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Razia
Farah is a young lawyer living and working in London. She's just ended a long relationship, and her parents are looking for a husband - whether Farah wants one or not. So far, so normal. But at a work dinner, hosted by a dangerously powerful man, she comes across a young woman called Razia, who Farah soon realises is being kept as a domestic slave. We follow Farah's daring investigations from the law courts of London to the brick kilns of Lahore, as she begins to uncover the traps that keep generation after generation enslaved. Everywhere she turns there is deep-rooted oppression and corruption, and when the authorities finally intervene, their actions have dire consequences. Farah teams up with a human rights lawyer, Ali, and the two become close... but can she trust him; can they help Razia and others like her; and will they ever discover the explosive secret behind these tragic events?
- GenresFiction
351 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2019
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Abda Khan
5 books33 followersAbda Khan is a lawyer turned writer. She is the author of the novels ‘Stained’ and ‘Razia’ and her poetry collection ‘Losing Battles Winning Wars’. Her third novel, ‘That Which May Destroy You’, (publication date 8 March 2025), is a gripping courtroom thriller exploring the issue of ‘gaslighting’. She writes commissioned pieces for various publications, organisations and projects. She teaches creative writing, and produces and directs her own creative community projects.. She is a Desi Blitz Arts Ambassador, a Lloyds Bank Women of the Future Ambassador, and she won British Muslim Woman of the Year in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 18, 2019
Farah is an interesting character. There’s a dichotomy in that she’s a successful, independent woman pursuing a career as a lawyer but nevertheless feels the need to consider an arranged marriage in order to meet the expectations of her family and cultural heritage. I have to say that some of Farah’s actions did seem a little naive at times but one couldn’t help admire her determination to help Razia.
When later in the book Farah travels to Pakistan, the author allows the reader to see, through Farah’s eyes, the vast gulf between rich and poor in that country: the rich in their swanky air-conditioned mansions; the poor toiling in the heat making bricks with no way out of poverty and debt and with limited access to education or healthcare. I also liked that the author briefly gives the reader the chance to hear directly from the otherwise ‘voiceless’ Razia even if the events she recounts are intensely troubling.
A tragic development propels Farah into a course of action that exposes her to danger at the hands of those who wield power and influence, and aren’t afraid to use it. Fortunately, Farah has local lawyer, Ali Omar, as her ally, who is more aware than she is of the lengths to which such people will go. The development of their relationship from initial distrust to – well, I’ll leave you to guess/find out – adds another dimension to the book.
I really liked the insight the book provides into Pakistani culture: food, clothing, religious practices and social customs. There are some great descriptions of meals that will probably set your stomach rumbling! I do think a glossary would be helpful for readers unfamiliar with some of the Urdu words used.
Razia is a thought-provoking book that deals with important issues such as corruption, exploitation and inequality but in an accessible way and with the feel of a mystery novel. Its unexpectedly bittersweet and poignant ending shows an author with a deft touch for creating a satisfying reading experience.
When later in the book Farah travels to Pakistan, the author allows the reader to see, through Farah’s eyes, the vast gulf between rich and poor in that country: the rich in their swanky air-conditioned mansions; the poor toiling in the heat making bricks with no way out of poverty and debt and with limited access to education or healthcare. I also liked that the author briefly gives the reader the chance to hear directly from the otherwise ‘voiceless’ Razia even if the events she recounts are intensely troubling.
A tragic development propels Farah into a course of action that exposes her to danger at the hands of those who wield power and influence, and aren’t afraid to use it. Fortunately, Farah has local lawyer, Ali Omar, as her ally, who is more aware than she is of the lengths to which such people will go. The development of their relationship from initial distrust to – well, I’ll leave you to guess/find out – adds another dimension to the book.
I really liked the insight the book provides into Pakistani culture: food, clothing, religious practices and social customs. There are some great descriptions of meals that will probably set your stomach rumbling! I do think a glossary would be helpful for readers unfamiliar with some of the Urdu words used.
Razia is a thought-provoking book that deals with important issues such as corruption, exploitation and inequality but in an accessible way and with the feel of a mystery novel. Its unexpectedly bittersweet and poignant ending shows an author with a deft touch for creating a satisfying reading experience.
June 21, 2019
At times, I wish I could turn off my internal writing editor. While the book was mostly well-written, there were passages filled with things writers are told are cliched no-no’s. Opening with a description of the weather, for example. Backstory dumps given before we care (or even know) the characters. A long, pointless commute when the character reminisces about the past. The overuse of adverbs. Describing–overdescribing–every character’s physical appearance when that person shows up for the first time. The “rules” of writing are flexible, but break cautiously. My opinion, of course.
Here’s the thing: I seriously doubt the average reader cares about these things.
But I care about these types of details because I’m a writer. I see how they weaken the story’s power.
It is a powerful story. Here’s why:
1. Information about trafficking
I requested this book from Netgalley because of my interest and concern about human trafficking. Far too many people are blissfully unaware of what’s happening in plain sight. (People in my area of the Southeast U.S. are shocked to learn that we have a high trafficking rate. Sad.) Khan knows this topic well; she’s a human rights advocate herself.
2. The depiction of the Pakistani culture’s complexities
The second half of the book, when Farah teams up with Ali in Pakistan, are strong. Khan’s descriptions of Pakistani food are mouth-watering. Ali’s lecture/rant/description of the legal system is strong. The wealthy can escape justice; the poor can’t escape injustice. The truth, reality, ethics: this doesn’t matter. Then Ali adds,
Yet there is beauty in this culture, too. After a tragedy, poor villagers welcome Farah and Ali with gracious, sacrificial hospitality. In a truly moving section, Farah attends a village funeral and amid the mourning, she awakens to her cultural roots and embraces them for the first time.
