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Damaged
‘Damaged’ is a collection of conversations between pairs of random people in random places faced with random situations that are otherwise uncomfortable and unsettling. Featuring several diverse characters from all walks of life who have seen, witnessed and endured firsthand the cruelties life and humanity can throw at them, these conversations lead to a certain kind of catharsis that may only be understood and accepted by the people involved.
202 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Muhammad Ali Samejo
5 books33 followersMuhammad Ali Samejo is a seasoned corporate professional, published novelist, and training and development facilitator specializing in corporate skills training, English as a second language, and communication skills. He’s the author of two works of fiction titled “Legends Of Karachi” and “Damaged”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2021
SPOILER ALERT: I’m going to keep this review as spoiler-free as I can but if you’d rather start with a blank slate, please avoid this review.
With a certain excitement and curiosity, I ripped the packaging off my copy of ‘Damaged’ in the mail. The print quality by Auraq (publisher) is excellent. The paper is silk smooth. I found the text of the kindle version quite muted for my reading preference but in print, it translates quite well.
Damaged is a collection of short stories or rather conversations between two damaged souls. There is the subtle dance of being caught unawares, the mystery of the untold and suspicion of covert intentions. Each tale has been weaved with the craft of a suspense thriller so you’re hooked till the end with nail-biting curiosity. Since the focus is on conversations, the tone is deliberately present tense, as if you’re a fly on the wall watching the discussions unfold to their climax. The style is avant-garde; these are uncomfortable conversations we wish we had in reality but never get a chance at them. The narration is apt. The build-up, tension and climax are all well-done. In the span of a conversation, Samejo sketches rich, complex characters and we get a clear glimpse into their convoluted minds.
The only criticism I can summon up is that well into a few stories you know the drill, you know the format, and it doesn’t break away from that except for a few stories. I was yearning for that surprise element again, so a pleasant break in the routine is ‘Kindness’, ‘Desolation’ or ‘Legacy’ for example and their unpredictability is welcome.
As a reader, my personal favourite is Kindness as it sparks an uneasy question on morality, how it translates differently in moments of crisis and how humanity is sometimes overlooking the obvious. For the same reason, Balance is a close second and left me leaning in to find out more as the curtain closes. I enjoyed Rapture and Power for their raw honesty and tackling uncomfortable topics with ease. Beacon has a great message of personal sacrifice for the greater good. My least favourite out of the series has to be Afterthought as it left a bitter taste in my mouth (as was probably the writer’s intention) and Defiance. Defiance tackles a popular trend in an offbeat manner, but in a society where the opposite is the norm, I wanted it spun the other way for greater relatability (trying to keep it spoiler-free or would have delved more into it).
Damaged is a great read with punchy dialogues and unforgettable characters. I finished the stories too quickly and now I want Samejo to write something else and fast.
Please follow:
https://www.instagram.com/salmah_arj/...
wordpress.com/posts/salmahahmed.blog (less)
With a certain excitement and curiosity, I ripped the packaging off my copy of ‘Damaged’ in the mail. The print quality by Auraq (publisher) is excellent. The paper is silk smooth. I found the text of the kindle version quite muted for my reading preference but in print, it translates quite well.
Damaged is a collection of short stories or rather conversations between two damaged souls. There is the subtle dance of being caught unawares, the mystery of the untold and suspicion of covert intentions. Each tale has been weaved with the craft of a suspense thriller so you’re hooked till the end with nail-biting curiosity. Since the focus is on conversations, the tone is deliberately present tense, as if you’re a fly on the wall watching the discussions unfold to their climax. The style is avant-garde; these are uncomfortable conversations we wish we had in reality but never get a chance at them. The narration is apt. The build-up, tension and climax are all well-done. In the span of a conversation, Samejo sketches rich, complex characters and we get a clear glimpse into their convoluted minds.
The only criticism I can summon up is that well into a few stories you know the drill, you know the format, and it doesn’t break away from that except for a few stories. I was yearning for that surprise element again, so a pleasant break in the routine is ‘Kindness’, ‘Desolation’ or ‘Legacy’ for example and their unpredictability is welcome.
As a reader, my personal favourite is Kindness as it sparks an uneasy question on morality, how it translates differently in moments of crisis and how humanity is sometimes overlooking the obvious. For the same reason, Balance is a close second and left me leaning in to find out more as the curtain closes. I enjoyed Rapture and Power for their raw honesty and tackling uncomfortable topics with ease. Beacon has a great message of personal sacrifice for the greater good. My least favourite out of the series has to be Afterthought as it left a bitter taste in my mouth (as was probably the writer’s intention) and Defiance. Defiance tackles a popular trend in an offbeat manner, but in a society where the opposite is the norm, I wanted it spun the other way for greater relatability (trying to keep it spoiler-free or would have delved more into it).
Damaged is a great read with punchy dialogues and unforgettable characters. I finished the stories too quickly and now I want Samejo to write something else and fast.
Please follow:
https://www.instagram.com/salmah_arj/...
wordpress.com/posts/salmahahmed.blog (less)
March 27, 2023
Damaged by M.A. Samejo is a book with multiple scenarios of random people in situations you can somewhere relate to.
Though some of the scenes are dark and could leave you thinking for hours and I hope no one has to go through them ever!
I enjoyed reading these short stories a lot, my favorite was "Balance" in chapters 6/7 (I guess). I read one chapter each day and though it's not my preferred genre I still thoroughly enjoyed every one of the chapters. Though just the alien invasions one was not my cup of tea, I enjoyed the rest of them all.
The book was very easy to read with no high fi words or grammar issues. I'll reread it to give myself a reality check every now and then and be grateful for what I have. Some of the chapters have a trigger warning and should be read with caution.
I'll give this book a solid 4 for the well-written text and eye opening scenes. A great job done by the writer.
Though some of the scenes are dark and could leave you thinking for hours and I hope no one has to go through them ever!
I enjoyed reading these short stories a lot, my favorite was "Balance" in chapters 6/7 (I guess). I read one chapter each day and though it's not my preferred genre I still thoroughly enjoyed every one of the chapters. Though just the alien invasions one was not my cup of tea, I enjoyed the rest of them all.
The book was very easy to read with no high fi words or grammar issues. I'll reread it to give myself a reality check every now and then and be grateful for what I have. Some of the chapters have a trigger warning and should be read with caution.
I'll give this book a solid 4 for the well-written text and eye opening scenes. A great job done by the writer.
September 12, 2021
Muhammad Ali Samejo is a new addition in Pakistani literary circles. He has penned down 2 books "Damaged" (collection of short stories) and "Legends of Karachi". The latter recently published...
Few days back I got to read Damaged. Honestly speaking I started it off with an apprehensive mindset, ( for the reasons I have been clearly mouthing, concerning local authors).
Anyways, the first story "Power " didn't surprise me much in the beginning. A story revolving around a taboo but nonetheless happening everywhere right and left in our society 😔 plunged me into anxiety of going through a topic repeatedly written about. But by the end of it, my opinion changed drastically. Power didn't talk of the case but how a psychopath justifies his wrongdoings and easily throws the dirt away. Why victim blaming is common in this crippled society? Read it guys and find out.
The next stories "Fame", "Blight", "Rapture", "Choices", "Balance", "Strength ", "Salvation ", " Kindness", "Beacon", "Exile", "Defiance ", "Afterthought", "Legacy" and "Desolation " all shed light on different problems in our society. I simply liked the fact that Mr. Samejo picked up one issue and weaved it into an interesting yet pondering story. My personal favourites are Fame, Blight, Choices and Exile. I really want all Pakistani folks to go through this book once and give normally recurring issues a second thought.
Few days back I got to read Damaged. Honestly speaking I started it off with an apprehensive mindset, ( for the reasons I have been clearly mouthing, concerning local authors).
Anyways, the first story "Power " didn't surprise me much in the beginning. A story revolving around a taboo but nonetheless happening everywhere right and left in our society 😔 plunged me into anxiety of going through a topic repeatedly written about. But by the end of it, my opinion changed drastically. Power didn't talk of the case but how a psychopath justifies his wrongdoings and easily throws the dirt away. Why victim blaming is common in this crippled society? Read it guys and find out.
