Eye on the Prize

by Safinah Danish Elahi

As the countdown begins to the sports extravaganza that will change their children’s lives, Shezray, Minahil and Hina have their own ways of coping with the pressure.
In a world where you can’t have it all, these women are prepared to do anything to ensure that they can. But behind closed doors, there’s more to them than what meets the eye. Secrets, insecurities and betrayal threaten to wreak havoc on their lives. Faced with these challenges, Shezray, Minahil and Hina must maintain a calm exterior and keep their Eye on the Prize.

Genres: Pakistan

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2020

Reviews

[Nashwa S · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know, this year, I was on a mission to read Pakistani books to improve my relationship with them, and I've picked up some really good ones over the last month but this book has defeated me. I don't want to read such stories in 2020 and I don't want to pick another Pakistani book again. But before you react, let me be clear - as a Pakistani reader, I hold Pakistani writers to a higher standard because I know they have potential and they can tell really good stories. Unfortunately, this is not what I expect from a new generation of writers, I expect crisp story-telling, characters that resemble real life humans and set in a Pakistan which realistically looks like the country we live in today. Is that too much to ask for?

I was drawn to this book because I thought it would talk about modern parenthood, and raising kids in this day and age. A story revolving around that would have been just fine with me. So that right there is wasted potential. Another arc that the author briefly brushed upon is that of mental illness and I would have loved for her to do a deep dive on anxiety. Sometimes human beings have anxiety because they get bogged down by real life situations - work, family, trying to be a good person, constantly watching the news etc. Anxiety can exist without major trauma but a character in this book had anxiety because 11 years ago, she had a drunken one night stand, got pregnant as a 17 year old year, gave birth and then promptly gave the child up for adoption. All mentioned in the span of half a page.
WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK.

Also, where in Pakistan does a single, unwed mother give birth in secrecy and the society doesn’t rip her to shreds?! Here you gain half a kilo and aunties don’t leave you alone and this teen gave birth to a whole child?!

Apart from that, this book is messy. We follow three couples and five children - and all of them are cardboard cutouts, cliches, stereotypes and just uninteresting people. We have the ambitious lady who has no time for family so her husband ends up having an affair, then we have the guilt and anxiety ridden woman with a secret child whose husband's family doesn't allow her to work and then we have a conniving, money hungry salon owner who hates the rich ladies. See what I mean?

If you followed all of that, congratulations but in all honesty - this book reads like a Star Plus Drama from the early 2000s - "Kahani Ghar Ghar ki" come alive on the page. It's literally really cheesy dialogue, random people having affairs, illegitimate children, women hating on each other and men talking like desi dude-bros. “I was just opening Chardonnay from my dad’s private collection” - because that’s how dads in their mid-30s talk.

The thing is that I don't mind explicit, raunchy content but if you're going to write a book about the lifestyle, then commit to it. I mean, sex and affairs are already implied off the page in a tame way but if that's what the book is about - then explore, make it that daring? Show the reader the grit of sex, drugs, and rock n roll? The idea behind this book is essentially this - a bunch of good looking people who all have tragic back stories and have been with each other, at some point.

Another thing that explores is alcohol - no, no, not what excessive consumption does to your body, or how it could have an effect on your life, work and relationships but a laundry list of liquors that you can buy - a list of names thrown in between random sentences - bacardi, chardonnay, white wine, vodka, whisky, gin and tonic - I mean, in all likelihood in the editing process - the author probably said "Siri, give me names of alcohol" and then promptly sprinkled them into her draft.

Shall we also get to the technical mistakes? Of course, we shall - that's why we're here. There's a random scene in this book which I think either the publishers forgot to take out or edit. The timeline makes no sense because Nanny Martha who was fired and deported is back in that scene. Then there's another scene which starts with Minahil driving the car during which she has an argument with Bilal and then somehow, Bilal is behind the wheel and parking..what? (pg 105-108)
Also, the typos- on page 138 - it says - "she though" instead of "she thought."

I think I'll stop now, I've spent way too much time on this review. My ONLY saving grace is that I borrowed this book from the library, it's going back and I don't have to be burdened with its existence. But I spent time on it and that's sad enough as it is.

[Zarmina Salman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye on the prize, which is Safinah’s debut novel, is a hilarious take on modern motherhood and some of its challenges. Set against the backdrop of a school event, she has accurately portrayed the ultra competitiveness, as well as the pressure parents put on their children to ‘succeed’, almost as if it’s a reflection of their own successes. Add to that, an exploration of relationships and the added layers of human complexity, it’s a page turner!

