed. This is in quite a marked contrast to the rest of the book, which is arguably all about character development.
November 4, 2022
sad and heartbreaking ending.
March 5, 2019
I felt cheated when I finished the book.
I am frustrated so I am going to blabber about it.
**spoilers**
I believe that there should always be at least one character that you care for in any story so that you could feel something in the end. Here I am supposed to feel for the protagonist Omar who is abandoned by the author himself (probably because he is so boring) after the first 30-40 pages and he is missed for a good chunk of time before he reappears. How am I supposed to care for him when he is not even there most of the time?
The time away from the protagonist is spent on the villain of our story. I am supposed to hate him so much that if I didn't care for the protagonist then I should at least feel some kind of hatred toward him so to keep reading. In that case, the ending is terrible.
Protagonist's background story is so boring that you are like Gahhhh! Am I supposed to root for him now? He is going to get eaten pretty soon. You can feel that a miles away.
Instead of building him properly, Omar Shahid Hamid spent his time building the villain. We read about him, his friends, some very very boring letters that you read and are like who writes such long ass letters? Come on! Letters that keep going on and on and on and on and ..... on. Even college girls don't write such long ass letters.
So after spending some half of the story on letters and background of the main characters (not the protagonist, lol no. Not him), and some cricket matches that I frankly couldn't care less... I learn that the villain is a psycho who wants to see the world burn just cause... that's it. No motivation. Something broke inside him and now dude is evil. So, he commits crime just cause he could!
Gahhhhhhh!!!!!
Okay fine, you want to give such long ass history of him only to say, nay, he is just psycho. I am willing to take it. Sometimes wires snap and people go nuts. Fine he does it too.
But then why did you not properly develop your protagonist? If the villain is so nuts then the protagonist has to counter him. No fun with a strong villain and everything else being completely terrible.
What's the point of reading such story?
Also very convenient and lazy writing:
Villain develops extraordinary oratory skills that could turn even your loyal servant against you.
*We never get to see him in action though. Nope!
A learned person is learned because he has so many books and immediately the titles of Kant and Shakespear and Marx are thrown at you.
*yawn
A girl character who is sleeping with every boy that was giving him attention. Fell in love with the main villain. And thought he was "it." Then he abandons her and lady spirals down. She falls in love with another guy again and boom so much in love that she was living like a corpse in his absence.
What is this? What type of mother teresa love is this?
Then very conveniently the protagonist could not see that the handwriting was different in different letters. Oh God! That's the first thing anyone would notice.
So yes I felt cheated when I finished this book. It is lazy writing.
I am frustrated so I am going to blabber about it.
**spoilers**
I believe that there should always be at least one character that you care for in any story so that you could feel something in the end. Here I am supposed to feel for the protagonist Omar who is abandoned by the author himself (probably because he is so boring) after the first 30-40 pages and he is missed for a good chunk of time before he reappears. How am I supposed to care for him when he is not even there most of the time?
The time away from the protagonist is spent on the villain of our story. I am supposed to hate him so much that if I didn't care for the protagonist then I should at least feel some kind of hatred toward him so to keep reading. In that case, the ending is terrible.
Protagonist's background story is so boring that you are like Gahhhh! Am I supposed to root for him now? He is going to get eaten pretty soon. You can feel that a miles away.
Instead of building him properly, Omar Shahid Hamid spent his time building the villain. We read about him, his friends, some very very boring letters that you read and are like who writes such long ass letters? Come on! Letters that keep going on and on and on and on and ..... on. Even college girls don't write such long ass letters.
So after spending some half of the story on letters and background of the main characters (not the protagonist, lol no. Not him), and some cricket matches that I frankly couldn't care less... I learn that the villain is a psycho who wants to see the world burn just cause... that's it. No motivation. Something broke inside him and now dude is evil. So, he commits crime just cause he could!
Gahhhhhhh!!!!!
Okay fine, you want to give such long ass history of him only to say, nay, he is just psycho. I am willing to take it. Sometimes wires snap and people go nuts. Fine he does it too.
But then why did you not properly develop your protagonist? If the villain is so nuts then the protagonist has to counter him. No fun with a strong villain and everything else being completely terrible.
What's the point of reading such story?
Also very convenient and lazy writing:
Villain develops extraordinary oratory skills that could turn even your loyal servant against you.
*We never get to see him in action though. Nope!
