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Typically Tanya
Meet Tanya Shaukat. Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Sure, there are a few tiny problems. But, so far, she's been handling them well enough - in fact, she's even managed to neatly sidestep the rishtaas her mother's match-making friends keep bringing in. Arranged marriage? No, thank you. She'd like some knee-shaking love instead. But Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right. Will Tanya manage to save Sonia's wedding? And will she finally find true love?
252 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
6 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Taha Kehar
8 books23 followersTaha Kehar is a novelist, journalist and literary critic. A law graduate from SOAS, London, Kehar is the author of three novels, No Funeral for Nazia (Neem Tree Press, 2023), Typically Tanya (HarperCollins India, 2018) and Of Rift and Rivalry (Palimpsest Publishers, 2014). He is the co-editor of The Stained-Glass Window: Stories of the Pandemic from Pakistan. Kehar has served as the head of The Express Tribune’s Peshawar city pages and bi-monthly books page, and worked as an assistant editor on the op-ed desk at The News. Kehar’s essays, reviews and commentaries have been published in The News on Sunday, The Hindu and South Asia magazine and his short fiction has appeared in the Delhi-based quarterly The Equator Line, the biannual journal Pakistani Literature and the OUP anthology I’ll Find My Way. Two of his short stories appeared in an anthology titled The Banyan and Her Roots, which has been edited by the British writer Jad Adams. In 2016, he guest-edited an issue of The Equator Line, titled ‘Pakistan: After The Stereotypes’, that focused on new writing from Pakistan. Kehar curates Tales from Karachi: City of Words, an Instagram e-anthology that publishes flash fiction from and about Karachi. He recently compiled and edited the first print anthology of the initiative titled Tales from Karachi (Moringa, 2021). Based in Karachi, he teaches undergraduate media courses.
Praise for 'Typically Tanya':
"[Tanya's] story... cover[s] the formation and destruction of relationships." - Hindustan Times Brunch
"Typically Tanya explores the themes of freedom and negotiation [and] also looks at marriage and love." - The Asian Age
"It's a risky undertaking for a man to write in the female first-person, but one that the novelist pulls off with aplomb...Kehar is a good observer of human frailties and paradoxes." - Dawn, Books and Authors
"One of Pakistan's most exciting new writers." -The Express Tribune
"When Taha Kehar writes Typically Tanya, he borrows a page out of the Wodehousian narrative, but he does not go for the whole Wodehousian spirit. Instead, he fashions a world out of Karachi that is more Wodehouse and less Dostoevsky." - The News on Sunday
"Typically Tanya is like a breath of fresh air as it sparks hope that Pakistan has room for paperbacks." -Slogan Magazine
"A comical satire...a great book with an originality that is spellbinding." - Daily Times
Praise for Kehar's stories in 'The Stained-Glass Window':
“’Intruders’ is a hilarious account of a rich family planning their daughter's wedding during lockdown days, but even in this, the contradictions between the problems of the haves and have-nots are evident.” – Southasia Magazine
“Taha Kehar’s ‘Intruders’ deftly combine[s] the grim challenges of lockdown with much needed levity and I wish more stories in the book had followed this tone… Kehar’s second story calls attention to the plight of at-risk older adults who are used to the hustle and bustle of joint families and are now faced with the daunting reality of quarantine and social distancing. It is a sombre reminder of how the pandemic is compounding their already isolated existence.” – DAWN
“...in a standout story, ‘Intruders’, Kehar himself writes with characteristic exuberance about a wedding that has to be shifted on to the online setting of Zoom. Amid a gregarious but volatile joint family setting, an ageing matriarch, Mrs Akmal, laments the disruption to her granddaughter’s nuptials because of the ‘canola virus’.” – Claire Chambers, DAWN
‘Taha Kehar describes a Zoom wedding disturbed by an uninvited guest; in another story, he juxtaposes the solitude of a young girl and her elderly delusional neighbour during lockdown.” – Muneeza Shamsie, the Journal of Contemporary Poetics
Praise for 'Typically Tanya':
"[Tanya's] story... cover[s] the formation and destruction of relationships." - Hindustan Times Brunch
"Typically Tanya explores the themes of freedom and negotiation [and] also looks at marriage and love." - The Asian Age
"It's a risky undertaking for a man to write in the female first-person, but one that the novelist pulls off with aplomb...Kehar is a good observer of human frailties and paradoxes." - Dawn, Books and Authors
"One of Pakistan's most exciting new writers." -The Express Tribune
"When Taha Kehar writes Typically Tanya, he borrows a page out of the Wodehousian narrative, but he does not go for the whole Wodehousian spirit. Instead, he fashions a world out of Karachi that is more Wodehouse and less Dostoevsky." - The News on Sunday
"Typically Tanya is like a breath of fresh air as it sparks hope that Pakistan has room for paperbacks." -Slogan Magazine
"A comical satire...a great book with an originality that is spellbinding." - Daily Times
Praise for Kehar's stories in 'The Stained-Glass Window':
“’Intruders’ is a hilarious account of a rich family planning their daughter's wedding during lockdown days, but even in this, the contradictions between the problems of the haves and have-nots are evident.” – Southasia Magazine
“Taha Kehar’s ‘Intruders’ deftly combine[s] the grim challenges of lockdown with much needed levity and I wish more stories in the book had followed this tone… Kehar’s second story calls attention to the plight of at-risk older adults who are used to the hustle and bustle of joint families and are now faced with the daunting reality of quarantine and social distancing. It is a sombre reminder of how the pandemic is compounding their already isolated existence.” – DAWN
“...in a standout story, ‘Intruders’, Kehar himself writes with characteristic exuberance about a wedding that has to be shifted on to the online setting of Zoom. Amid a gregarious but volatile joint family setting, an ageing matriarch, Mrs Akmal, laments the disruption to her granddaughter’s nuptials because of the ‘canola virus’.” – Claire Chambers, DAWN
‘Taha Kehar describes a Zoom wedding disturbed by an uninvited guest; in another story, he juxtaposes the solitude of a young girl and her elderly delusional neighbour during lockdown.” – Muneeza Shamsie, the Journal of Contemporary Poetics
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 25, 2025
I did not think it was possible for books to be this pointless, but I guess you learn something new every day. What fascinates me is that not only did the author write this and think ‘Ah yes, something worth publishing’, he must have then proceeded to show it to friends and family, the way one does, who also, for some absurd reason, said ‘Yes, this is a great book’. Then this book wound up in the hands of an editor, who also—and we’re approaching acute disbelief territory here—thought this could be salvaged. Then this book went out into the world, and people parted with their hard earned money for it. The only saving grace of this whole fiasco is the fact that I borrowed this book instead of buying it.