The next stories "Fame", "Blight", "Rapture", "Choices", "Balance", "Strength ", "Salvation ", " Kindness", "Beacon", "Exile", "Defiance ", "Afterthought", "Legacy" and "Desolation " all shed light on different problems in our society. I simply liked the fact that Mr. Samejo picked up one issue and weaved it into an interesting yet pondering story. My personal favourites are Fame, Blight, Choices and Exile. I really want all Pakistani folks to go through this book once and give normally recurring issues a second thought.
September 8, 2021
Book: Damaged
Author: Muhammad Ali Samejo
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5/5
REVIEW:
I have been avidly following Mr. Samejo’s stories on literary groups on Facebook who although has been writing for just few years, has been able to amass his own audience. He keeps them entranced by his pen, keeping them hanging by thread with his ‘to be continued.. ‘, leaving them desperate for the next episode, as each write-up by him is well-received and leave the readers in awe with the facile language and incredible research behind.
The book ‘Damaged’ is his first published work while another one ‘Legends of Karachi’ is still underway and will be published soon.
Although I received this book in last year’s November, I couldn’t get time and attention this book demanded. And once I got the chance, I found it ‘un-put-down-able’!
Let me begin with it’s cover. There are very few books that I have come across with such dark-themed look. It captures the attention of a reader with a red, leafless, and almost dead-looking tree in the middle of to he black cover.
One wonders what the book holds with such a dark cover. The blurb solves a bit of this mystery as it warns the readers,
” Readers discretion is advised, for the conversations within are damaged.”
You are also advised,
” Do not look for happy endings here, there are none.”
The book cover and the blurb is so engaged, you can’t wait to start reading the book.
This is a book comprising of 15 independent chapters, each narrating a harrowing tale of greed, power, lust, and more. The stories are revealed in a non-preaching way, in form of conversations between people who are ‘damaged’ beyond repair.
Even though some stories may seem far-fetched in the beginning but soon you are able to relate to them and are pushed to choose sides, feeling deep empathy for the victims and justifying their unjustifiable decisions.
The characters are so different yet so amazingly curated by the writer, especially, the characters of women. Although they are from different parts of life yet they all are so independent. It gives you a break from a usual cunning or victimized portrayal of women we see in the media these days.
I just want to take a moment and appreciate the first chapter, “Power”. What a power-packed story it is, that doesn’t leave you anytime soon. It reverberates within you whenever you hear another news of rape on TV. I have re-read this chapter so many times for the perfection of narration and display of raw emotions when a rape victim confronts her rapist.
The writer touches so many topics within one book and each story gives you a different feel and provoke diverse emotions inside you. It reminds of everything that’s so wrong around us yet, so socially accepted that no one questions it anymore. Be it Sherry from Fame or the Jadugar Hamun from Blight.
This book is so unique in so many ways. There’s so much sanity in the insanity and the readers are torn between hating the anti-heroes or accepting the gems of wisdom they’re imparting. Their only fault is choosing the wrong ways to avenge. Reminding us that when normal people are pushed beyond their limits, they show the sides even they didn’t know existed within them. In these ways, Samejo has limelighted the elephant in the room such as bullying and female infanticide.
Apart from the stories that we move past each day in news or media, the author has thrown in a unique character to the book by paying tribute to 90’s favorite and one of a kind drama ‘Ainak Wala Jin’ in a unique style, weaving it into a tapestry of a prison cell so remarkably that you have no idea about it until the very end.
It also takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with chapters like Choices and Legacy. You are unable to pass through those chapters without shedding some tears, or pouring your feelings out in a tissue paper.
The book ends with a bleak story, Desolation that once again push you to look at the world with a different lense and leaves you melancholic for a while.
This book is a masterpiece in so many ways. The diversity of topics from extra-terrestial to a throwback to 90’s drama or to a future technology where a dead can live in your brain with the help of a chip implant. Yet, the stories are all living and breathing among us, going through the struggles of choices and emotions. Here the most sanest ones are the most flawed ones. At times, their evil lies in usurping the power or choice off of another or over-indulgence where they forget right from wrong. One thing I am sure about is, one or more of the stories will stay with you for a long time.
Author: Muhammad Ali Samejo
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5/5
REVIEW:
I have been avidly following Mr. Samejo’s stories on literary groups on Facebook who although has been writing for just few years, has been able to amass his own audience. He keeps them entranced by his pen, keeping them hanging by thread with his ‘to be continued.. ‘, leaving them desperate for the next episode, as each write-up by him is well-received and leave the readers in awe with the facile language and incredible research behind.
The book ‘Damaged’ is his first published work while another one ‘Legends of Karachi’ is still underway and will be published soon.
Although I received this book in last year’s November, I couldn’t get time and attention this book demanded. And once I got the chance, I found it ‘un-put-down-able’!
Let me begin with it’s cover. There are very few books that I have come across with such dark-themed look. It captures the attention of a reader with a red, leafless, and almost dead-looking tree in the middle of to he black cover.
One wonders what the book holds with such a dark cover. The blurb solves a bit of this mystery as it warns the readers,
” Readers discretion is advised, for the conversations within are damaged.”
You are also advised,
” Do not look for happy endings here, there are none.”
The book cover and the blurb is so engaged, you can’t wait to start reading the book.
This is a book comprising of 15 independent chapters, each narrating a harrowing tale of greed, power, lust, and more. The stories are revealed in a non-preaching way, in form of conversations between people who are ‘damaged’ beyond repair.
Even though some stories may seem far-fetched in the beginning but soon you are able to relate to them and are pushed to choose sides, feeling deep empathy for the victims and justifying their unjustifiable decisions.
The characters are so different yet so amazingly curated by the writer, especially, the characters of women. Although they are from different parts of life yet they all are so independent. It gives you a break from a usual cunning or victimized portrayal of women we see in the media these days.
I just want to take a moment and appreciate the first chapter, “Power”. What a power-packed story it is, that doesn’t leave you anytime soon. It reverberates within you whenever you hear another news of rape on TV. I have re-read this chapter so many times for the perfection of narration and display of raw emotions when a rape victim confronts her rapist.
The writer touches so many topics within one book and each story gives you a different feel and provoke diverse emotions inside you. It reminds of everything that’s so wrong around us yet, so socially accepted that no one questions it anymore. Be it Sherry from Fame or the Jadugar Hamun from Blight.
This book is so unique in so many ways. There’s so much sanity in the insanity and the readers are torn between hating the anti-heroes or accepting the gems of wisdom they’re imparting. Their only fault is choosing the wrong ways to avenge. Reminding us that when normal people are pushed beyond their limits, they show the sides even they didn’t know existed within them. In these ways, Samejo has limelighted the elephant in the room such as bullying and female infanticide.
Apart from the stories that we move past each day in news or media, the author has thrown in a unique character to the book by paying tribute to 90’s favorite and one of a kind drama ‘Ainak Wala Jin’ in a unique style, weaving it into a tapestry of a prison cell so remarkably that you have no idea about it until the very end.
It also takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with chapters like Choices and Legacy. You are unable to pass through those chapters without shedding some tears, or pouring your feelings out in a tissue paper.
The book ends with a bleak story, Desolation that once again push you to look at the world with a different lense and leaves you melancholic for a while.
This book is a masterpiece in so many ways. The diversity of topics from extra-terrestial to a throwback to 90’s drama or to a future technology where a dead can live in your brain with the help of a chip implant. Yet, the stories are all living and breathing among us, going through the struggles of choices and emotions. Here the most sanest ones are the most flawed ones. At times, their evil lies in usurping the power or choice off of another or over-indulgence where they forget right from wrong. One thing I am sure about is, one or more of the stories will stay with you for a long time.
March 22, 2023
I first found Damaged by trawling through social media (Instagram, to be specific). Unsurprisingly, I was drawn in by the cover—for the umpteenth time, I am, in fact, a magpie. I went in blind to this book, really only drawn in by the desire to support another indie author and the fact that the book seemed to fit my aesthetic (hello, my name is Ivy, being goth wasn’t a phase, mom!).
Damaged is an anthology that showcases “random conversations between (random) pairs of people in random places faced with random situations that are otherwise uncomfortable and unsettling.” As someone who went into this book blind, I can safely say that Muhammad Ali Samejo’s description was apt.