3. Farah and Ali’s relationship
Farah is a bit naive about the realities of the culture and legal system, and Ali has to take swift action to correct many of her impulsive actions. Her perception is skewed; she sees things as a Westerner and acts like one as well. Though well-intended, Farah doesn’t realize that she may make things worse by trying to make things better. She’s unrealistic, though she’d never see herself that way. Ali, on the other hand, understands these realities all too well. It’s great to see them learn to work together.
Overall, this is a good book. Though I think it could be stronger, I recommend it to anyone interested in the issue of human trafficking.
3 and 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4
(Review on blog will go live on July 5, 2019.)
Here’s the thing: I seriously doubt the average reader cares about these things.
But I care about these types of details because I’m a writer. I see how they weaken the story’s power.
It is a powerful story. Here’s why:
1. Information about trafficking
I requested this book from Netgalley because of my interest and concern about human trafficking. Far too many people are blissfully unaware of what’s happening in plain sight. (People in my area of the Southeast U.S. are shocked to learn that we have a high trafficking rate. Sad.) Khan knows this topic well; she’s a human rights advocate herself.
2. The depiction of the Pakistani culture’s complexities
The second half of the book, when Farah teams up with Ali in Pakistan, are strong. Khan’s descriptions of Pakistani food are mouth-watering. Ali’s lecture/rant/description of the legal system is strong. The wealthy can escape justice; the poor can’t escape injustice. The truth, reality, ethics: this doesn’t matter. Then Ali adds,
"If you happen to be female, then your fate will be even worse. Women are, to put it bluntly, often simply left to rot." (chapter 26)
Yet there is beauty in this culture, too. After a tragedy, poor villagers welcome Farah and Ali with gracious, sacrificial hospitality. In a truly moving section, Farah attends a village funeral and amid the mourning, she awakens to her cultural roots and embraces them for the first time.
3. Farah and Ali’s relationship
Farah is a bit naive about the realities of the culture and legal system, and Ali has to take swift action to correct many of her impulsive actions. Her perception is skewed; she sees things as a Westerner and acts like one as well. Though well-intended, Farah doesn’t realize that she may make things worse by trying to make things better. She’s unrealistic, though she’d never see herself that way. Ali, on the other hand, understands these realities all too well. It’s great to see them learn to work together.
Overall, this is a good book. Though I think it could be stronger, I recommend it to anyone interested in the issue of human trafficking.
3 and 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4
(Review on blog will go live on July 5, 2019.)
November 1, 2019
This book tackles modern day slavery in several forms. Starting with the servant taken from feudal bondage in Pakistan to pay off some of her family’s debt to their landlord, this is done by working in the London home of their rich son. Razia is kept as a slave with no wages, with poor living conditions, beaten and locked up. Many issues of corruption are broached in this book which highlights all that is bad about money, power and privilege misused. The young idealistic lawyers portrayed have their work cut out to address the wrongs and bring about justice.
It is a great that the book tackles these issues and brings them to the notice of readers, but it seems overly optimistic in places – however it is a novel – not a non-fiction book. A wonderfully touching book - no spoilers ! - the end took me totally by surprise I must say I had tears in my eyes - so emotional Well done!!! Thank you Abda for the copy sent via Twitter.
It is a great that the book tackles these issues and brings them to the notice of readers, but it seems overly optimistic in places – however it is a novel – not a non-fiction book. A wonderfully touching book - no spoilers ! - the end took me totally by surprise I must say I had tears in my eyes - so emotional Well done!!! Thank you Abda for the copy sent via Twitter.
July 20, 2019
This book tackles some very difficult issues such as modern day slavery, the treatment of women in different cultures and the huge chasm between the rich and poor. This could make the book very hard to read but somehow the author makes this one of the easiest and engaging books that I have read this year. The characters were all very strong, some very likeable and some utterly detestable. The descriptive writing of Pakistan really brought the place to life and the food descriptions.....do not read this book on an empty stomach! I don't want to say too much about the story, you can all read the blurb but all I can say is be prepared for an emotional journey.
I will be recommending this book to friends and family and I will also read this author again.
I want to say a huge thank you to Pigeonhole and the author Abda Khan for allowing me the privilege of reading this book.
I will be recommending this book to friends and family and I will also read this author again.
I want to say a huge thank you to Pigeonhole and the author Abda Khan for allowing me the privilege of reading this book.
July 20, 2019
Farah Jilani is a lawyer living and working in London. She is outspoken and impulsive. I found a disconnect in her character as a modern-day Pakistani woman, who has a relationship with a married man to then ask her parents at age 30 to look for a husband for her.
After attending a work dinner, hosted by a dangerously powerful Pakistani man employed at the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, she accidentally encounters Razia, a Pakistani employed domestic worker who is abused by her employers and for all intents and purposes treated as a slave.
The mission to free Razia with the help of the High Commissioner sets the tone for the story that unravels and includes a trip to Pakistan. The sights and sounds, as well as fare, is described knowledgeably, but the overall impression of Pakistan did not sound inviting at all with corruption rife and safety a major issue, even for tourists.
While the novel addresses a very real social concern, that needs to be spotlighted, the story though an easy read, felt stilted in terms of the writing and the characterization of the three main characters, Farah, Ali, and Razia didn’t sit well with me.