I mean, I’ve read bad books before, but I’ve rarely read any which tried so very hard to be funny and relevant and failed so very spectacularly. Tanya, our eponymous heroine, is what I imagine the author wanted to write as a crossover between Bridget Jones and Saba Imtiaz’s heroine in Karachi You’re Killing Me! But while Helen Fielding got the humour and the cheesy shipping right, and Saba Imtiaz was spot on with her desi references, Kehar unfortunately got almost all of it wrong.
Even the blurb is misleading. Tanya does, in fact, sleep with her best friend’s fiancé, and her best friend does then get jilted at the altar because her man runs away with yet another woman, but none of that plays a significantly large enough role in the plot for it to be the focus of the blurb. In fact, after having read the book, it’s hard to see what the main plot was. Mainly it feels like a portion of a twenty-something woman’s diary through one random, uneventful portion of her life. Sure, things happen, but it’s hard to see how they are meant to make a cohesive whole, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Mostly this has to do with the characters themselves, who feel dreary and purposeless. Starting with the protagonist, who never once managed to make me laugh, to the whole cast of characters around her, all of whom I cared about not a whit, almost all the players in this story were too weakly drawn for us to care about. Tanya’s separated parents create a very limited depth of feeling in Tanya, and her mother is a caricature of an overprotective, nagging woman who regularly shrieks and is dramatic for no reason at all. Tanya also regularly jokes about sending her mother to a mental institution, in a joke that feels less like a realistic depiction of a child frustrated with their parent and more in the grey areas of inappropriate and politically incorrect.
Political correctness is a thing that the author clearly cares about a lot, in that he seems to have the right ideas about what women can and cannot do. But unlike in Imtiaz’s novel, where her character smokes in the open to make a point without being didactic, Kehar’s writing comes off as moralizing. In fact, in almost all things that should have been seamlessly inserted into the narrative, there is an obvious attempt to include that particular event into the book. This is especially true for all the political events that Tanya and her friends refer to. Of course, it makes sense that a newspaper editor’s life would be dictated by the things happening in their city and country and in the world at large, and even Pakistanis unconnected to the reporting of news get affected by the politics of a country, but there is so obvious a gap in the natural flow of the story and the mention of these updates that they feel forced. I don’t want to see the author trying so hard and ultimately failing, because to me, as a reader, I end up suffering from second hand embarrassment. Effortlessness, I guess, is what I was looking for, and what I did not find.
Usually when I review something I add quotes from the book itself, but with this title I was basically struggling to just end the torture. I checked how many pages were left at least fifty seven times after I reached the last quarter. That should give you some idea of how invested I was in what was going on in the story: mainly, not at all. Tanya’s on again off again love affair with her friend Hafeez (whom I kept confusing with her boss Hassan) and her weird, antagonistic friendships with the other women in her life feel too convoluted to care about. Tanya doesn’t seem to actually like any of the people in her life, casually backbiting or being disdainful about almost everyone she comes in contact with, which makes us care about them even less. Even when the author attempts to do something right, such as introduce a gay character into the narrative, he spends more time setting up the character to show what kind of person Tanya is in response to his gayness rather than create a complex, three dimensional character in Adam.
Another thing I do when I write a review is trying to figure out exactly whom I would recommend the book to. Even if it’s a bad book, I consider the masochist, or the reader with nothing else to do. For this particular book though, I couldn’t think of a single person I’d recommend it to, because unlike other particularly horrible ones I could mention which were so bad so as to be a complete experience (Sara Naveed and H. M. Naqvi come to mind), this book is just boring and badly written. But then I realized that this book is perfect for the amateur author, because if crap like this can get published, than anything can. Which means we all have a very good chance! In fact, probably more than just a good chance, because of the aforementioned absolute crappiness of this book.
So there you go, a positive note to end this review, and now I will proceed to eject all memories of the time I wasted reading this this while sobbing about its mind-numbing atrociousness to my husband. At least there’s one person who was quite amused, and who enjoyed my periodical ranting about the whole thing.
***
Edit:
I'd just like to add that there is, in fact, one great thing about the book, and that is the cover. Love the illustration. Full props to the artist. Doesn't make the book worth buying, of course, but one must compliment where one can, especially when there's such limited opportunity to do so.
I mean, I’ve read bad books before, but I’ve rarely read any which tried so very hard to be funny and relevant and failed so very spectacularly. Tanya, our eponymous heroine, is what I imagine the author wanted to write as a crossover between Bridget Jones and Saba Imtiaz’s heroine in Karachi You’re Killing Me! But while Helen Fielding got the humour and the cheesy shipping right, and Saba Imtiaz was spot on with her desi references, Kehar unfortunately got almost all of it wrong.
Even the blurb is misleading. Tanya does, in fact, sleep with her best friend’s fiancé, and her best friend does then get jilted at the altar because her man runs away with yet another woman, but none of that plays a significantly large enough role in the plot for it to be the focus of the blurb. In fact, after having read the book, it’s hard to see what the main plot was. Mainly it feels like a portion of a twenty-something woman’s diary through one random, uneventful portion of her life. Sure, things happen, but it’s hard to see how they are meant to make a cohesive whole, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Mostly this has to do with the characters themselves, who feel dreary and purposeless. Starting with the protagonist, who never once managed to make me laugh, to the whole cast of characters around her, all of whom I cared about not a whit, almost all the players in this story were too weakly drawn for us to care about. Tanya’s separated parents create a very limited depth of feeling in Tanya, and her mother is a caricature of an overprotective, nagging woman who regularly shrieks and is dramatic for no reason at all. Tanya also regularly jokes about sending her mother to a mental institution, in a joke that feels less like a realistic depiction of a child frustrated with their parent and more in the grey areas of inappropriate and politically incorrect.
Political correctness is a thing that the author clearly cares about a lot, in that he seems to have the right ideas about what women can and cannot do. But unlike in Imtiaz’s novel, where her character smokes in the open to make a point without being didactic, Kehar’s writing comes off as moralizing. In fact, in almost all things that should have been seamlessly inserted into the narrative, there is an obvious attempt to include that particular event into the book. This is especially true for all the political events that Tanya and her friends refer to. Of course, it makes sense that a newspaper editor’s life would be dictated by the things happening in their city and country and in the world at large, and even Pakistanis unconnected to the reporting of news get affected by the politics of a country, but there is so obvious a gap in the natural flow of the story and the mention of these updates that they feel forced. I don’t want to see the author trying so hard and ultimately failing, because to me, as a reader, I end up suffering from second hand embarrassment. Effortlessness, I guess, is what I was looking for, and what I did not find.