Before we continue, I would like to start by saying that there are some triggers in this book. In my research, I couldn’t find any readily available on the book listing on Amazon or Goodreads. Please exercise caution if you’d like to read this book. Take care of yourself.
I’m not going to lie, it was a bit of a rocky start for me. The opening story was difficult for me to digest due to its content (references to sexual assault). I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to finish or that I would even want to. At the time, I was in a good place emotionally, though I would have appreciated a heads up beyond the nebulous hand wave of “difficult conversations.” I wrote extensively about trigger warnings in this blog, so if you’d like to know more about my thoughts, please check it out.
Muhammad Ali Sarenjo seemed to focus a lot on a woman’s perspective throughout the entirety of Damaged. Being a Pakistani author, there were plenty of cultural differences (from myself as an American) to be observed. It was insightful to see our similarities and differences played out in the text. Further, I appreciated how raw these conversations were, even if they were, at times, fantastical (some even being set in sci-fi/fantasy-like scenarios).
The writing was clean and easily read, and the stories were short enough to hold interest but just long enough to paint a fulsome picture. I would definitely recommend Damaged to those who enjoy darker, thought-provoking anthologies.
Damaged will definitely make you think. And, at times, make you queasy. Well done!
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, check out my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/2023/03/01/re...
Damaged is an anthology that showcases “random conversations between (random) pairs of people in random places faced with random situations that are otherwise uncomfortable and unsettling.” As someone who went into this book blind, I can safely say that Muhammad Ali Samejo’s description was apt.
Before we continue, I would like to start by saying that there are some triggers in this book. In my research, I couldn’t find any readily available on the book listing on Amazon or Goodreads. Please exercise caution if you’d like to read this book. Take care of yourself.
I’m not going to lie, it was a bit of a rocky start for me. The opening story was difficult for me to digest due to its content (references to sexual assault). I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to finish or that I would even want to. At the time, I was in a good place emotionally, though I would have appreciated a heads up beyond the nebulous hand wave of “difficult conversations.” I wrote extensively about trigger warnings in this blog, so if you’d like to know more about my thoughts, please check it out.
Muhammad Ali Sarenjo seemed to focus a lot on a woman’s perspective throughout the entirety of Damaged. Being a Pakistani author, there were plenty of cultural differences (from myself as an American) to be observed. It was insightful to see our similarities and differences played out in the text. Further, I appreciated how raw these conversations were, even if they were, at times, fantastical (some even being set in sci-fi/fantasy-like scenarios).
The writing was clean and easily read, and the stories were short enough to hold interest but just long enough to paint a fulsome picture. I would definitely recommend Damaged to those who enjoy darker, thought-provoking anthologies.
Damaged will definitely make you think. And, at times, make you queasy. Well done!
If you'd like to read more reviews like this, check out my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/2023/03/01/re...
January 27, 2021
Short Stories is probably the most difficult genre of literature to master. It's even harder to draw the story line around real life phenomena without damaging the literary touch it requires. Our brother, Mohammad Ali Samejo has recently proved that wrong by effortlessly delivering a compilation of fifteen short stories which are not just based on harsh realities of life but also immensely captivating.
The first aspect which grabs your interest is the way these stories open and how the writer brilliantly succeeds to maintain the suspense as the story slithers towards the end. He picks all the characters from our surroundings and skillfully uses them to unveil the abhorrent face of our seemingly sane and self-righteous society. The thing which I admire the most is that he has achieved the above mentioned upshot without stepping out of the realm of decency. The stories are neither dragged nor exaggerated.
Another aspect of these stories, which has astounded me the most is the sentence structure. It seems as if you are reading a classic. The sentences are well constructed and fluent at the same time,not to mention the vocabulary which is surpassing the common or usual.
My personal favourites were, 'Power', 'Fame', 'Strength', ' Defiance', and 'Legacy'. All stories leave a mark on your heart side by side a lot of burning questions. The book is definitely recommended to those who do not anticipate just happy endings or fancy fairytales because "Damaged" is far different and above that.
The first aspect which grabs your interest is the way these stories open and how the writer brilliantly succeeds to maintain the suspense as the story slithers towards the end. He picks all the characters from our surroundings and skillfully uses them to unveil the abhorrent face of our seemingly sane and self-righteous society. The thing which I admire the most is that he has achieved the above mentioned upshot without stepping out of the realm of decency. The stories are neither dragged nor exaggerated.
Another aspect of these stories, which has astounded me the most is the sentence structure. It seems as if you are reading a classic. The sentences are well constructed and fluent at the same time,not to mention the vocabulary which is surpassing the common or usual.
My personal favourites were, 'Power', 'Fame', 'Strength', ' Defiance', and 'Legacy'. All stories leave a mark on your heart side by side a lot of burning questions. The book is definitely recommended to those who do not anticipate just happy endings or fancy fairytales because "Damaged" is far different and above that.
January 1, 2021
I never thought I would ever say "It was one of the best decisions getting Damaged!" in my life but turned out, life does not go as we think it would.
I did not know what to write when I finished DAMAGED by Muhammad Ali Samejo the first time. So I read it again, and again could not think of anything. So I read it the third time and at last managed to get over the overwhelming feeling that engulfed me while reading it.
I will skate past the title, paper quality and proofreading because it is all awesome, the publishers have done a great job. I will go straight to the essence... the stories themselves.
They are.... Damaged. Yes. There is a wide variety of characters from; different walks of life, different backgrounds and different traits. But all of them are connected by Damage. The writer has placed them all in perfect settings, pacing them smoothly through the canvas, painting perfectly Damaged stories all around those who read them. The writer strove to engulf and grip the reader's mind...... and the writer succeeded with flying colors. I saw mutilated souls, grappled with misery, smiled darkly and even prayed for a slightly favorable end. I kept thinking about Damaged when I put it down. I always tried to brace myself but was blown over everytime I opened it. It was an enthralling journey and I feel honored to have gone through it.
Muhammad Ali Samejo has won. He has written a best seller which is about to become a must for any enthusiastic book collector.
September 10, 2021
BOOK REVIEW 📖
Book Name: Damaged
Book author: Mohammad Ali Samejo ( @masamejo)
Genre: Short story
Rating: 4.8/5
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
It's been quite long since I've read any book by my country's author. I've never tried reading Short stories so this was like a fresh air for me.
This book covers people from different walks of life, souls who are shackled in evils of society, souls who are mangled, mutilated and vandalize everyday but are never paid attention to.
Every story is a bitter reality of our society. I love the way each of them is potrayed. Each and every story has a whole world hidden in it. I love how the character shift takes place.
Being so close to reality with a mix of fiction, each represent how DAMAGED we have become as a human being.
It was definitely an interesting ride. Hats off to the writer for covering such hell pits of our society. It's definitely not easy to bring up such delicate topics.
The flow was developed easily. And titles were enough to grab attention. The narrative and the way characters are portrayed is definitely amazing and adds the colour of verisimilitude to the novel.
I'm tbh more of fiction type person so I never thought I could enjoy something close to reality but this book change my prespective.
Be aware of trigger warnings as it deals with realism so some might find it depressing but still it is worth a read.
Book Name: Damaged
Book author: Mohammad Ali Samejo ( @masamejo)
Genre: Short story
Rating: 4.8/5
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
It's been quite long since I've read any book by my country's author. I've never tried reading Short stories so this was like a fresh air for me.
This book covers people from different walks of life, souls who are shackled in evils of society, souls who are mangled, mutilated and vandalize everyday but are never paid attention to.
Every story is a bitter reality of our society. I love the way each of them is potrayed. Each and every story has a whole world hidden in it. I love how the character shift takes place.
Being so close to reality with a mix of fiction, each represent how DAMAGED we have become as a human being.
It was definitely an interesting ride. Hats off to the writer for covering such hell pits of our society. It's definitely not easy to bring up such delicate topics.
The flow was developed easily. And titles were enough to grab attention. The narrative and the way characters are portrayed is definitely amazing and adds the colour of verisimilitude to the novel.
I'm tbh more of fiction type person so I never thought I could enjoy something close to reality but this book change my prespective.
Be aware of trigger warnings as it deals with realism so some might find it depressing but still it is worth a read.