After attending a work dinner, hosted by a dangerously powerful Pakistani man employed at the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, she accidentally encounters Razia, a Pakistani employed domestic worker who is abused by her employers and for all intents and purposes treated as a slave.
The mission to free Razia with the help of the High Commissioner sets the tone for the story that unravels and includes a trip to Pakistan. The sights and sounds, as well as fare, is described knowledgeably, but the overall impression of Pakistan did not sound inviting at all with corruption rife and safety a major issue, even for tourists.
While the novel addresses a very real social concern, that needs to be spotlighted, the story though an easy read, felt stilted in terms of the writing and the characterization of the three main characters, Farah, Ali, and Razia didn’t sit well with me.
July 8, 2019
This is a novel on a mission. The author, Abda Khan, is a lawyer and women’s rights campaigner with an impressive pedigree: winner of the Woman of the Year Award 2019 and highly commended in the 2017 NatWest Asian Women of Achievement Awards. She clearly cares deeply about issues of domestic slavery, indentured labour and the plight of women around the world (issues around which the plot of this novel revolves) and her knowledge and research shines through.
Farah Jilani is a woman of British Pakistani heritage and a solicitor in a flourishing city firm. They do a lot of immigration work and a lot of their clients are referred to them by Zaheer Mansur, a powerful figure in the Pakistani community. Attending a dinner one night at Zaheer’s house in London, Farah stumbles upon Razia, a poor maltreated woman flown in from Pakistan to serve as the Mansur’s enslaved domestic servant. Farah resolves to help free this woman and seeks the help of the Pakistani High Commission. Eventually Farah manages to gain Razia’s freedom and she is flown home to Pakistan. But Zaheer and his family are a vengeful lot and they are not content to allow their humiliation to go unanswered. Their actions force Farah to fly to Pakistan where she discovers the full scale of indentured servitude in the rural villages of Pakistan.
There’s a lot to like about this novel. As mentioned, the author has clearly done her research and it is obviously a subject she feels very strongly about. Just a quick Google search is enough to persuade the reader, if they were unaware of the issues already, that the situation for indentured labour in Pakistan is as bleak as the author describes. So, too, the reality of life as a domestic slave. Not a few novels and films have tackled the issue of sex trafficking (think of the Liam Neeson film Taken, for example) but very few have addressed domestic slavery, perhaps because it is more hidden. Prostitution, while not exactly out in the open per se, is visible on many inner-city streets, while domestic slavery is behind closed doors. Quite a few of those books and films that have looked at sex trafficking have arguably been exploitative (again, Liam Neeson’s Taken can be seen as an example of this, more an excuse to have Neeson beat up clichéd Albanian gangsters than a sober examination of the issues). Razia is not this, by following Farah’s investigation and pursuit of the truth, the novel gives space to really highlight the issues that are central to the plot.
There is nothing wrong with a novel aiming to address and highlight social issues. Some of the great novels have done just that. The trick is to ensure that the campaigning mission doesn’t get in the way of the plot, and/or is not laid on too thick so as to become a manifesto. On the whole the author manages this and Razia is both a polemic and an enjoyable read. That said, there were points in the narrative where dialogue turned into exposition, the characters spelling out why they were doing something or what a situation meant in ways that didn’t sound natural. Equally, there were occasions where the narrative became a little too clunky and plodding, the author a little too keen to get her message across.
That all said, on the whole this novel worked. It both brought a little-known injustice to the readers’ attention, while remaining an enjoyable thriller. I read this novel over three lazy summer afternoons and it kept me turning the page. Thus, this is a novel that deserves a wide readership and I hope it gets it.
Farah Jilani is a woman of British Pakistani heritage and a solicitor in a flourishing city firm. They do a lot of immigration work and a lot of their clients are referred to them by Zaheer Mansur, a powerful figure in the Pakistani community. Attending a dinner one night at Zaheer’s house in London, Farah stumbles upon Razia, a poor maltreated woman flown in from Pakistan to serve as the Mansur’s enslaved domestic servant. Farah resolves to help free this woman and seeks the help of the Pakistani High Commission. Eventually Farah manages to gain Razia’s freedom and she is flown home to Pakistan. But Zaheer and his family are a vengeful lot and they are not content to allow their humiliation to go unanswered. Their actions force Farah to fly to Pakistan where she discovers the full scale of indentured servitude in the rural villages of Pakistan.
There’s a lot to like about this novel. As mentioned, the author has clearly done her research and it is obviously a subject she feels very strongly about. Just a quick Google search is enough to persuade the reader, if they were unaware of the issues already, that the situation for indentured labour in Pakistan is as bleak as the author describes. So, too, the reality of life as a domestic slave. Not a few novels and films have tackled the issue of sex trafficking (think of the Liam Neeson film Taken, for example) but very few have addressed domestic slavery, perhaps because it is more hidden. Prostitution, while not exactly out in the open per se, is visible on many inner-city streets, while domestic slavery is behind closed doors. Quite a few of those books and films that have looked at sex trafficking have arguably been exploitative (again, Liam Neeson’s Taken can be seen as an example of this, more an excuse to have Neeson beat up clichéd Albanian gangsters than a sober examination of the issues). Razia is not this, by following Farah’s investigation and pursuit of the truth, the novel gives space to really highlight the issues that are central to the plot.