Usually when I review something I add quotes from the book itself, but with this title I was basically struggling to just end the torture. I checked how many pages were left at least fifty seven times after I reached the last quarter. That should give you some idea of how invested I was in what was going on in the story: mainly, not at all. Tanya’s on again off again love affair with her friend Hafeez (whom I kept confusing with her boss Hassan) and her weird, antagonistic friendships with the other women in her life feel too convoluted to care about. Tanya doesn’t seem to actually like any of the people in her life, casually backbiting or being disdainful about almost everyone she comes in contact with, which makes us care about them even less. Even when the author attempts to do something right, such as introduce a gay character into the narrative, he spends more time setting up the character to show what kind of person Tanya is in response to his gayness rather than create a complex, three dimensional character in Adam.
Another thing I do when I write a review is trying to figure out exactly whom I would recommend the book to. Even if it’s a bad book, I consider the masochist, or the reader with nothing else to do. For this particular book though, I couldn’t think of a single person I’d recommend it to, because unlike other particularly horrible ones I could mention which were so bad so as to be a complete experience (Sara Naveed and H. M. Naqvi come to mind), this book is just boring and badly written. But then I realized that this book is perfect for the amateur author, because if crap like this can get published, than anything can. Which means we all have a very good chance! In fact, probably more than just a good chance, because of the aforementioned absolute crappiness of this book.
So there you go, a positive note to end this review, and now I will proceed to eject all memories of the time I wasted reading this this while sobbing about its mind-numbing atrociousness to my husband. At least there’s one person who was quite amused, and who enjoyed my periodical ranting about the whole thing.
***
Edit:
I'd just like to add that there is, in fact, one great thing about the book, and that is the cover. Love the illustration. Full props to the artist. Doesn't make the book worth buying, of course, but one must compliment where one can, especially when there's such limited opportunity to do so.
i-give-up
September 23, 2020DNF at page 24.
Nope, not going to finish another desi book about cheating and drunken escapades.
Nope, not going to finish another desi book about cheating and drunken escapades.
September 11, 2020
I could not wait for the book to be over. It reads like a long gossip column that wouldn't end. Throughout the book, the protagonist sounds like someone who wouldn't stop talking about stuff you are not interested to know. Thus, none of the characters will hold your sympathy. Another irrating factor was that the story hinged around nothing but who slept with whom. The subject kept on creeping in most of the pages.
December 30, 2018
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I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Chick-lits are always a nice way to end a very hectic and bad day. They are easy to read, fun to begin with, filled with humor and sassy women who know what they are doing, and really, it is always such a nice thing to read them.
And that is how I met the sassy Tanya Shaukat whose every statement is filled with sarcasm. A journalist by profession, she works for the Daily Image and is quite intent on making a name for herself in the profession. The (im)perfect doctor, living with a dramatic mother who is obsessed with Indian soap operas. Her only fault? She got drunk one night and slept with her best friend's fiance. But don't get her wrong here. She has apologized for it a million times and yet, her best friend hates her.
What's worse is that when that wedding is finally called off (because the boy ran away with some other girl), the best friend blames it all on Tanya. And her other best friend, Hafeez? Well, he loves her. She loves him. But he believes she is just too much for him (like, what the hell?) and ends up doing something completely dramatic, something he can not back out easily from.
What is that thing? What is it that disappoints Tanya so much? Well, that's for you to find out when you pick up the book!
On another note, Typically Tanya is a great holiday read. You can just snuggle up in your blankets and enjoy spending some time with Tanya Shaukat. If nothing more, then you can take a ride with her sarcastic tongue and laugh at the humor she presents you with. Taha Kehar has done a brilliant job providing us with an amazing protagonist
I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Chick-lits are always a nice way to end a very hectic and bad day. They are easy to read, fun to begin with, filled with humor and sassy women who know what they are doing, and really, it is always such a nice thing to read them.
And that is how I met the sassy Tanya Shaukat whose every statement is filled with sarcasm. A journalist by profession, she works for the Daily Image and is quite intent on making a name for herself in the profession. The (im)perfect doctor, living with a dramatic mother who is obsessed with Indian soap operas. Her only fault? She got drunk one night and slept with her best friend's fiance. But don't get her wrong here. She has apologized for it a million times and yet, her best friend hates her.
What's worse is that when that wedding is finally called off (because the boy ran away with some other girl), the best friend blames it all on Tanya. And her other best friend, Hafeez? Well, he loves her. She loves him. But he believes she is just too much for him (like, what the hell?) and ends up doing something completely dramatic, something he can not back out easily from.
What is that thing? What is it that disappoints Tanya so much? Well, that's for you to find out when you pick up the book!
On another note, Typically Tanya is a great holiday read. You can just snuggle up in your blankets and enjoy spending some time with Tanya Shaukat. If nothing more, then you can take a ride with her sarcastic tongue and laugh at the humor she presents you with. Taha Kehar has done a brilliant job providing us with an amazing protagonist
February 7, 2019
The only thing in favour of this book is: its fluid light read. Once done, you may want to burn it.
The book is offensive and, to quote a fellow reader: "profoundly insulting!". It is heavily stereotypical and demeaning to any working woman anywhere around the world. I want to blame that on a male author making a very hard (and strongly failed) attempt at being in a colleague's shoes. It is revoltingly chauvinistic in its sex, drugs and rock and roll attempt of a working girl who perhaps has a lot to discover in life.
It could be the age the characters belong to, or the mentality being depicted that makes this book a tad lengthy than needed. The characters are confused and flippant, which makes the story annoying and after a certain point one wonders the point of narrating some elements of Tanya's day during the chapters of her diary.
by the time a reader witnesses the characters (d)evolve and how the story wraps up one may have lost patience in this rigmarole of confused characters who really feel directionless and that tends to be the effect on the reader. It takes an effort, before giving up, to identify with the characters or their mindset. If this is supposed to be representative of any class of Pakistani urban society: i say it outright loud and clear: this book does not depict any part of Pakistani society; not the ones going to elite schools, not the ones raised in the money, not the ones working to enjoy themselves, not single mothers: no one!
Feel the character definition and plot needed more work before publishing, and a lot less chauvinism. One almost feels sorry for an author: has been hurt by a woman in his work environment?
The book is offensive and, to quote a fellow reader: "profoundly insulting!". It is heavily stereotypical and demeaning to any working woman anywhere around the world. I want to blame that on a male author making a very hard (and strongly failed) attempt at being in a colleague's shoes. It is revoltingly chauvinistic in its sex, drugs and rock and roll attempt of a working girl who perhaps has a lot to discover in life.