July 18, 2022
It is very interesting to talk with someone but it's even more interesting to read the conversation.For that I'm very grateful to @masamejo for writing a book that has conservations and conservations between two people about the variety of topics from 'power' to 'desolation'(total 15 conversations).My favourite conversations are under the title, 'Fame', 'Rapture', 'Choices', and 'kindness'.After reading this book,I realized that we all suffer at some time in our lives and in the meanwhile we do more harm to ourselves than good thinking that we are already damaged.And we realize this when we have done irreparable damage to ourselves and to the many innocent people around us......well that's reality......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
With all honesty, I absolutely loved it.
August 8, 2022
“ Do not look for happy endings here; there are none. Do not seek the true meaning of your actions; even they don’t know. Do not question their judgment; they know what will finally give them release”
Damaged is a poignant collection of fifteen short tales that will fill your heart with enormous wisdom and take you deeper into the lives of those around you. Focussing on power, fame, choices, strengths, salvation, legacy and desolation.
There are certain situations, circumstances and conversations with people that shatter our heart completely . To be whole again, you have to pick the pieces and mend your heart. Sometimes we are like a puppet connected to string attached to us. We become bound to certain relationships, things and situations and we don’t expect change but changes are a part of life. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s an odyssey of love, grief, hope, fame, power, strength, loss and digging deep into your self. No matter how damaged we are, we eventually heal but the journey of healing begins from our own self and acceptance.
Damaged is a poignant collection of fifteen short tales that will fill your heart with enormous wisdom and take you deeper into the lives of those around you. Focussing on power, fame, choices, strengths, salvation, legacy and desolation.
There are certain situations, circumstances and conversations with people that shatter our heart completely . To be whole again, you have to pick the pieces and mend your heart. Sometimes we are like a puppet connected to string attached to us. We become bound to certain relationships, things and situations and we don’t expect change but changes are a part of life. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s an odyssey of love, grief, hope, fame, power, strength, loss and digging deep into your self. No matter how damaged we are, we eventually heal but the journey of healing begins from our own self and acceptance.
January 23, 2023
It was a great experience. Loved the last 3 stories. I am glad to see our local indie authors doing so well!!
February 27, 2021
I finally bring myself to review this dark read that is rightfully named DAMAGED.
No it wasn't Procrastination or anything rather a legit fear of not being able to do justice with this first published book by none other than the self-proclaimed pop culture Aficionado Muhammad Ali samejo.
Here I would like to say that this is my first ever book review and it would be nothing close to a conventional review.
The cover is an apt depiction of its content inside.
It's dark, intriguing paperback with just the necessary text.
Page quality is satisfying and one must appreciate the amazing work done by Auraq Publications.
The only complaint I have is with the tiny font size.
Now there comes the significant part aka content.
Damaged is a collection of fifteen short stories comprising of a total of two hundred pages
Each story is unique in its idea, setting, plot, characters with just one thing in common. And that is exactly what makes DAMAGED, a book written in a foreign language so relatable to us natives.
Characters in each of the story are people we find in our society, around us, even among us and I fear somewhat even within us!
The transformation of these characters from leading a normal life to a severely damaged point is quite interesting.
Here, take an example from the very first story 'POWER' where the antagonist cum protagonist justifies himself.
"No, you don't get to judge me. You said I was the one who thought the worst out of everything. Well what do you suppose you are doing right now? You are putting me alongside people who are so sick and twisted that nothing is sacred to them."
Page 18 lines 5-9.
Or a tale of obsession depicted marvelously in 'FAME' where you want to side with the so-called naive.
'CHOICES' is another story of a baker who engages in a casual conversation with someone but how it quickly elevates to a damaged one shocks and saddens the reader.
'STRENGTH' unfolds the true face of feudalism. I really like this strong conviction from the story.
" I made it my life's purpose to be tougher, more capable and more of a force that you could ever be. I wanted to stand in front of you, face you in the eye and have you pander to me, beg me to help you."
Page 107 lines 21-24.
Then there is 'SALVATION'.
It had me!
The mastery of words, scenarios, damaging conversation and the climax just wanted me to punch professional right on his face.
This was one story which I felt needed continuation or maybe it was just my damaged desire.
Next's 'KINDNESS'. A baffling story of emotions, damaged mental state and passion.
The way the writer carries each one of them to a perfectly imperfect conclusion leaves his reader in admiration with a dash of frustration.
Among all these, 'BLIGHT' stays my favourite. After all, it's the tribute to my favourite childhood series in the most interesting and mind-boggling way I could ever imagine.
And then there is 'BALANCED'; The darkest of them all. The plot twist, the Adrenaline rush of emotions through the lead character's mind while the other lead portrays a composed demeanor send chills down my spine.
There are five more intriguing, damaging, interesting stories which I won't discuss because.....
I want you to get DAMAGED.
No it wasn't Procrastination or anything rather a legit fear of not being able to do justice with this first published book by none other than the self-proclaimed pop culture Aficionado Muhammad Ali samejo.
Here I would like to say that this is my first ever book review and it would be nothing close to a conventional review.
The cover is an apt depiction of its content inside.
It's dark, intriguing paperback with just the necessary text.
Page quality is satisfying and one must appreciate the amazing work done by Auraq Publications.
The only complaint I have is with the tiny font size.
Now there comes the significant part aka content.
Damaged is a collection of fifteen short stories comprising of a total of two hundred pages
Each story is unique in its idea, setting, plot, characters with just one thing in common. And that is exactly what makes DAMAGED, a book written in a foreign language so relatable to us natives.
Characters in each of the story are people we find in our society, around us, even among us and I fear somewhat even within us!
The transformation of these characters from leading a normal life to a severely damaged point is quite interesting.
Here, take an example from the very first story 'POWER' where the antagonist cum protagonist justifies himself.
"No, you don't get to judge me. You said I was the one who thought the worst out of everything. Well what do you suppose you are doing right now? You are putting me alongside people who are so sick and twisted that nothing is sacred to them."
Page 18 lines 5-9.
Or a tale of obsession depicted marvelously in 'FAME' where you want to side with the so-called naive.
'CHOICES' is another story of a baker who engages in a casual conversation with someone but how it quickly elevates to a damaged one shocks and saddens the reader.
'STRENGTH' unfolds the true face of feudalism. I really like this strong conviction from the story.
" I made it my life's purpose to be tougher, more capable and more of a force that you could ever be. I wanted to stand in front of you, face you in the eye and have you pander to me, beg me to help you."
Page 107 lines 21-24.
Then there is 'SALVATION'.
It had me!
The mastery of words, scenarios, damaging conversation and the climax just wanted me to punch professional right on his face.
This was one story which I felt needed continuation or maybe it was just my damaged desire.
Next's 'KINDNESS'. A baffling story of emotions, damaged mental state and passion.
The way the writer carries each one of them to a perfectly imperfect conclusion leaves his reader in admiration with a dash of frustration.
Among all these, 'BLIGHT' stays my favourite. After all, it's the tribute to my favourite childhood series in the most interesting and mind-boggling way I could ever imagine.
And then there is 'BALANCED'; The darkest of them all. The plot twist, the Adrenaline rush of emotions through the lead character's mind while the other lead portrays a composed demeanor send chills down my spine.
There are five more intriguing, damaging, interesting stories which I won't discuss because.....
I want you to get DAMAGED.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
I think it is safe to say that Muhammad Ali Samejo wanted to leave his readers feeling "Damaged" with this book, and he stands victorious.
Damaged is a book that will leave you turning pages. A collection of mind boggling short stories depicting a dark side of human emotions. You will find murder, mystery, bullying, abuse, confrontation, and many interesting human interactions in one book.
Every story reveals complex and twisted characters with their unsettled past or unsorted emotions.
Damaged is a book that beautifully and effortlessly translates human emotions in sentences.
One of the best things about Ali Samejo is his attention to detail and keen description about the surroundings and his characters. It helps you visualize the world M. Ali Samejo lives in, and it's only one of the best.
This book asks many difficult questions, for example, is it okay to kill someone if you've been abused by him/her for a long time? Or should a parent ever abandon his/her child? No one wants to ask these question but we somehow want the answers. Damaged is the solution.