There is nothing wrong with a novel aiming to address and highlight social issues. Some of the great novels have done just that. The trick is to ensure that the campaigning mission doesn’t get in the way of the plot, and/or is not laid on too thick so as to become a manifesto. On the whole the author manages this and Razia is both a polemic and an enjoyable read. That said, there were points in the narrative where dialogue turned into exposition, the characters spelling out why they were doing something or what a situation meant in ways that didn’t sound natural. Equally, there were occasions where the narrative became a little too clunky and plodding, the author a little too keen to get her message across.
That all said, on the whole this novel worked. It both brought a little-known injustice to the readers’ attention, while remaining an enjoyable thriller. I read this novel over three lazy summer afternoons and it kept me turning the page. Thus, this is a novel that deserves a wide readership and I hope it gets it.
July 15, 2019
Slavery. It’s easy to assume it’s no longer an issue since it’s been banned in Western countries but the fact is, slavery is an ongoing issue in many parts of the world. And much as we don’t like to think about it, it often rears its head in our own backyards. Razia takes a look at the ‘new’ form of slavery and how it can hide in plain sight.
Fiery, feisty Farah Jilani is an attorney, head of the immigration department at a high powered law firm in London. It’s a position she’s worked hard to obtain and she’s proud of the work she does, tackling important issues for the clients sent to her by The Pakistani High Commission. She’s well aware that work comes her way not because of her Pakistani heritage but almost entirely due to the fact that one of the managing partners at the firm was school chums with Deputy High Commissioner Zaheer Mansur. Which is why she is headed to Zaheer’s posh apartment on a Friday night. Spending the evening schmoozing with her colleagues and their important embassy contacts isn’t her idea of fun – especially since her ex, a junior partner at the firm, is bound to be there – but she gamely shows up, planning to eat and run.
During the meal, Farah decides to use the opportunity created by the dishes being cleared to make a discreet trip to the bathroom. She makes a wrong turn that will change the course of her life. She arrives in the kitchen instead, where she discovers a young woman being berated by Zaheer and his wife. The girl, clearly frightened, is dressed in rags, and sobbing as the lady of the house castigates her. It is when Zaheer lifts his hand to strike her that Farah is really taken aback. Leaving the room before anyone notices her presence, she heads back to the party deeply disturbed. A return the next week under the guise of looking for a lost earring confirms her worst fear: Razia, the young woman in the kitchen, is a domestic slave.
Farah puts her legal skills to work and quickly has Razia released into her custody. Conversations with the Pakistani High Commissioner in London assure that Zaheer loses his position and plans are made to send him home. Farah puts Razia on a flight to Lahore, happy to be able to reunite the girl with her family. But Razia’s taste of freedom looks to be very short lived indeed, for once she arrives back in Pakistan, problems immediately arise. Determined to see this through to the bitter end, Farah heads to Lahore, ready to take on the injustice and exploitation which is keeping young women enslaved.
The author does a fantastic job of creating a tense, taut story that focuses a spotlight on a formidable problem. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Fiery, feisty Farah Jilani is an attorney, head of the immigration department at a high powered law firm in London. It’s a position she’s worked hard to obtain and she’s proud of the work she does, tackling important issues for the clients sent to her by The Pakistani High Commission. She’s well aware that work comes her way not because of her Pakistani heritage but almost entirely due to the fact that one of the managing partners at the firm was school chums with Deputy High Commissioner Zaheer Mansur. Which is why she is headed to Zaheer’s posh apartment on a Friday night. Spending the evening schmoozing with her colleagues and their important embassy contacts isn’t her idea of fun – especially since her ex, a junior partner at the firm, is bound to be there – but she gamely shows up, planning to eat and run.
During the meal, Farah decides to use the opportunity created by the dishes being cleared to make a discreet trip to the bathroom. She makes a wrong turn that will change the course of her life. She arrives in the kitchen instead, where she discovers a young woman being berated by Zaheer and his wife. The girl, clearly frightened, is dressed in rags, and sobbing as the lady of the house castigates her. It is when Zaheer lifts his hand to strike her that Farah is really taken aback. Leaving the room before anyone notices her presence, she heads back to the party deeply disturbed. A return the next week under the guise of looking for a lost earring confirms her worst fear: Razia, the young woman in the kitchen, is a domestic slave.
Farah puts her legal skills to work and quickly has Razia released into her custody. Conversations with the Pakistani High Commissioner in London assure that Zaheer loses his position and plans are made to send him home. Farah puts Razia on a flight to Lahore, happy to be able to reunite the girl with her family. But Razia’s taste of freedom looks to be very short lived indeed, for once she arrives back in Pakistan, problems immediately arise. Determined to see this through to the bitter end, Farah heads to Lahore, ready to take on the injustice and exploitation which is keeping young women enslaved.
The author does a fantastic job of creating a tense, taut story that focuses a spotlight on a formidable problem. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
July 28, 2019
Thank you Unbound and Netgalley for an ARC of his book.
The plot of this book engaged me and successfully entwined contemporary social issues making it a good choice for book groups to discuss,
The plot of this book engaged me and successfully entwined contemporary social issues making it a good choice for book groups to discuss,
June 23, 2024
Should have stuck to one genre.
Beginning was promising. The protagonist works for a law firm and the set up implies a courtroom drama/thriller (as does the front cover, blurb, marketing, etc).
Unfortunately half way through the genre jumps to chick lit. No qualms with chick lit. But Khan's lack of commitment to a single genre means that she basically executes both genres but just poorly. It's also just a recycled chick lit plot and the previous courtroom plot has little bearing on it. Girl returns to the 'motherland' (cringing at the whitewashing but the protagonist legit refers to it as this despite having never been there herself) to meet a guy who's just a little too western to fit in there. Romance ensues.