[_thatgirlwiththebook_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very intelligent debut novel with a gracefully penned down contemplative plot. I loved Safinah’s poetry in ‘The Unbridled romance of love and pain’ and was anticipating reading her novel ever since it came out.

Taking about the writing, it was an easy read and didn’t require much time (hence, I finished it in one day). The plot was good – not extra ordinary good but nonetheless. I really appreciate Safinah’s approach of describing her characters and their feelings were communicated subtly. I feel like the starting chapters were thought, planned and executed very well. It was the ending that didn’t live up to all the ‘Big deal’ we have been dealing with throughout the book. it was kind of abrupt. I wish all the time that was put into adding unnecessary descriptions in the starting chapters was utilized in giving a concrete ending.

Synopsis: Eye on the prize entails the story of 3 modern-day mothers living in the cosmopolitan city, Karachi, belonging to different stages of the same social elites. We meet Shezrey, Minahil and Hina. Their everyday lives are all about Louis Vuitton handbags, BMWs, posh bungalows and what not. But when it comes to their children, these ladies are ready to go to any lengths. Their current center of attraction is this upcoming Race that their children are participating in, winning which will open the door to international games for their children.

But the story is not as simple as it seems and we realize all that glitter is not gold. With every page, we get more involved deeply into Shezrey, Minahil and Hina’s entangled lives. There are ugly truths like past affairs, betrayals, false ambitions threatening to create chaos on their seemingly perfect lives.

So the main question, do I recommend this book?

Yes, I do. It’s easy and fun to read on the days when you’re not up for a roller-coaster ride. You guys can your copy from the publisher and seller @libertybooks ‘s official website.

[Sameer Khan Brohi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novel. The artful book cover really intrigued me to pick up this book based in contemporary Karachi. Man, I loved the the twists and turns that this story embedded. Those boujie ladies won my heart plus i was biting my nails in anticipation when the Track-Day arrived, hoping that everything would flip to the angle of happiness.

[Wajiha (Jiya) ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been trying to read more Pakistani authors lately because I genuinely want to support our own literature and find stories that feel close to home. Safinah Danish Elahi is a famous name, so naturally I picked up Eye on the Prize with high expectations. I thought I would at least get something thoughtful, layered, or emotionally engaging. Instead, the only thing I gained was the painful realization that I had wasted my time.

This book is short, and that ended up being the most “positive” thing about it (bcuz I could finish it in a day lol). The writing is unbelievably rushed, though. There is no atmosphere, no world-building, no descriptive richness. Important themes are mentioned but never explored, which was honestly frustrating.

The main characters , Shezray, Minahil, and Hina, are, frankly, insufferable. Not because they are flawed women (flawed characters can be the best), but because they are written with such a shallow understanding of human emotion. They feel like cardboard cut-outs of elite Pakistani women, reduced to stereotypes we’ve seen a thousand times in Pakistani dramas. There is no nuance, no depth, no emotional journey. Just predictable beats and overused tropes.

And the POV switching was so abrupt and confusing at times???? Instead of feeling like a proper novel, it read like a draft for a Pakistani drama script tbh.

Also, this book tried to examine the pressures of elite society, motherhood, ambition, and the cost of keeping up appearance, but it literally gives absolutely nothing meaningful to the reader. The themes are touched so lightly they may as well not exist. There is no emotional weight to any revelation, no internal conflict that feels earned, and no interaction that feels authentic. It’s all gloss, no substance.

By the time I finished it, I was literally asking myself: What was the point of this story? Why was it even written? And that is the worst question a reader can be left with.

[novelsnerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engrossing story with an insight into the Elite Society of Pakistan. The story revolves around 3 women who seem to have it all from any outsider's perspective but they all have their own struggles and obstacles to overcome.

Based on the theme 'All that glitters is not gold', the author divulged into three elite family's lives and their struggles. I think Safinah Elahi did a marvelous job at making these characters seem realistically human. All the characters had their own flaws and shortcomings yet at the same time they had their own agonizing thoughts and hurdles as well strengths and good qualities.

Things I did not like/ felt confused about:



Shezray's exasperating behaviour and degrading treatment of others was something that was left unresolved. Her marriage, and her children suffered because of it but her attitude remained the same.

Hina's character, on the other hand, did develop a little. Her overbearing relationship with her daughter seemed to have changed by the end.

Minahil is diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. That is a real deal! It means she can not function properly because of her mental illnesses yet these topics were merely mentioned and left...you guess it: unresolved.



The build-up to the plot was took a lot of page time and I felt the story was wrapped up too quickly after the big reveal.