It could be the age the characters belong to, or the mentality being depicted that makes this book a tad lengthy than needed. The characters are confused and flippant, which makes the story annoying and after a certain point one wonders the point of narrating some elements of Tanya's day during the chapters of her diary.
by the time a reader witnesses the characters (d)evolve and how the story wraps up one may have lost patience in this rigmarole of confused characters who really feel directionless and that tends to be the effect on the reader. It takes an effort, before giving up, to identify with the characters or their mindset. If this is supposed to be representative of any class of Pakistani urban society: i say it outright loud and clear: this book does not depict any part of Pakistani society; not the ones going to elite schools, not the ones raised in the money, not the ones working to enjoy themselves, not single mothers: no one!
Feel the character definition and plot needed more work before publishing, and a lot less chauvinism. One almost feels sorry for an author: has been hurt by a woman in his work environment?
April 4, 2019
Just the other day my friend messaged and said I am reading Typically Tanya and Tanya reminds me of you: "Bold, eccentric, sarcastic, doesn't take shit from men." While this was an amazing ego boost, I reflected that Taha Kehar has written a character who really is unapologetic about who she is. A Karachi girl, born and bred with no patience for pandering to the West or touting a narrative that she's a modern desi girl but with her foot firmly planted in her "Eastern" values. She is herself and that is the best thing about her.
Tanya is messy, fun and problematic, probably like your maddening but lovable best friend and you should definitely check this book out.
Tanya is messy, fun and problematic, probably like your maddening but lovable best friend and you should definitely check this book out.
October 16, 2020
Witty, humours, the best tale told in ages about Karachi. 💛🌼
September 3, 2019
Typically Tanya' by Taha Kehar is a very easy breezy read. It takes us on a fun journey with Tanya who lives in Karachi, Pakistan with her mother.
Tanya is a fun loving girl who wants to be successful in her career & enjoy her life to the fullest. Whereas her mother's only goal is to see her daughter getting married.
Tanya's happiness is threatened when her best friend- Sonia's wedding is called of because the groom ran away. Sonia blames it all on her because she got intimate with the same man once when she was drunk. Will Sonia ever forgive Tanya? Will Tanya be able to save her wedding?
Also there is another best friend Hafeez. Tanya & Hafeez both secretly love each other but they can't be together. Whom will Hafeez marry? Why can't they be together?
With Tanya's life & emotions as the main story we also get to see many more topics in the backdrop like extreme politics, insecurity for girls travelling alone, patraichy, rishta aunties, open relationships, premarital sex, etc.
The narrations are very gripping & its a very quick read.
Tanya is a fun loving girl who wants to be successful in her career & enjoy her life to the fullest. Whereas her mother's only goal is to see her daughter getting married.
Tanya's happiness is threatened when her best friend- Sonia's wedding is called of because the groom ran away. Sonia blames it all on her because she got intimate with the same man once when she was drunk. Will Sonia ever forgive Tanya? Will Tanya be able to save her wedding?
Also there is another best friend Hafeez. Tanya & Hafeez both secretly love each other but they can't be together. Whom will Hafeez marry? Why can't they be together?
With Tanya's life & emotions as the main story we also get to see many more topics in the backdrop like extreme politics, insecurity for girls travelling alone, patraichy, rishta aunties, open relationships, premarital sex, etc.
The narrations are very gripping & its a very quick read.
July 27, 2022
I wish I could take that one star back because I don't even want to rate it. It's *that* bad. Do elite Pakistanis actually live the way it is shown in this novel? If yes, it's ridiculous. Not recommended. Sorry.
November 22, 2018
I’ve always enjoyed reading Chick-Lit as they are very light to the palate and full on entertainment. So obviously I expected the same with Taha Kehar’s Typically Tanya. Well, it doesn’t disappoint me.
Meet Sassy Journalist Tanya Shaukat, whose blood runs thick with sarcasm. Working for Karachi’s Daily Image, Tanya’s living her life to the fullest.
But like the general plots of this genre, things don’t always go according to plan, and what is life, if there are no problems. But Tanya with her ever presents sarcasm and funny take on life, side-steps those problems neatly. She even manages to side-step the rishtaas her mother’s friends sends her way.
But life is not the one to give up so easily, throws another hurdle at Tanya. When Tanya’s good friend Sonia’s shaddi is called off, and she blames it all on Tanya. Tanya turns to his Bestfriend Hafeez, for whom she has a soft spot. But again faces disappointment.
Will Tanya manage to save her friendship with Sonia or Hafeez? Read the book to find out more…
Review
Full of satire take on High-Class society of Pakistan, the book is sure to make you chuckle all the way to the last past.
The book is actually pretty funny and fun to read. Through the Taha Kehar’s Typically Tanya, we get a taste of the nasty boyfriend of the friend our heroine falls in love, Tanya’s humor and sarcasm and dysfunctional home of the protagonist make it a very colorful. I’m not going to sugarcoat and say that Tanya’s a “Hilarious” character, because even though she’s funny, she had her annoying moments as well. But I laughed quite a bit, and pretty much enjoyed a book that didn’t make me think about what was going on…just let me sit back and enjoy the show.
The characters are hilarious and very relatable, especially the Protagonist’s mother, I was in fits of laughter during the mother-daughter banter and I so could relate to their relationship.
The book is fast paced, with no dragging or stupid conversation. Though the protagonist’s character is too bold and self-centered, but her funny take on life and her sarcasm made all the difference. Language is smooth and easy to understand.
Recommendation
‘Typically Tanya’ is a perfect light read for wintry afternoons.
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Meet Sassy Journalist Tanya Shaukat, whose blood runs thick with sarcasm. Working for Karachi’s Daily Image, Tanya’s living her life to the fullest.
But like the general plots of this genre, things don’t always go according to plan, and what is life, if there are no problems. But Tanya with her ever presents sarcasm and funny take on life, side-steps those problems neatly. She even manages to side-step the rishtaas her mother’s friends sends her way.
But life is not the one to give up so easily, throws another hurdle at Tanya. When Tanya’s good friend Sonia’s shaddi is called off, and she blames it all on Tanya. Tanya turns to his Bestfriend Hafeez, for whom she has a soft spot. But again faces disappointment.
Will Tanya manage to save her friendship with Sonia or Hafeez? Read the book to find out more…
Review
Full of satire take on High-Class society of Pakistan, the book is sure to make you chuckle all the way to the last past.
The book is actually pretty funny and fun to read. Through the Taha Kehar’s Typically Tanya, we get a taste of the nasty boyfriend of the friend our heroine falls in love, Tanya’s humor and sarcasm and dysfunctional home of the protagonist make it a very colorful. I’m not going to sugarcoat and say that Tanya’s a “Hilarious” character, because even though she’s funny, she had her annoying moments as well. But I laughed quite a bit, and pretty much enjoyed a book that didn’t make me think about what was going on…just let me sit back and enjoy the show.
The characters are hilarious and very relatable, especially the Protagonist’s mother, I was in fits of laughter during the mother-daughter banter and I so could relate to their relationship.