Beginning was promising. The protagonist works for a law firm and the set up implies a courtroom drama/thriller (as does the front cover, blurb, marketing, etc).
Unfortunately half way through the genre jumps to chick lit. No qualms with chick lit. But Khan's lack of commitment to a single genre means that she basically executes both genres but just poorly. It's also just a recycled chick lit plot and the previous courtroom plot has little bearing on it. Girl returns to the 'motherland' (cringing at the whitewashing but the protagonist legit refers to it as this despite having never been there herself) to meet a guy who's just a little too western to fit in there. Romance ensues.
March 21, 2020
Wasn't looking forwards to this pigeonhole but it was actually very good. The plot was well thought out and I liked the characters. Would have liked a bit more on the people than the evil employer but generally very good.
June 14, 2020
Very good
February 21, 2020
First, let me say this would be a good book club read.
Sadly, it touches on a common subject in certain parts of the world, in this case Pakistan. Women are commonly held as slaves in many countries. This story is about a lawyer trying to help a slave, Razia.
Very insightful and sometimes shocking. Highly recommend.
Sadly, it touches on a common subject in certain parts of the world, in this case Pakistan. Women are commonly held as slaves in many countries. This story is about a lawyer trying to help a slave, Razia.
Very insightful and sometimes shocking. Highly recommend.
July 17, 2019
This is an amazing book, the story is unique and very well thought out, covering a range of emotive topics surrounded slavery and human trafficking. As expected, this results in some quite emotional considerations, but in a way which is eye opening and certainly educational.
I enjoyed the storyline, the use of the two Characters who kind of bounced off each other. (Figuratively... head out of the gutter folks.) The one, Ali who is very knowledgable about the situations and culture they’re delving into, about the various types of people they may encounter and social taboos... and then there is Farah with a much less savvy knowledge, but who wants to help.
Farah wants to get stuck in and start making things better for everybody, but their lack of knowledge only makes things worse. As odd as it may sound, I loved this, I loved how very honest it felt, and how they had to learnt to trust one another and work together to benefit others. It had a very genuine and believable feel to it. I know so many people for whom this would be the reality, and I know of many who have encountered hurdles and obstacles in such areas for this very reason, a lack of knowledge in certain areas.
When I got stuck into the book, I had no idea of the Authors history and links to the subject, I prefer not to know prior to reading a book so that it doesn’t effect how I read the book. Yet I could tell from this book that she clearly had a very keen knowledge for the subjects, and a very clear emotional attachment. It’s an emotive topic, so the second is expected to an extent, but this just feels personal. Having looked into the Author afterwards, I can see why that impression comes through in the book.
The plot itself is very clever, twisting and turning in unexpected ways from start to end, I was never sure what was coming, and each flip to the scene surprised me in new ways. It wasn’t exactly a comfortable read, but thats to be expected from the topics. They’re handled in a way that engages the reader. Grips them tight and leaves you needed to know where this is going.
I did feel that at times the prose was overly descriptive of Characters looks or the weather etc, and some of this could have been removed without detracting from the story, that being said it didn’t prevent me enjoying the book though I did find myself skimming some of it. Perhaps something for future consideration.
Still. This is a VERY powerful book that i whole heartedly recommend that anybody with even an inkling of interest of consideration of the topics read, it really is an eyeopener!
I enjoyed the storyline, the use of the two Characters who kind of bounced off each other. (Figuratively... head out of the gutter folks.) The one, Ali who is very knowledgable about the situations and culture they’re delving into, about the various types of people they may encounter and social taboos... and then there is Farah with a much less savvy knowledge, but who wants to help.
Farah wants to get stuck in and start making things better for everybody, but their lack of knowledge only makes things worse. As odd as it may sound, I loved this, I loved how very honest it felt, and how they had to learnt to trust one another and work together to benefit others. It had a very genuine and believable feel to it. I know so many people for whom this would be the reality, and I know of many who have encountered hurdles and obstacles in such areas for this very reason, a lack of knowledge in certain areas.
When I got stuck into the book, I had no idea of the Authors history and links to the subject, I prefer not to know prior to reading a book so that it doesn’t effect how I read the book. Yet I could tell from this book that she clearly had a very keen knowledge for the subjects, and a very clear emotional attachment. It’s an emotive topic, so the second is expected to an extent, but this just feels personal. Having looked into the Author afterwards, I can see why that impression comes through in the book.
The plot itself is very clever, twisting and turning in unexpected ways from start to end, I was never sure what was coming, and each flip to the scene surprised me in new ways. It wasn’t exactly a comfortable read, but thats to be expected from the topics. They’re handled in a way that engages the reader. Grips them tight and leaves you needed to know where this is going.
I did feel that at times the prose was overly descriptive of Characters looks or the weather etc, and some of this could have been removed without detracting from the story, that being said it didn’t prevent me enjoying the book though I did find myself skimming some of it. Perhaps something for future consideration.
Still. This is a VERY powerful book that i whole heartedly recommend that anybody with even an inkling of interest of consideration of the topics read, it really is an eyeopener!