I wish to read this book for the first time again but I can't. Life is bittersweet.
I highly recommend that ya'll get Damaged, only this time it's for the better and M. Ali Samejo's other book "Legends of Karachi."
These books will only make you appreciate good writing and phenomenal writers.
Damaged is a book that will leave you turning pages. A collection of mind boggling short stories depicting a dark side of human emotions. You will find murder, mystery, bullying, abuse, confrontation, and many interesting human interactions in one book.
Every story reveals complex and twisted characters with their unsettled past or unsorted emotions.
Damaged is a book that beautifully and effortlessly translates human emotions in sentences.
One of the best things about Ali Samejo is his attention to detail and keen description about the surroundings and his characters. It helps you visualize the world M. Ali Samejo lives in, and it's only one of the best.
This book asks many difficult questions, for example, is it okay to kill someone if you've been abused by him/her for a long time? Or should a parent ever abandon his/her child? No one wants to ask these question but we somehow want the answers. Damaged is the solution.
I wish to read this book for the first time again but I can't. Life is bittersweet.
I highly recommend that ya'll get Damaged, only this time it's for the better and M. Ali Samejo's other book "Legends of Karachi."
These books will only make you appreciate good writing and phenomenal writers.
March 14, 2021
A Book That Depicts Living in Hard Places
If I were to describe this book with one word, that word would be Picasso. Samejo moves from the harshness of reality to the surreal. But in the case of Samejo’s characters, reality is equally bizarre like a reeling unbelievable nightmare.
The author tackles misogyny, corruption, misuse of power, sexual exploitation, societal constructs and much more through different narratives. He uses satire, science fiction and allegory to drive home the horrendous damage done to others through our indulgences and disrespect of our fellowman. There are no heroes in Damaged except for maybe Ara who has found her “home with the ones she loves.” She challenges cold-hearted Throne and wins. Does love triumph after all?
Although we want a happy ending to all of life’s stories, that isn’t realistic. It is this picture that Mr. Samejo paints. Even a right decision might mean struggles and going against societal norms. I empathised with Eshan who overcame obstacles to better himself despite Akram Chaudhary’s despotic rule over his servants. Just when it seems that Eshan triumphs over Chaudhary, does it slip out of his grasp when “Ehsan walks away as Akram Chaudhary looks on in disgust, no longer able to hide the hatred from appearing on his face?” I was left perplexed. I leave the next reader to decide.
The character that stole my heard was Azhar. Stripped of dignity and health by an entertainment icon, he is stopped by a little man as he is ready to take that fatal leap. The man challenges him with a choice, either commit suicide or take his tragedy and use it to help others who have suffered as he has. Azhar can die physically or die to self and help other victims. The choice is hard.
Although a reader might think this book depicts regional scenarios, the final chapter points to each one of us. Mother earth is left desolate because of hate. Samejo leaves the reader to introspect. How much do we contribute to another’s pain and suffering because of our hatred and disrespect for our fellowman? I leave the question for each reader to answer him/herself.
I gave Damaged a 5-star because of the creative way Mr. Samejo dealt with a difficult subject.
I would recommend Damaged to adult readers.
If I were to describe this book with one word, that word would be Picasso. Samejo moves from the harshness of reality to the surreal. But in the case of Samejo’s characters, reality is equally bizarre like a reeling unbelievable nightmare.
The author tackles misogyny, corruption, misuse of power, sexual exploitation, societal constructs and much more through different narratives. He uses satire, science fiction and allegory to drive home the horrendous damage done to others through our indulgences and disrespect of our fellowman. There are no heroes in Damaged except for maybe Ara who has found her “home with the ones she loves.” She challenges cold-hearted Throne and wins. Does love triumph after all?
Although we want a happy ending to all of life’s stories, that isn’t realistic. It is this picture that Mr. Samejo paints. Even a right decision might mean struggles and going against societal norms. I empathised with Eshan who overcame obstacles to better himself despite Akram Chaudhary’s despotic rule over his servants. Just when it seems that Eshan triumphs over Chaudhary, does it slip out of his grasp when “Ehsan walks away as Akram Chaudhary looks on in disgust, no longer able to hide the hatred from appearing on his face?” I was left perplexed. I leave the next reader to decide.
The character that stole my heard was Azhar. Stripped of dignity and health by an entertainment icon, he is stopped by a little man as he is ready to take that fatal leap. The man challenges him with a choice, either commit suicide or take his tragedy and use it to help others who have suffered as he has. Azhar can die physically or die to self and help other victims. The choice is hard.
Although a reader might think this book depicts regional scenarios, the final chapter points to each one of us. Mother earth is left desolate because of hate. Samejo leaves the reader to introspect. How much do we contribute to another’s pain and suffering because of our hatred and disrespect for our fellowman? I leave the question for each reader to answer him/herself.
I gave Damaged a 5-star because of the creative way Mr. Samejo dealt with a difficult subject.
I would recommend Damaged to adult readers.
September 6, 2022
Damaged
Author- Muhammad Ali Samejo
My Rating-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review -
"Some damages made are beyond repair."
Damaged is a collection of 15 stories which are unique in their own way with their own truths which aren't accepted or spoken by the society. These stories are written in a way that two people are having a conversation with each other so it's easily graspable to everyone. The characters in these stories are damaged in such a way that they transform into a person that they might not even think about.
The narration of these stories is in such a way that it wakes our emotions beneath our hearts and makes you feel the characters' side truths which are generally the things we don't want to listen even though we know that they are absolutely right in their way.
Some stories of this book are of the people who are once the purest souls which are damaged by the evils of the society which are irreparable and turned into what we call them(psychopaths, murderers,..) whatever. While some other stories are unwelcoming truths in human life…
I genuinely appreciate the author for writing such ugly truths of life and society which is definitely not a small thing. Everyone wants a happy ending in whatever the situations they face which are not realistic and it's mostly impossible… The way the author described their lives with a simple conversation with a very deep meaning is really fabulous.
This book is extraordinarily unique in its own way because of its endings in every story and the last story of this book will definitely prove it correct. This book will keep the reader engaged because of its simple and deep narration, creativity and facts with a great flow.
Readers discretion is recommended since there are mentions of sexual assaults, infanticide, murder, suscide, death , corruption , missuse of power etc. And also there are some bitter truths which some people aren't ready to accept anyway.. These stories are not with happy endings, they're with unwelcoming truths..
I highly recommend this book to all who want to dive through the roller coaster ride of emotions, facts and truths… Happy Reading 😊❤️
Author- Muhammad Ali Samejo
My Rating-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review -
"Some damages made are beyond repair."
Damaged is a collection of 15 stories which are unique in their own way with their own truths which aren't accepted or spoken by the society. These stories are written in a way that two people are having a conversation with each other so it's easily graspable to everyone. The characters in these stories are damaged in such a way that they transform into a person that they might not even think about.
The narration of these stories is in such a way that it wakes our emotions beneath our hearts and makes you feel the characters' side truths which are generally the things we don't want to listen even though we know that they are absolutely right in their way.
Some stories of this book are of the people who are once the purest souls which are damaged by the evils of the society which are irreparable and turned into what we call them(psychopaths, murderers,..) whatever. While some other stories are unwelcoming truths in human life…
I genuinely appreciate the author for writing such ugly truths of life and society which is definitely not a small thing. Everyone wants a happy ending in whatever the situations they face which are not realistic and it's mostly impossible… The way the author described their lives with a simple conversation with a very deep meaning is really fabulous.
This book is extraordinarily unique in its own way because of its endings in every story and the last story of this book will definitely prove it correct. This book will keep the reader engaged because of its simple and deep narration, creativity and facts with a great flow.
Readers discretion is recommended since there are mentions of sexual assaults, infanticide, murder, suscide, death , corruption , missuse of power etc. And also there are some bitter truths which some people aren't ready to accept anyway.. These stories are not with happy endings, they're with unwelcoming truths..
I highly recommend this book to all who want to dive through the roller coaster ride of emotions, facts and truths… Happy Reading 😊❤️
Read
February 12, 2021The longer someone has been into reading, the more difficult it becomes for them to choose a particular book or genre whenever its time for a new book to be started. I remember the feeling exactly when I finished the last page of “Genghis Khan” written by John Man. I spent the whole day contemplating what I should read next. My previous read had set a different stage for me to see the world and I, somehow, wanted to remain in that zone.