A learned person is learned because he has so many books and immediately the titles of Kant and Shakespear and Marx are thrown at you.
*yawn
A girl character who is sleeping with every boy that was giving him attention. Fell in love with the main villain. And thought he was "it." Then he abandons her and lady spirals down. She falls in love with another guy again and boom so much in love that she was living like a corpse in his absence.
What is this? What type of mother teresa love is this?
Then very conveniently the protagonist could not see that the handwriting was different in different letters. Oh God! That's the first thing anyone would notice.
So yes I felt cheated when I finished this book. It is lazy writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2016
A haunting story about how an educated middle class guy is turned into a psychotic religious fanatic who's hell bent on the idea that he needs to kill everyone and how his transformation affects the people around him. Inspired by real events and personalities, the book gives great insight into the minds of Islamist jihadis and also the things that go around in third world countries like Pakistan. This book shows that in countries like Pakistan, politics is deeply entrenched in the everyday lives of its inhabitants and there's absolutely no escape from it. It's there when you're at school/college. It's there when you're at home. It's there when you're out buying something. It's *always* there. Countries like Pakistan are *rife* with it. There's simply no escape from it. This book also shows that it's not Jewish conspiracies or "RAW funded" terrorists that are causing mischief in Pakistan, but brainwashed and deluded Muslims who *actually* believe they're pleasing their God by killing the "Kuffar".
The Spinner's Tale might be a tough read for some people because of the disturbing scenes in the second half, but those scenes are very crucial to the story as they explain the psychological process that turns Sheikh Ahmed Uzair Sufi into a jihadi. If you're into politics and want to understand how young Muslims are brainwashed into becoming mindless jihadis, then you should definitely read this book.
The Spinner's Tale might be a tough read for some people because of the disturbing scenes in the second half, but those scenes are very crucial to the story as they explain the psychological process that turns Sheikh Ahmed Uzair Sufi into a jihadi. If you're into politics and want to understand how young Muslims are brainwashed into becoming mindless jihadis, then you should definitely read this book.
December 24, 2017
The Spinner's Tale was perhaps Omar Shahid Hamid's least intelligent novel of the three. The letters were haphazardly spread across the book while there was no proof of how they were found. Most of the time, there were no linkages, for example, how did Ausi get to Kosovo or how he was brought to India, etc.
However, all things aside, I absolutely hated how the author explained Ausi's behavior of killing everyone mercilessly including his best friend Eddy for what happened to him in India, for nothing justifies killing, whatsoever the reasoning. And the worst part was, there was no reasoning to his killings. He killed neither for terror, nor for vendetta, he didnt kill for pleasure either. He gave no explanation to it, not for killing Eddy either. It was extremely infuriating.
Oh and the author didnt care to explain how Sheikh Uzair could brainwash people, so much so that even the harshest of jail caretakers would turn to his side. He was no magician after all. Converting Juman and Peeral to his side in a short period of time while Omar Abbasi was gone so that they're not only completely devoted to him but also help him kill Omar Abbasi, free Ausi from the jail, help him escape and run away with him is a very long shot to become even remotely believable.
To say the least, the book lacked clarity, had quite a few loopholes and was far from providing closure to the reader.
However, all things aside, I absolutely hated how the author explained Ausi's behavior of killing everyone mercilessly including his best friend Eddy for what happened to him in India, for nothing justifies killing, whatsoever the reasoning. And the worst part was, there was no reasoning to his killings. He killed neither for terror, nor for vendetta, he didnt kill for pleasure either. He gave no explanation to it, not for killing Eddy either. It was extremely infuriating.
Oh and the author didnt care to explain how Sheikh Uzair could brainwash people, so much so that even the harshest of jail caretakers would turn to his side. He was no magician after all. Converting Juman and Peeral to his side in a short period of time while Omar Abbasi was gone so that they're not only completely devoted to him but also help him kill Omar Abbasi, free Ausi from the jail, help him escape and run away with him is a very long shot to become even remotely believable.
To say the least, the book lacked clarity, had quite a few loopholes and was far from providing closure to the reader.
June 6, 2017
Intense, gripping, disturbing yet absolutely surprising. The Spinner's Tale is one of those books you simply can't put down until you've devoured it till the last word. I've never been into crime genre but Omar Shahid Hamid's writings changed my perspective. I'm absolutely in love with his writings, the crisp details of the events, carefully spun tale with intricate inclusions and an ending you would've never anticipated, this book will surely win you over.