July 25, 2019
Modern slavery is the focus of this easy to read novel, so firstly must congratulate the author for bringing such a topic to a wider audience. The victim of this ordeal is Razia, a character the reader is introduced to very early on when Farah, an immigration lawyer attends a dinner at a very swanky residence,courtesy of one of her top clients. The storyline quickly unfolds as Farah inadvertently stumbles upon her hosts berating their ‘housekeeper’ for a poorly executed dish, which sets alarm bells ringing as to the the exact nature of Razia’s employment and the conditions in which she lives. Farah is quick to make assumptions and before long is championing Razia’s bid for freedom. Obviously, without divulging the plot line, events do not go quite according to plan and Farah is faced with uncovering horrifying truths about how the wealthy and privileged in society can treat the disadvantaged more or less how they seem fit with little or no consequences. Farah’s fight for justice takes her to Lahore, home for Razia and where she meets fellow lawyer Ali, also willing to make a stand. For me, the best scenes, in terms of writing, are those depicting Razia working back breaking hours in the brick kiln and her place in the family, how subservient she is to her father and brother who wield what little power they have over the females in the family. It’s heartbreaking to read of such a miserable life, devoid of hope, a slave in the brick kiln, and then becoming a slave in western society simply to honour a debt. Razia is cruelly sent to England, her only misdemeanour to have fallen in love without the permission of the family. You can really sense the hopelessness of poor Razia’s life and what happens to her after escaping England is tragic. Whilst the character of Razia is well written, I felt other characters such as Farah and Ali lacked a certain depth. There are amusing interludes in this tale, mainly those relating to Farah’s family trying to marry her off, so it’s not all bleak and the ending is bittersweet, maybe not quite what I’d expected. Overall an interesting read and one that made me appreciate the freedoms I so readily enjoy whilst acknowledging modern slavery does exist and to applaud those individuals and organisations who campaign and fight for justice for these victims. Thanks to the author and pigeonhole for the chance to read this novel.
September 24, 2019
Slave, slave, slave...
I do admire the grit with which this novel shed light on the issue of modern slavery. I just wish it had been more clear on the story it wanted to tell.
My heart went out to Razia and the life she had and was eventually forced to live by a culture that had very little regard for women. I admired Farrah and every effort she took to ensure that young Razia was afforded the right that she deserved as a human being regardless of her heritage and gender.
However, there were moments when I felt like Farrah was acting a bit out of her element. For a 30-year-old lawyer who's supposed to have been practicing her profession for years, and in a digital age at that, you'd think she'd be a little more aware of the cruelties that go on outside of her country, not constantly baffled by them at each turn. She was also frustratingly unable to anticipate the consequences of her actions and decisions.
And this really held me back from fully engaging with the story. I couldn't trust the main character to be efficient - or eventually improve - in what she had set out to do. I also couldn't help feeling like this would've worked better for me had it been a straight up romance novel instead. Because I did like that touch of romantic tension between Farrah and Ali in the latter part of the novel.
In the end, Razia had very good intentions. It did inspire me to pay more attention to the topical issues at its core while also managing to rip a piece of my soul apart with its depictions of the uglier sides of humanity. I also really liked its warm and vivid descriptions of the more positive aspects of the Pakistani culture. I just wish it had held back a little bit on the melodrama and had instead put a bit more effort into building more tension and focus on the more significant messages it hoped to impart.
Thank you, The Pigeonhole and Ms. Abda Khan for such an eye-opening reading experience. :)
July 20, 2019
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I would like to thank The Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read it.
This very emotional, but at the same time strong and beautiful story is about Farah, a lawyer from Pakistan descent, who discovers that Razia is kept as a domestic help (read: slave) by a friend of her boss’. She wants to save this girl and trying to do so, she stumbles on a wide conspiracy. She even travels to her home country Pakistan to help Razia and her family. Ali, a local lawyer who knows very well how the judicial system in Pakistan works, comes to Farah’s aid. And together they try to expose a network of modern-day slavery.
The author must have a great love for Pakistan because the descriptions of how the country looks like, the smells, the food, the people are so beautiful and almost tangible. I just loved these and at times, it made me feel like I really want to visit the country (aside from the beggars and the heat and all other problems the country is still struggling with).
At times there were a lot of Pakistan words, mostly for food or clothing, but most of the time you could understand thanks to the context.
Sometimes the writing felt a tad chaotic, like there was too much to say in too little time but overall a really wonderful and beautiful book, even though the subject is horrible. I know that we live in a world that is more bad that we sometimes think of, but slavery, no, I had no idea it was still so very present. It’s good that she brought it to everyone’s attention and I hope that it brings more awareness about modern-day slavery.
This very emotional, but at the same time strong and beautiful story is about Farah, a lawyer from Pakistan descent, who discovers that Razia is kept as a domestic help (read: slave) by a friend of her boss’. She wants to save this girl and trying to do so, she stumbles on a wide conspiracy. She even travels to her home country Pakistan to help Razia and her family. Ali, a local lawyer who knows very well how the judicial system in Pakistan works, comes to Farah’s aid. And together they try to expose a network of modern-day slavery.
The author must have a great love for Pakistan because the descriptions of how the country looks like, the smells, the food, the people are so beautiful and almost tangible. I just loved these and at times, it made me feel like I really want to visit the country (aside from the beggars and the heat and all other problems the country is still struggling with).
At times there were a lot of Pakistan words, mostly for food or clothing, but most of the time you could understand thanks to the context.
Sometimes the writing felt a tad chaotic, like there was too much to say in too little time but overall a really wonderful and beautiful book, even though the subject is horrible. I know that we live in a world that is more bad that we sometimes think of, but slavery, no, I had no idea it was still so very present. It’s good that she brought it to everyone’s attention and I hope that it brings more awareness about modern-day slavery.
August 4, 2019
Wow, I raced through this in one day. It was an amazing read. I have read 'Stained,' which is also by Khan and I enjoyed it, but this was even better.