Fortunately, the same night, I received my copy of “Damaged”, written by a dear friend and an amazing writer, Muhammad Ali Samejo
If I am asked to describe this breathing, alive, black and red book that I hold in my hand, in just a few words, then I would dare to call it “bluntly and painfully true”. I am one of those rare breeds who relish the bitterness of a true thing rather than indulge in fantasy. In literature, there is no right or wrong when it comes to the comparison between bitter reality and succulent fantasy, but there is always a preference and mine has been mentioned.
Now coming to the structure of the masterpiece, it comprises of short stories based on conversations between people who have been damaged one way or the other. All the characters are amazingly real, be it Alamgir of Power, who thinks of harassment as a symbol of masculinity or Sherry of Fame, whose thoughts about success and fame involve pulling others down.
Isn`t the world already carrying the burden of Ghazal`s regret on its shoulders? Haven`t the planet grown tired of the gruesome competition between the likes of Akram and Ehsan? All these characters of the little black book make me cringe with the dose of social evils and shortcomings in a way that claims every ounce of reader`s attention, the SAMEJO way.
They say that writing is an act of courage, but let me add my two cents to the definition of courage when it comes to writing. Writing about the forbidden, the unspeakable, the indescribable horrors wrapped in glittering candy wrappers, is true courage and DAMAGED is nothing but an act of valor.
Fortunately, the same night, I received my copy of “Damaged”, written by a dear friend and an amazing writer, Muhammad Ali Samejo
If I am asked to describe this breathing, alive, black and red book that I hold in my hand, in just a few words, then I would dare to call it “bluntly and painfully true”. I am one of those rare breeds who relish the bitterness of a true thing rather than indulge in fantasy. In literature, there is no right or wrong when it comes to the comparison between bitter reality and succulent fantasy, but there is always a preference and mine has been mentioned.
Now coming to the structure of the masterpiece, it comprises of short stories based on conversations between people who have been damaged one way or the other. All the characters are amazingly real, be it Alamgir of Power, who thinks of harassment as a symbol of masculinity or Sherry of Fame, whose thoughts about success and fame involve pulling others down.
Isn`t the world already carrying the burden of Ghazal`s regret on its shoulders? Haven`t the planet grown tired of the gruesome competition between the likes of Akram and Ehsan? All these characters of the little black book make me cringe with the dose of social evils and shortcomings in a way that claims every ounce of reader`s attention, the SAMEJO way.
They say that writing is an act of courage, but let me add my two cents to the definition of courage when it comes to writing. Writing about the forbidden, the unspeakable, the indescribable horrors wrapped in glittering candy wrappers, is true courage and DAMAGED is nothing but an act of valor.
October 31, 2021
Damaged, is a compilation of 15 short stories. Each story is unique, revolves around a certain topic, in a conversational form between two people. The topics and characters are different, having just one thing in common. Everything is damaged.
Damaged characters opening about their damaged lives.
One of many admirable things is, how the characters are woven so artistically that we get to see the damaged side of all characters but in a very unique and beautiful way.
The most impressive thing is the variety of topics the writer offers in just one book, topics that no one touches because they are tabooed and the discussion around these can be tricky and get uncomfortable sometimes.
From sexual manipulation to abuse of power, relationships to a traumatic childhood, the negative influence of social media to making difficult choices, everything is discussed in a way that feels real but not bitter.
And you know what is the best thing?
There are no heroes or villains, there is no black or white character. Every character is grey and damaged in one way or another. You can not decide either to hate the characters because they are so ruthless or love them because they are so damaged and broken. So you just feel a warm fuzzy feeling while reading and all you can do is to relate to one character or another.
My most favorite story has to be 'Rapture' but let me tell you it was so hard to pick just one.
Grab your copy now & thank me later ❤
Damaged characters opening about their damaged lives.
One of many admirable things is, how the characters are woven so artistically that we get to see the damaged side of all characters but in a very unique and beautiful way.
The most impressive thing is the variety of topics the writer offers in just one book, topics that no one touches because they are tabooed and the discussion around these can be tricky and get uncomfortable sometimes.
From sexual manipulation to abuse of power, relationships to a traumatic childhood, the negative influence of social media to making difficult choices, everything is discussed in a way that feels real but not bitter.
And you know what is the best thing?
There are no heroes or villains, there is no black or white character. Every character is grey and damaged in one way or another. You can not decide either to hate the characters because they are so ruthless or love them because they are so damaged and broken. So you just feel a warm fuzzy feeling while reading and all you can do is to relate to one character or another.
My most favorite story has to be 'Rapture' but let me tell you it was so hard to pick just one.
Grab your copy now & thank me later ❤
March 1, 2021
Very seldom we come across a book that we force all our family and friends to read. Damaged is one such book for me. What I liked most about this book is the way the characters are carefully curated. They are not ordinary characters of fiction, they are relevant and relatable; living and breathing among us even within us. Each story makes us question the social norms and where we stand on the Kohlberg's stages of moral development. It artfully explores the gray area where the lines between right and wrong are painfully blurry. The ability to make the reader connect at a human level makes this book relatable for people across social classes and cultures.
I want to also mention how carefully the cover has been selected. An autumn tree. How apt! All the characters in the book are just that; going through a transformation in life. And just like the tree, we hope they will come out of those situations stronger than ever before.
In conclusion, Damaged is a collection of amazing short stories that everyone should buy not only because it has an aesthetically pleasing cover and looks absolutely amazing sitting on your coffee table but also because it has the ability to evoke the complex emotions of disgust, empathy and acceptance all at once. It will definitely broaden your understanding of human emotions.
I give it all five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I want to also mention how carefully the cover has been selected. An autumn tree. How apt! All the characters in the book are just that; going through a transformation in life. And just like the tree, we hope they will come out of those situations stronger than ever before.
In conclusion, Damaged is a collection of amazing short stories that everyone should buy not only because it has an aesthetically pleasing cover and looks absolutely amazing sitting on your coffee table but also because it has the ability to evoke the complex emotions of disgust, empathy and acceptance all at once. It will definitely broaden your understanding of human emotions.
I give it all five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 8, 2022
I recently had the good fortune of reading damaged ,eloquently written by M.Ali samejo.
It is a collection of short stories.
These are all dialogue stories , conversation between the characters.
I found the book to be a quick read.
we live in a broken society where people fear each other more than they fear wild animals.
society has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled., we have become so sick, weak, and broken, we accept the abnormal as normal.
we have different stories around us .
Mr. Ali samejo penned down the types of storms that rage within the human soul .All stories are simple but with the wave of intense emotions.The last chapter contains the heaviest emotions.
writer said "Don't look for the Happy ending here " but I would say that every ending doesn't need to be happy.As a famous saying,
"Not every story has a happy ending, but that doesn't mean it's not worth telling."
"justice has been served." and that's all.
I have not enough words to compliment this great work. That’s how wonderful it is. As the writer put his whole heart into it.
I want to recommend this master piece to all of you .
It is a collection of short stories.
These are all dialogue stories , conversation between the characters.
I found the book to be a quick read.
we live in a broken society where people fear each other more than they fear wild animals.
society has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled., we have become so sick, weak, and broken, we accept the abnormal as normal.
we have different stories around us .
Mr. Ali samejo penned down the types of storms that rage within the human soul .All stories are simple but with the wave of intense emotions.The last chapter contains the heaviest emotions.
writer said "Don't look for the Happy ending here " but I would say that every ending doesn't need to be happy.As a famous saying,
"Not every story has a happy ending, but that doesn't mean it's not worth telling."
"justice has been served." and that's all.
I have not enough words to compliment this great work. That’s how wonderful it is. As the writer put his whole heart into it.
I want to recommend this master piece to all of you .
September 15, 2022
I'm not going to lie ... this book is a straight-up super smart person book. I can be a major idiot at times, but for the most part, I want to believe I'm a little smart.
With that said, this book is seriously a real thinker, and I absolutely LOVE it! It's a collection of highly intellectual conversations between two people with definite different points of views.