As a reader, I was naturally expecting a similar writing style and similar details as his debut novel, the Prisoner but once I was done reading I had to admit that the author had taken a total torsion and successfully so.
Highly recommended.
As a reader, I was naturally expecting a similar writing style and similar details as his debut novel, the Prisoner but once I was done reading I had to admit that the author had taken a total torsion and successfully so.
Highly recommended.
August 26, 2016
I didn't enjoy this as much as his previous novel, The Prisoner, which seemed to have a far stronger sense of place -- i.e. Karachi -- than The Spinner's Tale. Nevertheless, an enjoyable read.
June 19, 2017
I'm a bit of a sucker for both of the key selling points of this book : Cricket & Pakistan (don't ask me why, I have some voyeuristic tendencies for our neighbours). So when I decided to choose one of the tree Omar Hamid titles, I picked this one. And now, after all the dust has settled, I must confess I'm a bit disappointed.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I use the word disappointed because I felt a bit cheated about a book written by a Pakistani resorting to the same cliches that one would expect from a foreigner ('gora' to be precise). The transition of a pragmatic Ausi into a rabid politically involved student is weak. The transition then back to a normal guy lying low in London is also difficult to digest. The next transition into Kosovo, then Kashmir and then back to an important 'jehadi' - all explained away in a conversation, over an incident which really made little logical sense. And once you get into the psychopath cliche you really don't have to answer anything (why he would kill the reporter, his friend, fake the letters etc.) - an easy cop out if there was. We also don't see the part where he is able to turn the guards (how does he build this power over them is something I might have been interested in). Instead, we are told that our protagonist has great powers of speaking from the pulpit and we're supposed to leave it at that.
I also have issues about the narrative flow of the book. The author our view from the perspective of the police officer, the letters between Ausi and Eddy, some first person perspectives from Ausi and Eddy - at his convenience. If you're using the crutch of an unreliable narrator - get into it fully. Switching between views is essentially creating suspense because of inconsistencies in the structure and what you choose to reveal, not necessarily because of a smart, tight plot. And the letters themselves are extremely juvenile in how they come across as means to reveal info, not seeming like real letters for even a minute.
It's not a terrible book - it's the perfect breezy airport paperback I guess. What works is a normality that the writer has been able to bring to a tale about Pakistan and the writing style which flows quickly. The twist at the end, although not wholly unexpected - still has enough meat about it.
The cricket - *sigh* - it is but a footnote to the tale. Almost seems like some a bright MBAish idea of adding it to attract the casual reader. Could've been titled 'The Goalkeeper's Tale' or 'The Fast-bowler's Tale' if the pun around spinning a yarn had been allowed to pass.
Ideally 2 and a half stars if GoodReads allowed me the half star privilege...
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I use the word disappointed because I felt a bit cheated about a book written by a Pakistani resorting to the same cliches that one would expect from a foreigner ('gora' to be precise). The transition of a pragmatic Ausi into a rabid politically involved student is weak. The transition then back to a normal guy lying low in London is also difficult to digest. The next transition into Kosovo, then Kashmir and then back to an important 'jehadi' - all explained away in a conversation, over an incident which really made little logical sense. And once you get into the psychopath cliche you really don't have to answer anything (why he would kill the reporter, his friend, fake the letters etc.) - an easy cop out if there was. We also don't see the part where he is able to turn the guards (how does he build this power over them is something I might have been interested in). Instead, we are told that our protagonist has great powers of speaking from the pulpit and we're supposed to leave it at that.
I also have issues about the narrative flow of the book. The author our view from the perspective of the police officer, the letters between Ausi and Eddy, some first person perspectives from Ausi and Eddy - at his convenience. If you're using the crutch of an unreliable narrator - get into it fully. Switching between views is essentially creating suspense because of inconsistencies in the structure and what you choose to reveal, not necessarily because of a smart, tight plot. And the letters themselves are extremely juvenile in how they come across as means to reveal info, not seeming like real letters for even a minute.
It's not a terrible book - it's the perfect breezy airport paperback I guess. What works is a normality that the writer has been able to bring to a tale about Pakistan and the writing style which flows quickly. The twist at the end, although not wholly unexpected - still has enough meat about it.