It's a book about modern slavery - something that most people (myself included) know very little about. Even though this is obviously a work of fiction, it really pulls at the heartstrings when you wonder how many people in today's world are a victim of this social evil. It's rather chilling, in fact to think that maybe the last time you got your nails done cheaply or drove to a car wash, the person working there, might have been a slave. After reading this novel, I've become interested in the topic and am going to learn more about it. So, well done to Khan for writing something of substance.
In terms of the writing, Khan really has some brilliant descriptions, especially of the food and especially of Pakistan. Two things here: one; don't read this on an empty stomach and two; you will want to visit Islamabad after reading this novel. No doubt a lot of Pakistani (men) will have taken issue with Khan writing about Pakistani culture and revealing some ugly truths, but in this novel, I think Khan shows both the good and the bad. If anything, her writing is more like an advertisement for the place. I wonder how many of her critics have actually read the book?
Final note: The ending will surprise you massively. HUGE plot twist. You MUST read this book!
Final, final note: This book may move you to tears - there is a very emotional funeral scene.
It's a book about modern slavery - something that most people (myself included) know very little about. Even though this is obviously a work of fiction, it really pulls at the heartstrings when you wonder how many people in today's world are a victim of this social evil. It's rather chilling, in fact to think that maybe the last time you got your nails done cheaply or drove to a car wash, the person working there, might have been a slave. After reading this novel, I've become interested in the topic and am going to learn more about it. So, well done to Khan for writing something of substance.
In terms of the writing, Khan really has some brilliant descriptions, especially of the food and especially of Pakistan. Two things here: one; don't read this on an empty stomach and two; you will want to visit Islamabad after reading this novel. No doubt a lot of Pakistani (men) will have taken issue with Khan writing about Pakistani culture and revealing some ugly truths, but in this novel, I think Khan shows both the good and the bad. If anything, her writing is more like an advertisement for the place. I wonder how many of her critics have actually read the book?
Final note: The ending will surprise you massively. HUGE plot twist. You MUST read this book!
Final, final note: This book may move you to tears - there is a very emotional funeral scene.
July 8, 2019
I'm Still Unsettled About This Book. As I write this review, I finished reading this book just a few minutes ago before eating supper with my wife while watching How I Met Your Mother, as is our norm. And while the book is definetly worthy of the 5 stars I decided to give it, my mind hasn't really set on a way to review it, hence this more stream-of-consciousness review. On the one hand, the ending was at least somewhat predictable in type if not in particulars, particularly after an event about 2/3 into the book, and the time jumps without any level of overt date reference were a bit jarring, but detectable within the context of the events described. But at the end of the day, this was a very detailed look at modern Pakistani life in particular, which is something I had never seen before - and that alone to me warranted the 5 stars, for the education it gave me while telling a solid story. I guess I'm torn more because of how the overall tale turned out, which I really can't get into too much without going into spoiler territory. For so long the book was going in one direction and was a solid effort in that direction, and then the book abruptly shifts into a completely different direction and yet there too is reasonably solid, and the two different direction do indeed come together in the end. But read the book for yourself and decide for yourself. It is a truly worthy read.
July 16, 2019
Abda Khan is on a mission with Razia. Modern slavery isn’t something that I think about often, because I think we’ve tricked ourselves into thinking that isn’t something that happens anymore. Abda Khan brings to light these hidden atrocities.
I read this novel very quickly. It is gripping, emotional, and touches on a very difficult topic to read about. It was a real eye opener for me, because like I said, though I know slavery is still an issue, I don’t often let myself think about it. It’s written very well, with a pace that keeps you hooked into the story.
I think Abda Khan’s background helps her bring a realistic sense to Farah, the main character in this story. Farah is a lawyer who stumbles across a case of modern slavery and attempts to help the victim, Razia. The characters are very well-rounded and real feeling. This is a great, character driven novel and those are my favorites.
While this is not a light read, this is an incredibly captivating story about a subject matter I think needs more light shed on it. I highly recommend checking this one out. Fantastically written, great characters and an intriguing story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
I read this novel very quickly. It is gripping, emotional, and touches on a very difficult topic to read about. It was a real eye opener for me, because like I said, though I know slavery is still an issue, I don’t often let myself think about it. It’s written very well, with a pace that keeps you hooked into the story.
I think Abda Khan’s background helps her bring a realistic sense to Farah, the main character in this story. Farah is a lawyer who stumbles across a case of modern slavery and attempts to help the victim, Razia. The characters are very well-rounded and real feeling. This is a great, character driven novel and those are my favorites.
While this is not a light read, this is an incredibly captivating story about a subject matter I think needs more light shed on it. I highly recommend checking this one out. Fantastically written, great characters and an intriguing story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Random Things Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
July 13, 2019
Modern slavery is one of those topics that pops up on the news from time to time, but is primarily a hidden abuse that lurks in the shadows. It’s one of things that we think perhaps rarely exists in modern Britain, and yet the Home Office conservatively estimates there are 13,000 slaves in the UK today (see here for a recent example involving 400 victims alone). Abda Khan brings this subject out into the light in her new novel, Razia. Khan’s background as a lawyer and campaigner brings a realism to the story of Farah, a young lawyer who stumbles across a case of modern slavery amongst the highest echelons of society. The story moves from London to Lahore as she tries to help the victim and is an unflinching read – there are some lovely and touching moments, but with this subject matter it was never going to be hugely cheery. This book moved me and opened my eyes to something that I know must be going on somewhere near me. For an exploration of a difficult topic in an accessible way, I would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 15, 2019
In Razia, Abda Khan brings us a fast-paced and multi-layered thriller, which exposes the truths behind some very, very dark secrets.