The book is fast paced, with no dragging or stupid conversation. Though the protagonist’s character is too bold and self-centered, but her funny take on life and her sarcasm made all the difference. Language is smooth and easy to understand.
Recommendation
‘Typically Tanya’ is a perfect light read for wintry afternoons.
My Rating: 3/5 stars
November 2, 2018
Name- Typically Tanya
Written by- Taha Kehar
Published by- HarperCollins
Pages- 233
Ratings- 4🌟
Storyline-
Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right. Will Tanya manage to save Sonia's wedding? And will she finally find true love?
Review-
Typically Tanya is a story of Tanya..as if it wasn't obvious. Sorry couldn't help the Sarcasm, especially when the entire book is full of it and so is our protagonist Tanya.
Tanya is bold, aggressive, egoistic, independent, carefree and everything that's actually not desired in an women living in our society and Tanya is Pakistani..so that's as worse as it could get. Tanya is also a sub editor in a daily, the pay is certainly not much but enough for her.
And just when you thought this story couldn't get more hilarious, you get to know Tanya's Mummy who's genes Tanya inherited for sure. Her Mummy still grieving her husband's betrayal, fills the gap in Tanya's life by being a constant form of entertainment.
Reading this book was an absolute pleasure, reason being obvious. The hilarious tone of the story and the perfect narration felt refreshing.
Kudos to the author by narrating a story of substance in a manner which won't bore the readers.
Yet I found some parts of the story a bit dragged, leaving which I would say it was a perfect read for everyone who wants to have a good laugh and still learn some heart touching lessons in life.
Written by- Taha Kehar
Published by- HarperCollins
Pages- 233
Ratings- 4🌟
Storyline-
Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right. Will Tanya manage to save Sonia's wedding? And will she finally find true love?
Review-
Typically Tanya is a story of Tanya..as if it wasn't obvious. Sorry couldn't help the Sarcasm, especially when the entire book is full of it and so is our protagonist Tanya.
Tanya is bold, aggressive, egoistic, independent, carefree and everything that's actually not desired in an women living in our society and Tanya is Pakistani..so that's as worse as it could get. Tanya is also a sub editor in a daily, the pay is certainly not much but enough for her.
And just when you thought this story couldn't get more hilarious, you get to know Tanya's Mummy who's genes Tanya inherited for sure. Her Mummy still grieving her husband's betrayal, fills the gap in Tanya's life by being a constant form of entertainment.
Reading this book was an absolute pleasure, reason being obvious. The hilarious tone of the story and the perfect narration felt refreshing.
Kudos to the author by narrating a story of substance in a manner which won't bore the readers.
Yet I found some parts of the story a bit dragged, leaving which I would say it was a perfect read for everyone who wants to have a good laugh and still learn some heart touching lessons in life.
March 20, 2019
It was such a pleasure meeting Taha’s bold, sassy and witty protagonist, Tanya Shaukat , who made me laugh aloud with her entertaining escapades. I could so relate to her existential crisis as a single working woman in the colourful and changing Karachi.
With the strokes of his brilliant pen, Taha has successfully painted a picture of a modern metropolis- the insane politics, twisted relationships and social evils with satire, humour and perfect narration.
And the hilarious‘ Mummy ji’ looking out for rishtas for her daughter is particularly endearing and a realistic reflection of the traditional and complex South Asian mindset. I am so waiting for Taha’s next book- be it a sequel or another literary triumph 😊
With the strokes of his brilliant pen, Taha has successfully painted a picture of a modern metropolis- the insane politics, twisted relationships and social evils with satire, humour and perfect narration.
And the hilarious‘ Mummy ji’ looking out for rishtas for her daughter is particularly endearing and a realistic reflection of the traditional and complex South Asian mindset. I am so waiting for Taha’s next book- be it a sequel or another literary triumph 😊
March 23, 2019
Loved this book! Taha Kehar is a master storyteller. This is chick lit at its best. Quality chick lit from Pakistan is very rare so it was such a pleasant surprise to read this delightful little book. Tanya is an engaging character and one that keeps you fully engrossed. I particularly enjoyed her interaction with her mother. As a Pakistani myself, there was a lot I could relate to. I would definitely recommend this book!
May 21, 2021
This is a story of a journalist based in Karachi, Tanya Shaukat. I really enjoyed the characters especially Tanya’s mom. The novel is witty and I like the way the author played out the words that was Bam 💥engaging. It’s easy and gripping at the same time. The emotions of characters are captured very well.
September 20, 2024
worst book i’ve ever read !
March 13, 2019
Book format- Paperback
The cover of the book is absolutely beautiful and vibrant.
Book review:
"Typically Tanya" by Taha Kehar is a story of Tanya Shaukat who's young, sassy and a fun-loving girl. She lives in Karachi and works with the Daily Image as a journalist.
She stays with her mother who's over dramatic, loves daily soaps and her only agenda is to get her daughter married. Tania is infused with humour; despite her life issues tiny, big and sometimes huge, she handles it effortlessly with pinch of sarcasm at every phase.
Though she handles her issues very well yet the problem arises when her good friend Sonia's groom run aways with some other girl at the wedding night . Further Sonia blames Tanya for all of it because of the Tanya's past drunken incident with Saad( Sonia's groom).
How she manages this whole scenario? Will she ever find a true love? The book with fun twists has answers to these.
Narration and Characterization- Narration is good, with easy yet rich language. The characters are well portrayed. Most of the characters are hilarious and relatable at some point or the other.
You'll travel half of the Pakistan ( or atleast some parts) while reading this book. It has delineated the roads of Pakistan very precisely.
I personally felt that the story was dragged at some points and made it bit tedious for me but overall it is a light breezy read for winter evenings.
The cover of the book is absolutely beautiful and vibrant.
Book review:
"Typically Tanya" by Taha Kehar is a story of Tanya Shaukat who's young, sassy and a fun-loving girl. She lives in Karachi and works with the Daily Image as a journalist.
She stays with her mother who's over dramatic, loves daily soaps and her only agenda is to get her daughter married. Tania is infused with humour; despite her life issues tiny, big and sometimes huge, she handles it effortlessly with pinch of sarcasm at every phase.
Though she handles her issues very well yet the problem arises when her good friend Sonia's groom run aways with some other girl at the wedding night . Further Sonia blames Tanya for all of it because of the Tanya's past drunken incident with Saad( Sonia's groom).
How she manages this whole scenario? Will she ever find a true love? The book with fun twists has answers to these.
Narration and Characterization- Narration is good, with easy yet rich language. The characters are well portrayed. Most of the characters are hilarious and relatable at some point or the other.