The cricket - *sigh* - it is but a footnote to the tale. Almost seems like some a bright MBAish idea of adding it to attract the casual reader. Could've been titled 'The Goalkeeper's Tale' or 'The Fast-bowler's Tale' if the pun around spinning a yarn had been allowed to pass.
Ideally 2 and a half stars if GoodReads allowed me the half star privilege...
April 14, 2024
This was my eagerly anticipated second foray into the literary masterpieces crafted by the incomparable Omar Shahid Hamid, having previously been enthralled by the heart-pounding narrative of "The Prisoner." As I carefully selected "The Spinner's Tale" from the vast sea of literary offerings, a flicker of skepticism momentarily clouded my judgment. However, as the pages unfolded before me, I was bewitched by a cunning tale that deftly inserted its three key motifs into the intricate chambers of my bibliophile heart: the symphony of cricket, the enigmatic allure of crime, and the vibrant tapestry of Karachi.
With each turn of the page, a sense of familiar tranquility enveloped me, as if the narrative were adhering to a predictable path towards an anticipated crescendo. Yet, like a master illusionist, Hamid defied all expectations with a sudden twist that shattered the carefully constructed facade. In those final, intoxicating moments, the prose demanded a second reading, beckoning me to unravel the enigma once more, yet leaving my mind in a state of delicious disarray, grappling to comprehend the sheer audacity of what had transpired.
Hamid's penmanship, akin to a maestro's baton, orchestrates unexpected and mind-altering passages, leading readers through a labyrinth of suspense and intrigue. With each artfully crafted turn, he manipulates our very perceptions, leaving us teetering on the precipice of revelation, yearning for enlightenment.
"The Spinner's Tale" transcends the realm of mere literature, transcending into an ethereal experience that compels us to question the very essence of our existence. It thrusts us face-to-face with the stark realities of our world, examining the choices that shape our destinies and the haunting consequences that reverberate through our souls. The book is a poignant reminder that truth, like a chameleon, eludes our grasp, forcing us to confront the multifaceted nature of our own perceptions.
For those seeking a literary odyssey that will ensnare their senses until the final, breathless denouement, "The Spinner's Tale" stands as an unequivocal masterpiece. Hamid's virtuosity in seamlessly intertwining the realms of cricket, crime, and Karachi's vibrant tapestry elevates this work to the realm of the extraordinary, beckoning bibliophiles and connoisseurs of the written word alike.
With each turn of the page, a sense of familiar tranquility enveloped me, as if the narrative were adhering to a predictable path towards an anticipated crescendo. Yet, like a master illusionist, Hamid defied all expectations with a sudden twist that shattered the carefully constructed facade. In those final, intoxicating moments, the prose demanded a second reading, beckoning me to unravel the enigma once more, yet leaving my mind in a state of delicious disarray, grappling to comprehend the sheer audacity of what had transpired.
Hamid's penmanship, akin to a maestro's baton, orchestrates unexpected and mind-altering passages, leading readers through a labyrinth of suspense and intrigue. With each artfully crafted turn, he manipulates our very perceptions, leaving us teetering on the precipice of revelation, yearning for enlightenment.
"The Spinner's Tale" transcends the realm of mere literature, transcending into an ethereal experience that compels us to question the very essence of our existence. It thrusts us face-to-face with the stark realities of our world, examining the choices that shape our destinies and the haunting consequences that reverberate through our souls. The book is a poignant reminder that truth, like a chameleon, eludes our grasp, forcing us to confront the multifaceted nature of our own perceptions.
For those seeking a literary odyssey that will ensnare their senses until the final, breathless denouement, "The Spinner's Tale" stands as an unequivocal masterpiece. Hamid's virtuosity in seamlessly intertwining the realms of cricket, crime, and Karachi's vibrant tapestry elevates this work to the realm of the extraordinary, beckoning bibliophiles and connoisseurs of the written word alike.
August 14, 2020
#Bookreview
Book: The spinners tale
Omar Shahid Hamid never ceases to amaze. Previously I have read his 2 books "The prisoner" and "The party worker" which involved a dark nexus of Politics, religion and terrorism revolving around the Metropolitan City of Karachi. He himself being a Cop surely does justice whenever he pens down his deep understanding of Realpolitik, Religion being used for personal gains/violent acts and dark murky world of the internal rifts between government Instituitions.