The author is a lawyer and campaigner who works with victims of domestic violence and she has written Razia with a voice of knowledge, which added to the reading experience for me.
There are themes of pain, romance, fear, humiliation and vengeance running through the entire book. It is non-stop and I really didn’t want to put it down.
The story seems well-researched and it is very believable and real. It combines years of research with the pace and intrigue of a character-driven thriller. It really wrenches on the heart and highlights the issues and intricacies of domestic slavery. The Home Office estimates that there are currently around 13,000 slaves in the UK, though other sources suggest this is a gross underestimate and, after reading Razia, I’d feel that those other sources are probably correct in their thinking, which is devastating.
This novel is published to coincide with World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July and I really, really hope it is read far and wide and receives the attention it deserves.
The author is a lawyer and campaigner who works with victims of domestic violence and she has written Razia with a voice of knowledge, which added to the reading experience for me.
There are themes of pain, romance, fear, humiliation and vengeance running through the entire book. It is non-stop and I really didn’t want to put it down.
The story seems well-researched and it is very believable and real. It combines years of research with the pace and intrigue of a character-driven thriller. It really wrenches on the heart and highlights the issues and intricacies of domestic slavery. The Home Office estimates that there are currently around 13,000 slaves in the UK, though other sources suggest this is a gross underestimate and, after reading Razia, I’d feel that those other sources are probably correct in their thinking, which is devastating.
This novel is published to coincide with World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July and I really, really hope it is read far and wide and receives the attention it deserves.
July 20, 2019
On one level, this is an international love story of two people with family ties to Pakistan, and results in the resolution of an international conspiracy. It is, however, about so much more - it deals with the very topical subject of modern-day slavery, a comparison of freedom experienced by women in different cultures, and the invisible threads that bind us to the cultures of our forefathers. The author deals with modern issues, placing them within the broader context of the global community.
She has created likable characters that are easy to identify with, and provides colour through the cultural references. Including translations of some of the Urdu terms used would have been useful, as they contribute to the colour of the writing.
Great read - but you may not want to put it down!
She has created likable characters that are easy to identify with, and provides colour through the cultural references. Including translations of some of the Urdu terms used would have been useful, as they contribute to the colour of the writing.
Great read - but you may not want to put it down!
August 28, 2019
Razia touches on modern day slavery in the UK when Farah discovers Razia who is kept as a domestic slave. Travelling from the courts of law in London to the brick kilns of Lahore, Farah uncovers traps keeping generations of people enslaved. Surrounded by deep-rooted oppression and corruption Farah teams up with human rights lawyer Ali to seek justice for Razia, but they cannot prevent the disaster that unfolds. I read Razia in one day as I simply couldn't put it down. Abda Khan is an amazing writer bringing awareness on modern day slavery and human trafficking.
August 31, 2019
This was such an enlightening book. Unfortunately it’s not just fiction though. Such cases are common place globally. Farah is a young, enthusiastic, driven lawyer who meets a young woman called Razia from Pakistan one night at a dinner and realised that she is being kept as a domestic slave. This story follows Farah as she endeavours to free Farah. It takes us to Pakistan, it explores the Pakistani culture, customs and people and it paints Pakistan in s very poor light. This was a very insightful read and kept me hooked throughout.
July 10, 2019
Slavery is a topic I have regularly read accounts of. This story is a reminder both of the issue of slavery in Britain but also of the many forms slavery takes. Its a page turner - I won't do plot spoilers but some writing conventions are broken. The author is a lawyer so I presume brings her extensive experience representing women who have been trafficked so there is an authenticity about it. So a rattling good read - thought provoking -recommended.
August 20, 2019
I was very disappointed by this book. Crime/thriller as a genre has great potential to shine a light on social ills, and the subject here is both topical and important. But I found it very one-dimensional; the writing was wooden and characterisation absent. I think it suffered from too much 'tell' and not enough 'show', and couldn't quite make up its mind whether it wanted to be a work of fiction or not.
July 12, 2019
I loved this book: the voice, the Western & Asian cultural elements (pros & cons), the descriptions of the food/settings/characters, the way the sensitive subject matter was dealt with...and the end left a lump in my throat.
It was also great to have a modern Western Asian woman (like myself) as the main protagonist - such a refeshing change.
Can we have this as a TV drama next?
It was also great to have a modern Western Asian woman (like myself) as the main protagonist - such a refeshing change.
Can we have this as a TV drama next?
July 20, 2019
Well written book that cleverly disguised a very confronting, thought-provoking world of modern day slavery, corruption and the chasm between the haves and have-nots in a easy reading romance novel. I enjoyed the story and appreciated the opportunity to see Pakistan through the eyes of the author who is clearly an advocate for women's right.
March 30, 2020
A beautiful well written book, gripping your attention from beginning to end. It mirrored a picture of certain countries, which even today, continue to treat women as inferior, as chattels, as slaves. This us the second bookafter Sehmat, written by an Indian author which has left a deep impact on, me. Thank you, Goodreads, and please serialize some more books like Razia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
https://thepigeonhole.com/books/razia... #Razia the issue is very serious with grim consequences. Author did start off well but was overriden by the need to commercialize the piece. Rich mansion guy saving a damsel in distress (Farah), simple arrest of mansur to satisfy readers greed fr justice. A purely mismanaged plot.
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