You'll travel half of the Pakistan ( or atleast some parts) while reading this book. It has delineated the roads of Pakistan very precisely.
I personally felt that the story was dragged at some points and made it bit tedious for me but overall it is a light breezy read for winter evenings.
April 21, 2019
Typically Tanya was an encapsulation of Karachi - the movement, the media, the places, the faces - everything came together beautifully woven into this narrative. From the characters, whose witty comments and banter took you in, to the backdrop of the reality of Pakistan's situation, to the overall entertainment that exuded from this book, all of it lead to a great read.
October 27, 2018
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending this book my way! It was actually a lovely read and it did refreshed my mind. This book is about a girl Tanya and its based on the ideas of marriage, sex and love. The book was funny at times and had a sarcastic tone to many of the age old ideology people have about the things mentioned above.
The book is entirely based in Pakistani and i really enjoyed that. I was trying to read more diverse books, books taking place in different countries and about diverse culture, and i think this one does a fantastic job at that. It shows a typical Pakistani household and i wasn't much shock to see and notice that it was not much different from a Indian household.
It focuses on the life and the tragically funny event of few Pakistani women the main protagonist being Tanya, who is sort of a journalist and has her shares of problem to deal with! I really liked the writing and laughed at some of hilarious incident which occurred in the book!
If you want to read something light and want to finish in probably one or two sittings then i would recommend this to you!
The book is entirely based in Pakistani and i really enjoyed that. I was trying to read more diverse books, books taking place in different countries and about diverse culture, and i think this one does a fantastic job at that. It shows a typical Pakistani household and i wasn't much shock to see and notice that it was not much different from a Indian household.
It focuses on the life and the tragically funny event of few Pakistani women the main protagonist being Tanya, who is sort of a journalist and has her shares of problem to deal with! I really liked the writing and laughed at some of hilarious incident which occurred in the book!
If you want to read something light and want to finish in probably one or two sittings then i would recommend this to you!
February 23, 2019
Quick, fast-paced and funky - Typically Tanya is a book that cleanses the palette of a reader's mind. Post-modern punk protaganist Tanya takes the reader on a wild ride through adolescence in Karachi.
October 21, 2018
Typically Tanya is really typical . She is a Karachi based journalist who was working with “Daily Image” newspaper. She is witty, funnybone, flamboyant , independent and sassy Sarcastic plus slayer too. You need a big bold heart like her when you have a dramatic mother in your house. But still somewhere around, she is incomplete and facing some ups and downs in her personal life and in professional life too. People are so judgemental with her viewpoints. She had lose her friendship with Sonia because of one grave offence she made, and that is she got intimate with Sonia’s fiancé. Then her abrupt quit from her job. She is in mess. But no mess is big mess when you have friends like Topsy and Hafeez. Will they be able to set things right in Tanya’s life? To know more you have to read this book.
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Review : I just loved the writing style. It has slow pace simultaneously simple language. You are not gonna feel boring at all in any chapter. If you are Indian and never been to Pakistan then trust me this book will create an embryo to know more about our Neighbor country. Fine details of Karachi, like roads, restaurants, food and we shouldn’t forget about “Careem Rides “ and those drivers. Full of fun, light reading and interesting. Thanks a lot @harp for sending me this beautiful advance copy. I would like to rate this book 4 out of 5.
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Review : I just loved the writing style. It has slow pace simultaneously simple language. You are not gonna feel boring at all in any chapter. If you are Indian and never been to Pakistan then trust me this book will create an embryo to know more about our Neighbor country. Fine details of Karachi, like roads, restaurants, food and we shouldn’t forget about “Careem Rides “ and those drivers. Full of fun, light reading and interesting. Thanks a lot @harp for sending me this beautiful advance copy. I would like to rate this book 4 out of 5.
June 2, 2020
This was a very good read - the characters and the storyline is very easy to follow. I haven’t read many chick lits since I was a teen and don’t remember reading or even finding any of this genre when I was growing up in South Asia. Kudos to the writer for attempting and the effortless writing style. I, for one enjoyed Tanya and all of the drama surrounding her life. I am not a big reader and find it hard to keep up with stories that I have to focus on or think too much. Taha’s uses simple vocabulary yet manages to create such an impact with words that I found myself being transported to Karachi and could easily picture what some of the characters like Tanya, Hafeez and Sonia would look like in real life. Not every story needs to have a moral or a lesson and this book will suit those who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
All in all, if you need a light read to cheer you up during these depressing times, do give this a shot.
Also, like others have noted, the cover deserves its own review!
All in all, if you need a light read to cheer you up during these depressing times, do give this a shot.
Also, like others have noted, the cover deserves its own review!
June 17, 2020
Typically Tanya
As lame as it sounds, I do judge a book by its cover. Typically Tanya with its vibrant colors really did catch my eye.
Tanya is your typical Karachiite. She is opinionated, feisty and very real. When I read a story, I like to see all angles the Writer has successfully displayed in a character’s personality and how believable they are. Sometimes it feels like it has to have a particular way a character is ‘supposed’ to act according to readers’ preference, but the writer doesn’t fall prey to it. Taha’s writing style is fluid and relevant. It was a light and quick read for me, one I enjoyed because of its easy going voice and pacy prose.
Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As lame as it sounds, I do judge a book by its cover. Typically Tanya with its vibrant colors really did catch my eye.
Tanya is your typical Karachiite. She is opinionated, feisty and very real. When I read a story, I like to see all angles the Writer has successfully displayed in a character’s personality and how believable they are. Sometimes it feels like it has to have a particular way a character is ‘supposed’ to act according to readers’ preference, but the writer doesn’t fall prey to it. Taha’s writing style is fluid and relevant. It was a light and quick read for me, one I enjoyed because of its easy going voice and pacy prose.
Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 2, 2019
Waste of time!
I think the book was pointless and very much far away from reality. There is no climax to keep you going with the book.
Tanya our so-called main character slept with her friend's fiancé and then the fiancé blame Tanya for this mistake. Tanya's friend also hates Tanya.
Tanya's character was also not respectable, she drinks, smoke and does all the vague things which I think not suits her personality.
Moreover, all the other characters did not have any strong role.
Story with no good lesson and pace.
I think the book was pointless and very much far away from reality. There is no climax to keep you going with the book.
Tanya our so-called main character slept with her friend's fiancé and then the fiancé blame Tanya for this mistake. Tanya's friend also hates Tanya.
Tanya's character was also not respectable, she drinks, smoke and does all the vague things which I think not suits her personality.
Moreover, all the other characters did not have any strong role.
Story with no good lesson and pace.