This again is a shocking, horrifying and a riveting thriller.
The protagonist is a seemingly all is well guy, studying in the prestigious institutions and living a priviliged life. Yet he divulged into psychotic extremist tendencies to the extent which even surpassed the common jihadis.
Omar expounds the psychy of his character. How he was a misfit in an upper echelon of a society & being reminded of his low stature off and on.
What happened when he went into the real world and realities unraveled upon him, hitting him hard?
..... A one sided love affair never expressed because of the grave realization of its unyielding output.
..... And all those series of events which ultimately turned that happy go lucky fellow into a formidable psychotic extremist.
...... Things get excited when he met a Young police officer, Just like himself, From a rural background. With no strong family backing and who's only way to tackle predicament was his indifatigable commitment to overcome it with a meticulous planning. A seasoned extremist versus a young energetic police officer.
The horrifying events would rattle the reader for sure....
.. Author has a typical writing style of going back and forth in the events from present to past and distant past. But when one gets use to it it's a treat to read.
Its a sizzling page turner
Book: The spinners tale
Omar Shahid Hamid never ceases to amaze. Previously I have read his 2 books "The prisoner" and "The party worker" which involved a dark nexus of Politics, religion and terrorism revolving around the Metropolitan City of Karachi. He himself being a Cop surely does justice whenever he pens down his deep understanding of Realpolitik, Religion being used for personal gains/violent acts and dark murky world of the internal rifts between government Instituitions.
This again is a shocking, horrifying and a riveting thriller.
The protagonist is a seemingly all is well guy, studying in the prestigious institutions and living a priviliged life. Yet he divulged into psychotic extremist tendencies to the extent which even surpassed the common jihadis.
Omar expounds the psychy of his character. How he was a misfit in an upper echelon of a society & being reminded of his low stature off and on.
What happened when he went into the real world and realities unraveled upon him, hitting him hard?
..... A one sided love affair never expressed because of the grave realization of its unyielding output.
..... And all those series of events which ultimately turned that happy go lucky fellow into a formidable psychotic extremist.
...... Things get excited when he met a Young police officer, Just like himself, From a rural background. With no strong family backing and who's only way to tackle predicament was his indifatigable commitment to overcome it with a meticulous planning. A seasoned extremist versus a young energetic police officer.
The horrifying events would rattle the reader for sure....
.. Author has a typical writing style of going back and forth in the events from present to past and distant past. But when one gets use to it it's a treat to read.
Its a sizzling page turner
December 20, 2024
Omar Shahid Hamid’s second novel The Spinner’s Tale is a riveting read. With its thoroughly taut story and effortless style, the novel will have readers hooked till the end. In deviating from the staple image of a terror mastermind, Hamid creates an antagonist who the readers will loathe and pity at the same time. The Spinner’s Tale is a story of an ordinary young man, hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Sana and sharing his love for cricket with best friend Eddy. When their idyllic world is wrecked by the pain of separation, Ausi’s life alters forever. He is mired in an inescapable web of corruption, deceit and estrangement in his quest to find a new identity. Hurled on a path beyond redemption, Ausi finds himself committing the most frightening crimes against humanity without remorse. But is it merely a convoluted ideology that he blindly embraces or do the roots of a sinister psyche run much deeper? Through his adroit portrayal of Sheikh Ahmed, Hamid shatters the mythical image of a terrorist, delving profoundly into uncovering issues such as the State-police power nexus.
A former cop himself, Hamid provides a credible picture of student politics, atrocities in prison and the workings of national investigation agencies in the novel. A smooth transition of time and space makes the story absorbing, swift and condensed despite the vastness of its scope. For those looking for a pacey and refreshing thriller, The Spinner’s Tale is a must read.
A former cop himself, Hamid provides a credible picture of student politics, atrocities in prison and the workings of national investigation agencies in the novel. A smooth transition of time and space makes the story absorbing, swift and condensed despite the vastness of its scope. For those looking for a pacey and refreshing thriller, The Spinner’s Tale is a must read.
September 1, 2022
3.5 stars
At it's core this is a story of two best friends and how their unique background and life choices takes them down entirely different paths. The foundation of their friendship is laid on their common love for cricket and it continues to be an important theme throughout the book.
My favourite activity while reading Hamid's work is trying to figure out which public figure inspired his characters. There are subtle (and obvious) nods to certain organizations and actual events which make the experience even more enjoyable.