The author, Muhammad Ali Samejo, does a fantastic job of creating and defining characters and perspectives in a short amount of space and time. He's a brilliant writer.
With that said, this book is seriously a real thinker, and I absolutely LOVE it! It's a collection of highly intellectual conversations between two people with definite different points of views.
The author, Muhammad Ali Samejo, does a fantastic job of creating and defining characters and perspectives in a short amount of space and time. He's a brilliant writer.
November 28, 2022
This book came to me as a Valentine Gift from a Mentee..amazing isn't it 😍
This writer has amazingly written all the stories as a dialouge between two characters and this is what is the best part. Only few Pakistani Writers can master the art of writing fiction in English like Mr. Samejo did.
If you haven't give this book a try, do it today and get Damaged ✊️ You won't regret
This writer has amazingly written all the stories as a dialouge between two characters and this is what is the best part. Only few Pakistani Writers can master the art of writing fiction in English like Mr. Samejo did.
If you haven't give this book a try, do it today and get Damaged ✊️ You won't regret
December 16, 2024
Superb collection
What a great ensemble of thought-provoking stories from culture, and the world's corrupted. An enjoyable, refreshing read. A worthy addition to your tbr.
What a great ensemble of thought-provoking stories from culture, and the world's corrupted. An enjoyable, refreshing read. A worthy addition to your tbr.
September 26, 2021
📖 I recently got the opportunity to read an ARC copy of “DAMAGED” from one of our aspiring authors, Muhammad Ali Samejo in exchange for an honest review. Usually, short stories are not really my go-to genre but nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this book.
📚 Damaged is a collection of 15 short stories revolving around some of the most complicated, taboo, and less pondered upon issues of our society. The stories are represented as isolated conversations between different pairs of people in different scenarios. The conversations can be unsettling at times and just when you detect a hint of predictability, the author manages to turn around the plot completely and baffle the reader with an unexpected ending. Or is it the end? You’ll find yourself asking questions after reading some of the stories.
😯 I’m thoroughly impressed with the wide range of topics, Samejo has very creatively managed to cover in a short but thoughtful collection of stories. Social issues such as power abuse, making unusual choices in tough spots, sexual harassment, forced and child labor, moving on after losing a loved one and many such others are part of the book.
⏳ Whether it’s POWER, where a psychopath justifies his wrongdoings and abuses his power until he finally gets a taste of his own medicine or it’s FAME which depicts how toxic our internet world has become where everybody is an influencer and some even may go to extremes to reach their desired goals. Whether it’s STRENGTHS which represent the themes of forced and child labor for generations or DESOLATION where we kill off each other for a better world until none of us are left to enjoy that world. Each one of them leaves you in an unnerving state. That’s why I took my own sweet time reading them one by one.
🕸️ The book continues with several other stories with other theme topics and just the titles are enough to grasp your attention. I don’t want to elaborate too much for the fear of taking out the surprise element for non-readers so won’t say any further. However, some of my favorites are; POWER, CHOICES, STRENGTH, KINDNESS, and LEGACY.
🌵 I’m also a fan of the book cover. It’s not only unconventional but the dark theme is represented so beautifully that one can’t help but feel a pull towards it thinking what could possibly this book has in store for you.
💭 If you’re a reader who enjoys books based on realism, you are in for a treat! And if you’re someone who avoids confrontations with yourself and pretends everything to be sailing smoothly then these conversations will rip you apart. Make a wise choice.
🤗 I will give this book 5 stars just because of the author’s creativity in dealing with such difficult subjects.
📚 Damaged is a collection of 15 short stories revolving around some of the most complicated, taboo, and less pondered upon issues of our society. The stories are represented as isolated conversations between different pairs of people in different scenarios. The conversations can be unsettling at times and just when you detect a hint of predictability, the author manages to turn around the plot completely and baffle the reader with an unexpected ending. Or is it the end? You’ll find yourself asking questions after reading some of the stories.
😯 I’m thoroughly impressed with the wide range of topics, Samejo has very creatively managed to cover in a short but thoughtful collection of stories. Social issues such as power abuse, making unusual choices in tough spots, sexual harassment, forced and child labor, moving on after losing a loved one and many such others are part of the book.
⏳ Whether it’s POWER, where a psychopath justifies his wrongdoings and abuses his power until he finally gets a taste of his own medicine or it’s FAME which depicts how toxic our internet world has become where everybody is an influencer and some even may go to extremes to reach their desired goals. Whether it’s STRENGTHS which represent the themes of forced and child labor for generations or DESOLATION where we kill off each other for a better world until none of us are left to enjoy that world. Each one of them leaves you in an unnerving state. That’s why I took my own sweet time reading them one by one.
🕸️ The book continues with several other stories with other theme topics and just the titles are enough to grasp your attention. I don’t want to elaborate too much for the fear of taking out the surprise element for non-readers so won’t say any further. However, some of my favorites are; POWER, CHOICES, STRENGTH, KINDNESS, and LEGACY.
🌵 I’m also a fan of the book cover. It’s not only unconventional but the dark theme is represented so beautifully that one can’t help but feel a pull towards it thinking what could possibly this book has in store for you.
💭 If you’re a reader who enjoys books based on realism, you are in for a treat! And if you’re someone who avoids confrontations with yourself and pretends everything to be sailing smoothly then these conversations will rip you apart. Make a wise choice.
🤗 I will give this book 5 stars just because of the author’s creativity in dealing with such difficult subjects.
July 4, 2023
Wow! And let me reiterate… WOW! Muhammad Ali Samejo’s book, Damaged, has been on my radar for quite a while now. I have no good reason to offer for not getting to the story sooner. The author recently described his story as “Damaged: A collection of short conversations dealing with different traumas. If you are into triggering stories with dark twists, then Get Damaged!” Which reminded me that I really wanted to read his book. I love stories where characters express their darkest emotions and even act upon them. Literature, like any art, is a safe place to decompress some of the worst feelings actual people experience. Especially as the creator. However, I do find that a lot of stories in this day and age, play it safe in the emotional arena. Authors make promises they can’t, or won’t, keep. Damaged doesn’t do that. Oh, no. Damaged is about grown up disappointments and rage. No miscommunication tropes here. Characters in Damaged get major satisfaction rather than get gaslighted.
This is a book of individual stories each with new characters who present unique motivations for their actions. Each of these short stories are complete universes with purpose driven main characters who play off of a primary secondary character. Sometimes it takes a little while to figure out who the main character is. Who’s pulling the strings? Your mind searches for reveals before the characters let you in on what’s going on. Very engaging!
Women feature prominently throughout many of the stories and are not simply present to be weeping victims in need of rescue. That’s always a plus in my reading experience. Not one of the 15 short stories in Damages felt inconsequential. The stories resonated due to their emotional maturity and carefully included insight into human nature. How? I don’t know! Author Muhammad Ali Samejo is just a fantastic writer! Each short story could, conceivably, be turned into a longer story for certain. And I do NOT mean that any of these short stories felt incomplete. I simply mean that each story was so vibrant in character motivation, backstory, and details that I WANTED to know more.
This book of short, character-driven stories avoids the pitfall of emotional manipulation despite the inescapable pull on the emotions of the reader. The stories bring the reader inside with a gentle pull while exposing them to an intense variety of emotions they won’t be able to deny. I highly recommend Damaged as a book that delivers what the author promises readers- “triggering stories with dark twists.” I also approve of the authors musical tastes as revealed in the final chapter. As the author says, "Get Damaged!"
This is a book of individual stories each with new characters who present unique motivations for their actions. Each of these short stories are complete universes with purpose driven main characters who play off of a primary secondary character. Sometimes it takes a little while to figure out who the main character is. Who’s pulling the strings? Your mind searches for reveals before the characters let you in on what’s going on. Very engaging!
Women feature prominently throughout many of the stories and are not simply present to be weeping victims in need of rescue. That’s always a plus in my reading experience. Not one of the 15 short stories in Damages felt inconsequential. The stories resonated due to their emotional maturity and carefully included insight into human nature. How? I don’t know! Author Muhammad Ali Samejo is just a fantastic writer! Each short story could, conceivably, be turned into a longer story for certain. And I do NOT mean that any of these short stories felt incomplete. I simply mean that each story was so vibrant in character motivation, backstory, and details that I WANTED to know more.