January 31, 2019
I enjoyed the way this book provides social and political commentary. A slice-of-life comedy, this is the story of Tanya, a journalist in Karachi. She's flawed yet admirable and has some profound observations about politics, people and her city. I think the character development was appropriate and I really liked the way the book ended - i won't spoil it but it isn't stereotypical. I think this book deserves a sequel just to tie together the loose ends.
April 11, 2019
The plot is flimsy. Most of the characters are unlikeable but no one more than the protagonist.
July 14, 2024
I have never wanted to throw any book out of the window as much as this one.
"Typically Tanya" revolves around Tanya, a journalist at Karachi's Daily Image newspaper, whose life is filled with smoking, drinking, and flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. However, the story quickly reveals itself to be a disappointment, leaving much to be desired in terms of plot and character development.
Tanya's life initially seems to have an interesting setup, but her character comes across as boring and annoying. Her carefree attitude lacks depth and makes it difficult to empathize with her. She faces the pressures of traditional marriage expectations from her mother and matchmaking aunties but manages to sidestep the rishtaas. However, her quest for "knee-shaking love" is tedious and repetitive, offering no significant growth or self-realization.
The story takes a supposedly dramatic turn when Tanya's best friend Sonia's wedding is called off after the groom runs away with another woman—the same groom Tanya had an indiscreet past with. This twist, which had the potential to add excitement, ultimately fizzles out without any real impact or resolution.
Character development is severely lacking. Tanya remains static throughout the story, showing no growth or change. Her interactions with potential love interests, friends, and family are shallow and unengaging. There is no compelling love interest, making her romantic pursuits seem pointless and dull.
The side characters are equally bland. Sonia, despite being central to the wedding drama, feels like an afterthought with no real presence or personality. Other supporting characters, including Tanya’s colleagues and family members, add nothing substantial to the narrative, serving merely as props without interesting traits or arcs.
Plot development is another major failing of the book. The narrative meanders aimlessly, with key events happening abruptly and then being glossed over without significant follow-through. The pacing is off, with mundane details dragging on while potentially pivotal moments are skimmed over, making it difficult to stay invested.
In conclusion, this book was a complete letdown. The lack of character development, absence of a compelling love interest, and bland side characters contributed to its shortcomings. The plot felt disjointed and unengaging, making it a frustrating read. It was hardly a two-star read for me and felt like a total waste of time. Not recommended.
"Typically Tanya" revolves around Tanya, a journalist at Karachi's Daily Image newspaper, whose life is filled with smoking, drinking, and flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. However, the story quickly reveals itself to be a disappointment, leaving much to be desired in terms of plot and character development.
Tanya's life initially seems to have an interesting setup, but her character comes across as boring and annoying. Her carefree attitude lacks depth and makes it difficult to empathize with her. She faces the pressures of traditional marriage expectations from her mother and matchmaking aunties but manages to sidestep the rishtaas. However, her quest for "knee-shaking love" is tedious and repetitive, offering no significant growth or self-realization.
The story takes a supposedly dramatic turn when Tanya's best friend Sonia's wedding is called off after the groom runs away with another woman—the same groom Tanya had an indiscreet past with. This twist, which had the potential to add excitement, ultimately fizzles out without any real impact or resolution.
Character development is severely lacking. Tanya remains static throughout the story, showing no growth or change. Her interactions with potential love interests, friends, and family are shallow and unengaging. There is no compelling love interest, making her romantic pursuits seem pointless and dull.
The side characters are equally bland. Sonia, despite being central to the wedding drama, feels like an afterthought with no real presence or personality. Other supporting characters, including Tanya’s colleagues and family members, add nothing substantial to the narrative, serving merely as props without interesting traits or arcs.
Plot development is another major failing of the book. The narrative meanders aimlessly, with key events happening abruptly and then being glossed over without significant follow-through. The pacing is off, with mundane details dragging on while potentially pivotal moments are skimmed over, making it difficult to stay invested.
In conclusion, this book was a complete letdown. The lack of character development, absence of a compelling love interest, and bland side characters contributed to its shortcomings. The plot felt disjointed and unengaging, making it a frustrating read. It was hardly a two-star read for me and felt like a total waste of time. Not recommended.
December 27, 2018
Book Name: Typically Tanya
Author: Taha Kehar
Genre: Fiction, drama
Publisher: Harper Collins .
Plot: Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Sure, there are a few tiny problems. But, so far, she's been handling them well enough - in fact, she's even managed to neatly sidestep the rishtaas her mother's match-making friends keep bringing in. Arranged marriage? No, thank you. She'd like some knee-shaking love instead. But Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right.
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My Opinion: The book talks about the main protagonist Tanya who is just like any modern Indian girl, living a life full of freedom in Karachi! The book takes the reader through her whole journey like heartbreaks, break ups, success party, dating, drinking, smoking, etc stuff. We all learn from our mistakes & we try to improve them & that's what is important- same happens with her. She was shown as an so amazing character with her full on entertaining attitude! All the other characters were in dept & I definitely enjoyed reading it. The author was precise & quite determined about the things he wishes to portray! Other factors like love, friendship & other emotions were very impactful. Taking about the cover it's pretty classy & I highly recommend it.
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Pros: A short, happy-go-lucky read with an amazing moral! It was bit similar to the book Hot Toddy by T.C Collins & for me this was a bit like a Indian version of Hot Toddy well not similar completely! Language was lucid, simple & entertaining.
Cons: Expected a bit more entertainment from it as the author's point of view was clear he could have done that easily!
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Rating: 4🌟
Author: Taha Kehar
Genre: Fiction, drama
Publisher: Harper Collins .
Plot: Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Sure, there are a few tiny problems. But, so far, she's been handling them well enough - in fact, she's even managed to neatly sidestep the rishtaas her mother's match-making friends keep bringing in. Arranged marriage? No, thank you. She'd like some knee-shaking love instead. But Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right.
.
My Opinion: The book talks about the main protagonist Tanya who is just like any modern Indian girl, living a life full of freedom in Karachi! The book takes the reader through her whole journey like heartbreaks, break ups, success party, dating, drinking, smoking, etc stuff. We all learn from our mistakes & we try to improve them & that's what is important- same happens with her. She was shown as an so amazing character with her full on entertaining attitude! All the other characters were in dept & I definitely enjoyed reading it. The author was precise & quite determined about the things he wishes to portray! Other factors like love, friendship & other emotions were very impactful. Taking about the cover it's pretty classy & I highly recommend it.
.
Pros: A short, happy-go-lucky read with an amazing moral! It was bit similar to the book Hot Toddy by T.C Collins & for me this was a bit like a Indian version of Hot Toddy well not similar completely! Language was lucid, simple & entertaining.
Cons: Expected a bit more entertainment from it as the author's point of view was clear he could have done that easily!
.