There were some loose ends or similarities between the protagonist and antagonist which I thought would play a significant role in the climax but it never came to pass. Speaking of the climax, the ending was a bit of a let down and I expected there to be a much better explanation that connected all the pieces of the puzzle.
Not as great as Omar Shahid Hamid's debut novel but a worthwhile read just the same.
At it's core this is a story of two best friends and how their unique background and life choices takes them down entirely different paths. The foundation of their friendship is laid on their common love for cricket and it continues to be an important theme throughout the book.
My favourite activity while reading Hamid's work is trying to figure out which public figure inspired his characters. There are subtle (and obvious) nods to certain organizations and actual events which make the experience even more enjoyable.
There were some loose ends or similarities between the protagonist and antagonist which I thought would play a significant role in the climax but it never came to pass. Speaking of the climax, the ending was a bit of a let down and I expected there to be a much better explanation that connected all the pieces of the puzzle.
Not as great as Omar Shahid Hamid's debut novel but a worthwhile read just the same.
November 17, 2017
I liked The Party Worker more than his other two works. The Spinners Tale was interesting though, gripping as well but it offered less to be intrigued. May be, he should have discussed more about Ausi. It looks as if Ausi was an ordinary man who destined to become extraordinary through his evil designs but why would any one want to remain in contact with the terrorist in the times, post 9/11?
Plot has had its weaknesses too, it fell short of being a psychological thriller. Nevertheless, it was a good fun read.
Plot has had its weaknesses too, it fell short of being a psychological thriller. Nevertheless, it was a good fun read.
November 27, 2017
A 3.5/5. The story is gripping, and easy-to-follow without unnecessary complications. The writer’s style has a strong resemblance to that of Mohsin Hamid’s.
The book however also had a few glitches that prevented it from being a 4 star. At a few instants, the writer’s limited exploitation of creative energy is evident, for example the prestigious school being simply called “The School” and an influential party simply being called “The Party”. Also, minute editorial errors such as ‘than’ being written as ‘that’ greatly put off a reader.
Overall, a quick and enthralling read
The book however also had a few glitches that prevented it from being a 4 star. At a few instants, the writer’s limited exploitation of creative energy is evident, for example the prestigious school being simply called “The School” and an influential party simply being called “The Party”. Also, minute editorial errors such as ‘than’ being written as ‘that’ greatly put off a reader.
Overall, a quick and enthralling read
December 5, 2019
Omar Shahid is a gifted author who really knows how to write thrillers keeping the pace absorbing.
Since he served in the Pakistani police service he brings his enormous experience into the books. It is interesting to read about the Pakistani governing and policing machinery.
This book is about Sheikh, a terrorist from an elitist school. The psychology of the homegrown terrorist is the continuing theme throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this author in days to come.
Since he served in the Pakistani police service he brings his enormous experience into the books. It is interesting to read about the Pakistani governing and policing machinery.
This book is about Sheikh, a terrorist from an elitist school. The psychology of the homegrown terrorist is the continuing theme throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this author in days to come.
December 19, 2022
I read it when I was around 12 so my review is based on what i thought of it then.
This is definitely not a book for a 12 year old! Firstly the story is a bit difficult to follow, the topics discussed are not for kids and at one point there is a torture scene described in extremely crude and explicit detail - to the point it made my stomach revolt.
Nevertheless, for an accurate rating i will have to read it again.
This is definitely not a book for a 12 year old! Firstly the story is a bit difficult to follow, the topics discussed are not for kids and at one point there is a torture scene described in extremely crude and explicit detail - to the point it made my stomach revolt.
Nevertheless, for an accurate rating i will have to read it again.
July 21, 2018
Wow.. this was just WOW. A little crude for me at times but man Omar Shahid Hamid is genius with creating drama and mystery and tying loose ends. Easily my favorite Pakistan author. This is definitely a good read.
September 23, 2020
Another amazing thriller from Omar Shahid. Omar is capable of capturing reader's attention and his writing style triggers emotions. It was so captivating that I was thinking about the book even when I was not reading it. Simply amazing.
August 24, 2022
Too stretched out. Timelines would rarely stay in mind and the character storylines were a bit too convenient. Plus, the cliches in plot and character development are endless. Not impressive especially after you read Omar's classic The Prisoner.
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