This book of short, character-driven stories avoids the pitfall of emotional manipulation despite the inescapable pull on the emotions of the reader. The stories bring the reader inside with a gentle pull while exposing them to an intense variety of emotions they won’t be able to deny. I highly recommend Damaged as a book that delivers what the author promises readers- “triggering stories with dark twists.” I also approve of the authors musical tastes as revealed in the final chapter. As the author says, "Get Damaged!"
January 28, 2025
"Damaged" By Muhammad Ali Samejo is a book which contains short stories with series of conversations between 2 individuals who've been damaged by the society's norms. When I first started the book I was a bit skeptical about short stories as I usually prefer reading lengthy novels and all. In the beginning the story "Power" made me think the book will talk about the similar things we hear about everyone, not expecting something new.
Though as you read through the chapters you'll automatically get hooked to it. My personal favourites would be "salvation". The plot twist really opened my eyes and left be in a thought. The moment the character smirked I felt like smiling too 😭. Then the story "kindness" was interesting yet at the same time I could see the sad reality of society when it comes to giving birth to Daughters. How they usually are taken as burden, and their mother is usually the one to blame as if it's entirely dependent upon them to decide the gender. The ending did left me in surprise and I wish it continued a bit more in to much thriller story. The story "beacon" is also one of my favourites, the conversation between the characters felt very touching so much so that I wanted to be a person who could also be the reason for saving someone's life and making them reconsider their purpose. OHH AND THE "balanced" LEFT ME IN A CLIFF HANGER!! I WANNA KNOW PLOT MORE!!!. "legacy" was really heart touching and for some reason it gave a sense of tranquility yet still felt remorseful.
The alien one "Exile" wasn't really my cup of tea. Though, all the other stories will leave you grateful yet at the same time saddened by the reality of this cruel world. Grateful that you've been protected from being damaged, yet grief for the people who've been through these situations in real life.
Though as you read through the chapters you'll automatically get hooked to it. My personal favourites would be "salvation". The plot twist really opened my eyes and left be in a thought. The moment the character smirked I felt like smiling too 😭. Then the story "kindness" was interesting yet at the same time I could see the sad reality of society when it comes to giving birth to Daughters. How they usually are taken as burden, and their mother is usually the one to blame as if it's entirely dependent upon them to decide the gender. The ending did left me in surprise and I wish it continued a bit more in to much thriller story. The story "beacon" is also one of my favourites, the conversation between the characters felt very touching so much so that I wanted to be a person who could also be the reason for saving someone's life and making them reconsider their purpose. OHH AND THE "balanced" LEFT ME IN A CLIFF HANGER!! I WANNA KNOW PLOT MORE!!!. "legacy" was really heart touching and for some reason it gave a sense of tranquility yet still felt remorseful.
The alien one "Exile" wasn't really my cup of tea. Though, all the other stories will leave you grateful yet at the same time saddened by the reality of this cruel world. Grateful that you've been protected from being damaged, yet grief for the people who've been through these situations in real life.
October 9, 2023
Damaged by M A Samejo is an insightful, informative work that everyone, not just Pakistanis, can relate to. The author touches on diverse issues of social significance in an idiomatic and intense manner. Writing about and questioning certain social norms and mentality can be a difficult task, but Samejo makes it seem easy. He effortlessly weaves tales that unravel in the conversations between characters that may appear to be common, at first glance, but hold deep meaning underneath. All of the 15 stories carry emotional intensity and intellectual reasoning.
In these stories that portray accurate expression of life, you’ll find characters either on the verge of breakdown or having successfully survived trauma of injustices. However, these are not weepy characters, these are characters who are determined to exact revenge not just physically, but mainly by making their aggressor realize their sins. And how is that achieved? By showing their strength and success at life, despite adversities. You would feel proud of the characters’ achievements and strengths.
The reader will also be surprised to find stories of the supernatural and science fiction following the running theme of good versus evil. No matter what genre the story belongs to, Samejo successfully creates an atmosphere that instantly pulls you into the story and the characters, who are simple yet so raw and complex.
Immerse yourself in Damaged to reawaken your conscience and break out of a herd mentality, questioning what truly should be accepted!
In these stories that portray accurate expression of life, you’ll find characters either on the verge of breakdown or having successfully survived trauma of injustices. However, these are not weepy characters, these are characters who are determined to exact revenge not just physically, but mainly by making their aggressor realize their sins. And how is that achieved? By showing their strength and success at life, despite adversities. You would feel proud of the characters’ achievements and strengths.
The reader will also be surprised to find stories of the supernatural and science fiction following the running theme of good versus evil. No matter what genre the story belongs to, Samejo successfully creates an atmosphere that instantly pulls you into the story and the characters, who are simple yet so raw and complex.
Immerse yourself in Damaged to reawaken your conscience and break out of a herd mentality, questioning what truly should be accepted!
August 15, 2025
Multi-genre curiosity, great book!
I've completed Damaged by Muhammad Ali Samejo. The book is a collection of captivating short stories full of curiosity and twists. I appreciated the format consistency across various genres. Each story sets the reader in a mysterious setting that leads to a conversation between two characters with dialogue that slowly reveals what's happening in the story. I also noticed that most of the stories maintained an underlying theme of the human experience of death. Genres vary between thriller, fantasy, and science fiction, and the reader often doesn't know where it is until deep into the exchange between the characters.
My favorite of the short stories was one called "After Thought" near the end. I won't spoil it, but I thought this was a drama between a newlywed young woman and her new husband's ex-wife, and I was shocked and satisfied with where it went. It was very clever.
I highly recommend this book for an unconventional but curious experience. Great job to the author.
I've completed Damaged by Muhammad Ali Samejo. The book is a collection of captivating short stories full of curiosity and twists. I appreciated the format consistency across various genres. Each story sets the reader in a mysterious setting that leads to a conversation between two characters with dialogue that slowly reveals what's happening in the story. I also noticed that most of the stories maintained an underlying theme of the human experience of death. Genres vary between thriller, fantasy, and science fiction, and the reader often doesn't know where it is until deep into the exchange between the characters.
My favorite of the short stories was one called "After Thought" near the end. I won't spoil it, but I thought this was a drama between a newlywed young woman and her new husband's ex-wife, and I was shocked and satisfied with where it went. It was very clever.
I highly recommend this book for an unconventional but curious experience. Great job to the author.
April 28, 2025
The descriptions carve facts from your mind—raw, undeniable, and brutally, hauntingly real.
...
Book: Damaged
Genre: Literary Fiction/Short Stories
Language: English
Author(s): - Muhammad Ali Samejo
Series: - NA
...
Damaged isn't just a book—it’s an unflinching mirror held up to the rawest parts of our humanity. Muhammad Ali Samejo doesn't write stories; he resurrects emotions we thought we had buried. Every character bleeds with a truth so sharp you feel it clawing at your own scars. The descriptions are so visceral—you don't just read them, you live them. Like facts ripped straight out of the mind and thrown onto the page, for example, the portrayal of influencers on page 25—it slammed into me with clarity. Damaged doesn't offer comfort. It demands you to confront the fractures you pretend don't exist.
...
Book: Damaged
Genre: Literary Fiction/Short Stories
Language: English
Author(s): - Muhammad Ali Samejo
Series: - NA
...
Damaged isn't just a book—it’s an unflinching mirror held up to the rawest parts of our humanity. Muhammad Ali Samejo doesn't write stories; he resurrects emotions we thought we had buried. Every character bleeds with a truth so sharp you feel it clawing at your own scars. The descriptions are so visceral—you don't just read them, you live them. Like facts ripped straight out of the mind and thrown onto the page, for example, the portrayal of influencers on page 25—it slammed into me with clarity. Damaged doesn't offer comfort. It demands you to confront the fractures you pretend don't exist.
August 15, 2025
Really intriguing stories about the complexities of human nature and it's multi-layered aspects.
Enjoyed most of them, my Favourite being "Blight" and not just because of the supernatural element but the inspiration behind it, especially if you are Pakistani (read it to find out).
Enjoyed most of them, my Favourite being "Blight" and not just because of the supernatural element but the inspiration behind it, especially if you are Pakistani (read it to find out).
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