And now about the big reveal! Everyone took it so readily. That was the only unrealistic part of the story which again can also be a factor of the ending being rushed. But I find it hard to believe that when there are over 2 people involved in such a huge matter, not one of them finds it weird or protests? (I can not say much or I'll spoil it)

All these characters did questionable things, which can be factored into mistakes that all humans make, but not being answerable for their choices and actions was unsettling for me. Which is also why the ending seemed incomplete to me.

I feel the author took up too many themes and topics to talk about and tried to convey them through too many characters which made this whole book feel incomplete to me.

[Unzila Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that you have enjoyed a book when you feel utter emptiness after finishing it, that’s how I’m currently feeling. It always a pleasure to get a chance to read such a brilliant piece of writing from a Pakistani writer, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! All the characters comes from the different class and lifestyles but still somehow are connected with each other, the complexity and insecurities of all the characters really do justice with today’s life.
Writing style was simple yet gripping! I really liked how the author has elegantly described the lives of each and every character, it was witty, funny and even scandalous! I love me some contemporary reads from time to time and this book has definitely achieved in terms of being perfect mixture of romance, betrayal and whatsoever.
Actually, this books talks about how parents expect too much from their children and don’t even bother giving them a choice to pursue their own dreams. In my opinion, this book has really accomplished in talking about those stuff which are mostly neglected in our today’s society like for instance take mental health as an example, in our society we don’t really gives any importance to the problems like mental health and anxiety, most of the time we prefer to laugh it off.
Also this book was very much giving me Big Little Lies vibes which is a HBO TV series because it also talks about parenthood and how everything isn’t always like it seems from the distance. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

[warisha ‧₊˚]

THIS HAS A PAKISTANI DRAMA ADAPTION???? And no one told me.

The drama sucks so I’ll read this instead <3

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this book as my new 52 week book challenge for the year 2022. Read this over the weekend as I had some time and found it to be an absolute treat. I found it to be an accurate depiction of our society's elite and the kind of stress children face from parents who are more concenred about what society thinks. It is a relevant and engaging book by a Pakistani author that explores the perils of parenting in today's world. Highly recommended.

[Saulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous yet poignant, eye on the prize is an accurate take on parenting and relationships. the characters are all unique and you are invested in them from the beginning. Although it's a light read, the storylines and characters stayed me for a long time after. Absolutely loved it !

[Awais Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh new voice from Pakistan! I really enjoyed this book. Elahi writes with flair and passion, the result being that the book is a compulsive read. Bravo!

[Supriya Bansal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is set in the elite circles of Karachi, with the story unfolding amid manicured homes and top-tier private schools.

Most of the action revolves around Karachi International School—a battleground for the city’s upper-crust kids. Their world orbits around Track Day, a prestigious sports event that could launch them into national fame.

The countdown to the sports day soon turns into a high-stakes drama. Parents, especially three mothers—Shezray, Minahil, and Hina— are pushed into the spotlight as their children compete for to places.

It’s less about children’s growth and more about the mothers’ battles for status. As the big day nears, cracks appear in the family: hidden marriages, leaked secrets, and emotional fallout. The story peels back the glitz to reveal how ambition and pride yoke people.

Shezray, an influential businesswoman, runs a textile empire and a strict household. On the surface, she’s in control—inside, she’s unravelling. And that becomes even more apparent as her marriage crumbles. Minahil is pretty, clever, and well-settled. However, a secret from the past threatens to dismantle everything she cherishes. Hina is first projected as a social climber. However, other aspects of her personality are revealed as the plot unfolds.

Their kids—Natalia-Sophia, Amaan, and Zara—are portrayed as living life under constant scrutiny yet emotional starvation. Their pressure-cooked lives expose the emotional toll beneath. Elahi captures the moments when kids just want to breathe, versus perform.

Elahi takes heavy themes like toxic parenting, social class, and identity, but delivers them through tight scenes, realistic dialogue, and emotional insight.

But the book is not without its flaws.

The ending is rushed, and most of the characters don’t receive closure. Many loose threads are left hanging, which fail to bring satisfaction as you turn the final page. At times, the social commentary overshadows the narrative momentum, as too many themes compete for attention.

Eyes on the Prize is an insightful exploration of high-pressure parenting, elite ambitions, and the emotional costs borne by both children and their parents. It’s a vibrant snapshot of Karachi’s upper-tier culture—observed with clarity and critical empathy. While it stumbles in pacing and depth of resolution, it’s a strong debut.

Recommended for readers who like character-driven social dramas. Or if you want to steal a peek into real-life elite circles.

[Enjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so not what I expected in the best way possible. Right from the first chapter I found the fluidity I almost never find with authors who don’t speak English as their first language. Authors from South Asia particularly irk me when their writing is either so dense that it’s like they are trying too hard or so simple that it is grammatically correct but lacks expression.
Elahi’s writing is refreshingly mature. The dialogue didn’t feel like it was translated from Urdu, the characters didn’t feel alien and the pace of the story was perfectly set.

Now, this is an honest review so I have to talk about flaws because nothing is flawless. The biggest flaw of this book is the blurb and the cover. They just do not do the book justice. I honestly believed the entire book was about kids and competitive parents. Yes, that is part of the story but not the whole story itself. There is soooo much more in the story! There are twists and turns and moments that make you gasp! The story is wayyy better than any sports story I expected it to be.

Another thing I must praise is the character development. Just impeccable! I do wish the POV didn’t shift so many times in a single chapter though. I would have loved this book more if each chapter was from the POV of one of the 4 main women and no one else.

If you are in the mood for a easy read about the domestic lives of Karachi’s elite with some interesting twists that are guaranteed to surprise you, you need to pick this one.

[Piya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this novel because it’s published in Pakistan and I somehow like to see what’s coming out of our country. Set in Karachi, the book approaches a subject that hasn’t been spoken about before. Pakistani authors have recently focused on subjects of terrorism, feudalism, religious extremism etc but never something that paints the society in a lighter manner at the same time discussing issues that are important in our society. My favorite character was Hina, who I felt was so real with her need to be socially accepted and her urge to get everything right in her life.

[Hadiesa✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, the story starts off slowly, but as you delve deeper into the lives of these four women, it becomes utterly captivating. The connections between the characters are expertly woven, and the shocking reveal at the end left me stunned. Safinah's debut novel is a masterclass in storytelling, with each woman's struggle to navigate their emotions and life's challenges expertly portrayed. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, and my excitement grew with each turn of the page. A gripping and well-written novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Mehak Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure reading Elahi’s work. The novel, not surprisingly deals with a wide range of subjects. While the genre being contemporary fiction, it manages to coincide drama with larger issues plaguing our society today. I could relate with the characters and I could feel how real they were. It deals with familial relationships as well competition between children and their parents and how different it is between the two sets. A quick and great read for me.

[Nadya A.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively, relevant and engaging first book, Eye on the Prize explores the pressures and perils of modern-day parenting in a lighter vein. Fast paced and shedding much light on the changing psyche and values of our present society, and the family as its nucleus, it is highly relatable with its well-fleshed out and real characters. I really enjoyed its drama and suspense that unravels through the unpredictable twists and turns in the story.
‘Eye on the prize’ is definitely a must-read!!!

[Tuba Khalid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more out of it thinking that this story would revolve around parenting in this day and age. It was too cliche of a story with a feel that maybe this would be aired next on TV as it was pretty much like a soap opera. Despite being a parent I couldn’t relate to any bit of it. However, I definitely want to support Pakistani authors and would like to keep on reading them in future as well. I do want them to come out of the typical stories and present us with something more concrete.

[Faisal Majeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was released in 2020 and somehow didn’t buy it till few days ago, don’t know why I took so much time to buy it.

Anyways, this book took me by surprise. I finished it in 2 days. It was a great read, didn’t drag at all and a very well written book. The best thing about it that it was written in simple English and the story was engaging. Well done Safinah D. Elahi and am anxiously waiting to read ur next book.

Guys, please give this a try…. you won’t be disappointed.

[Rauf Arouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to read a book by a female Pakistani writer. One more feather in her cap after a lovely poem book Unbridled Romance of Love and Pain.
Eyes on the Prize is a book worth reading. It is enjoyable, absorbing, interesting, exciting and brilliant.

[Maral · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.whatever man.this was so rushed yet so dragged out.there were too many stereotypes to make this story even remotely believable.The ending was just straight up weird.glad I read it.it was the first Pakistani English book I ever read so there you go.

[Anam Azam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finished reading it in single sitting. Ends up hating it. That’s all.

[Ambreen Misbah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page turner I finished in a single day.

[Sofia Khokhar · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Pretty unrealistic, gave me nothing. But did help me cope with chicken pox

[Ambreen Haider]

A 3 hour read

The book will not make its reader feel immersed, the characters do not have dimensions, only social anxieties about belonging, but has a very nicely designed cover.

[Aamna Hashmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An actual deception of Pakistani society elite and the pressure children phase from there parents which isn’t peer pressure rather then societal pressure the parents indulge in .