Rating: 4🌟
June 26, 2020
I started this novel with a perception that it is going to be like Imtiaz’s Karachi You’re killing Me! Though the writing style, form and setting for the novel is same but it’s quite different when it comes to handling the subject matter. Unlike Imtiaz, Kehar’s story is more concerned with the personal life of Tanya; and not with her professional life giving a detailed narrative of a reporter’s life in Karachi. May be it’s because Tanya is not actually a reporter but a sub-editor who spends her time polishing other’s stories. She is witty, strong headed journalist waiting to get a byline for her own story if her “cranky overbearing city editor would let her work on”. She doesn’t allow negativity linger on her thoughts for so long and ward off all the worries with smoking, drinking and flirting.
What I like about Tanya is that she is not again one of those stereotypical heroines who wait for a prince charming to come on his white horse to save her from all the absurdities of life. She is strong independent girl who knows her way out from every situation – from flirty Saad – ex-fiancé of her best friend, leeching Inder, confused Hafeez and self-absorbed womanizer boss Hassan to her cat fights with Sonia. She manages to take the risk of quitting her job, making her way from sub-editor to a freelance columnist at a publication across border.
I was not happy with the language of this novel as it seemed if I were reading a newspaper or column from a new magazine. Most of the words were unfamiliar and I don’t enjoy opening dictionary while reading a novel.
But what made me like this novel was the unexpected turn it took with the story of Tanya and Hafeez. I was expecting the typical ending with Tanya being settling down with Hafeez but I liked how it turned out to be different. Now I guess it’s enough from my side and now is your turn to open up this book and learn some stuff about Karachitees. .
What I like about Tanya is that she is not again one of those stereotypical heroines who wait for a prince charming to come on his white horse to save her from all the absurdities of life. She is strong independent girl who knows her way out from every situation – from flirty Saad – ex-fiancé of her best friend, leeching Inder, confused Hafeez and self-absorbed womanizer boss Hassan to her cat fights with Sonia. She manages to take the risk of quitting her job, making her way from sub-editor to a freelance columnist at a publication across border.
I was not happy with the language of this novel as it seemed if I were reading a newspaper or column from a new magazine. Most of the words were unfamiliar and I don’t enjoy opening dictionary while reading a novel.
But what made me like this novel was the unexpected turn it took with the story of Tanya and Hafeez. I was expecting the typical ending with Tanya being settling down with Hafeez but I liked how it turned out to be different. Now I guess it’s enough from my side and now is your turn to open up this book and learn some stuff about Karachitees. .
August 17, 2024
I think I could best describe the lead character of Tanya Shaukat as an island. Wild, exotic, desirable, and completely mercurial. Granted, her vice-filled exploits will draw scorn, from a Pakistani readership. But personally, I think this is an enjoyable book and Tanya’s character has a lot more depth to it than meets the eye. At a psychological level, she’s a product of her surroundings, career, and upbringing, which make her anything but typical. I’d probably choose adjectives like ‘Cynically, Hysterically, Indignantly, Frivolously, Unapologetically,’ but then the author’d have to change her name.
For a wider reader base, there has to be a willing suspension of disbelief because, while I may not have a lot of insights into the world of journalism (Tanya’s line of work), I do know high society and the things going on in TT aren’t that far off, if a little tame to be honest. Promiscuity and adultery don’t limit themselves to one gender, so her gung-ho attitude toward relationships is a lot more real than many people think, even if it is in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. While those aren’t genres I typically (ha!) read, I found TT to be pretty fun and engaging, if a little over the top at times. Even so, the plot flows rather well and, aside from a few repetitive details, makes for a charming experience.
Perhaps the part that really made it a plus for me was the setting of Karachi, particularly the 2016 time period that many readers in this day and age will instantly relate to. If there was going to be a discussion on the political side of things, perhaps it would have given Tanya’s character more depth if she went more into her political inclinations. Maybe the goal here wasn’t to be too serious.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s not certainly everyone’s cup of tea, but definitely worth a read
For a wider reader base, there has to be a willing suspension of disbelief because, while I may not have a lot of insights into the world of journalism (Tanya’s line of work), I do know high society and the things going on in TT aren’t that far off, if a little tame to be honest. Promiscuity and adultery don’t limit themselves to one gender, so her gung-ho attitude toward relationships is a lot more real than many people think, even if it is in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. While those aren’t genres I typically (ha!) read, I found TT to be pretty fun and engaging, if a little over the top at times. Even so, the plot flows rather well and, aside from a few repetitive details, makes for a charming experience.
Perhaps the part that really made it a plus for me was the setting of Karachi, particularly the 2016 time period that many readers in this day and age will instantly relate to. If there was going to be a discussion on the political side of things, perhaps it would have given Tanya’s character more depth if she went more into her political inclinations. Maybe the goal here wasn’t to be too serious.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s not certainly everyone’s cup of tea, but definitely worth a read
December 2, 2018
Typically Tanya.
Taha Kehar.
HarperCollins India.
2018. Pp - 252.
Meet Tanya Shaukat. Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Sure, there are a few tiny problems. But, so far, she's been handling them well enough - in fact, she's even managed to neatly sidestep the rishtaas her mother's match-making friends keep bringing in. Arranged marriage? No, thank you. She'd like some knee-shaking love instead. But Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right. Will Tanya manage to save Sonia's wedding? And will she finally find true love?
.
.
.
If you like contemporary rom-coms, if you fancy love stories with modern twists, and if you still believe and secretly hope for a sweep-me-off-my-feet love story of your own, this one's THE read for you.
I'm not really into chic fiction, but this one was quite a funny trip.
This one here is simple and easy. A light and enjoyable read, I'd give it a 3 on 5.
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40 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
Taha Kehar.
HarperCollins India.
2018. Pp - 252.
Meet Tanya Shaukat. Tanya's got a pretty good life, working for Karachi's Daily Image newspaper and smoking-drinking-flirting her way through minor romantic escapades. Sure, there are a few tiny problems. But, so far, she's been handling them well enough - in fact, she's even managed to neatly sidestep the rishtaas her mother's match-making friends keep bringing in. Arranged marriage? No, thank you. She'd like some knee-shaking love instead. But Tanya's carefree life quickly gets complicated after her (erstwhile) best friend Sonia's shaadi is called off when the groom runs away with another woman - the same groom Tanya once got intimate with on a drunken night she would rather not remember. Now it's up to Tanya to set things right. Will Tanya manage to save Sonia's wedding? And will she finally find true love?
.
.
.
If you like contemporary rom-coms, if you fancy love stories with modern twists, and if you still believe and secretly hope for a sweep-me-off-my-feet love story of your own, this one's THE read for you.
I'm not really into chic fiction, but this one was quite a funny trip.
This one here is simple and easy. A light and enjoyable read, I'd give it a 3 on 5.
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