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The Verdict
A Pakistani lawyer, Sikander Ghaznavi, defends an innocent boy accused of an unspeakable crime, punishable by death. Out of his depth, Sikander reaches out to the sharpest human rights lawyer he knows — the woman he has loved for years, but now another man's wife.
As they deal with their unresolved feelings, the lawyers confront a corrupt system, a town turned against them, and a prophecy that predicts their death.
Will they save the boy? Or will the city of Quetta, its prejudice inflamed by extremists, consume them and deliver them to a deadly fate?
The book explores the amorphous role of religion and class in society, and themes of loss, redemption, and love.
'Instantly reminds readers of Harper Lee's unforgettable novel To Kill a Mockingbird.'
—The News on Sunday
'The story has elements of politics, law and romance which makes it a thrilling read.'
—The Times of India
'You have to remind yourself that Osman's novel and the characters he conjures are fictional because they are convincingly real, so much so, that their words stay with you long after you have put down the book.'
— Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Academy Award winning filmmaker
As they deal with their unresolved feelings, the lawyers confront a corrupt system, a town turned against them, and a prophecy that predicts their death.
Will they save the boy? Or will the city of Quetta, its prejudice inflamed by extremists, consume them and deliver them to a deadly fate?
The book explores the amorphous role of religion and class in society, and themes of loss, redemption, and love.
'Instantly reminds readers of Harper Lee's unforgettable novel To Kill a Mockingbird.'
—The News on Sunday
'The story has elements of politics, law and romance which makes it a thrilling read.'
—The Times of India
'You have to remind yourself that Osman's novel and the characters he conjures are fictional because they are convincingly real, so much so, that their words stay with you long after you have put down the book.'
— Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Academy Award winning filmmaker
265 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
11 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Osman Haneef
2 books17 followersOsman Haneef was born in Pakistan and, as the child of a diplomat, grew up in different cities in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. He studied creative writing at Yale, Stanford, Colby, Curtis Brown Creative, and the Faber Academy. He won the Frank Allen Bullock Prize for creative writing at the University of Oxford. In a former life he worked as tech entrepreneur, a TV actor, a strategy consultant, and a diplomatic advisor. He was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2017. He lives between the UK and Pakistan.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 20, 2021
DNF at page 175
I put this book down at 65% (175 pages out of 260) and I’m going to explain why this particular book didn’t work for me.
First of all, the big sell - the book is marketed as a courtroom drama where a Muslim lawyer defends a young Christian boy who has been accused of defiling a mosque. Out of the 175 pages that I read, there are a total of three scenes which sets this plot up and then the author conveniently abandons this and tells you about the love story of lawyer Sikander, his beloved Sanah and her husband, Fazeel.
The love triangle is as basic as it gets. There’s no sense of attachment between any of the three characters and their relationship just as flat as the ground we walk on. The dialogue is downright cheesy, some scenes have been lifted straight out of Bollywood movies and the first thing our hero noticed about the love interest were her tanned legs..The husband and the lawyer went to school together at one point where the husband was a bully and broke the lawyer’s jaw. Some serious trauma added in but we don’t address those in our books, do we?
Additionally, other plot-lines are being explored e.g. the one with the nanny and then just left mid-way to talk about the really boring love triangle.
The writing reads like it’s a middle grade book. The one confrontation that I read with the villain read straight out of a teen movie where the hero and the villain just run their mouths, reveal plot line just through talking and threaten each other.
I think one way to fix this book would have been to hire a really, really good editor. Someone who could’ve guided the author into picking ONE plot line and sticking to it. The whole love interest could’ve been dropped and the story should have been about the boy, what emotional impact this accusation has on him, does he understand the depth of this situation? How is his family reacting? Is his family being harassed by the locals? How are his mother and sisters reacting? That’s the book I wanted to read.
Maybe I’ve read one too many John Grisham novels in my youth to expect a good legal story but this book was extremely disappointing
I put this book down at 65% (175 pages out of 260) and I’m going to explain why this particular book didn’t work for me.
First of all, the big sell - the book is marketed as a courtroom drama where a Muslim lawyer defends a young Christian boy who has been accused of defiling a mosque. Out of the 175 pages that I read, there are a total of three scenes which sets this plot up and then the author conveniently abandons this and tells you about the love story of lawyer Sikander, his beloved Sanah and her husband, Fazeel.
The love triangle is as basic as it gets. There’s no sense of attachment between any of the three characters and their relationship just as flat as the ground we walk on. The dialogue is downright cheesy, some scenes have been lifted straight out of Bollywood movies and the first thing our hero noticed about the love interest were her tanned legs..The husband and the lawyer went to school together at one point where the husband was a bully and broke the lawyer’s jaw. Some serious trauma added in but we don’t address those in our books, do we?
Additionally, other plot-lines are being explored e.g. the one with the nanny and then just left mid-way to talk about the really boring love triangle.
The writing reads like it’s a middle grade book. The one confrontation that I read with the villain read straight out of a teen movie where the hero and the villain just run their mouths, reveal plot line just through talking and threaten each other.
I think one way to fix this book would have been to hire a really, really good editor. Someone who could’ve guided the author into picking ONE plot line and sticking to it. The whole love interest could’ve been dropped and the story should have been about the boy, what emotional impact this accusation has on him, does he understand the depth of this situation? How is his family reacting? Is his family being harassed by the locals? How are his mother and sisters reacting? That’s the book I wanted to read.
Maybe I’ve read one too many John Grisham novels in my youth to expect a good legal story but this book was extremely disappointing
May 12, 2020
Blasphemy is a necessary book. Sikhander is a privileged young man reckoning both with his own darkness and that of his troubled country, and unlike most fictional young men he isn't thrust into the role of defender but chooses courage of his own volition. His relationship with Abbey is strikingly real and reminds us of the many women still left behind by the MeToo era, living among those whose entire faith rests on the word of a single man, but who themselves are yet to be believed.
February 22, 2021
3 reasons why you should DEFINITELY read this book!
1) This was the first political fiction that I actually loved! Usually the authors get so caught up in trying to make a political point that they end up loosing the depth, the tension, and the characterization that makes a good read. This book is about religious extremism, love and humanity and Osman Haneef, the writer, has penned it down so, so perfectly! His storytelling had me engrossed throughout and left me spellbound at the end of every chapter.
2) The book talks about religious extremism and blasphemy- but not just that. It also highlights various other issues like domestic violence, child abuse, death threats, false accusations, blind faith; so much that plagues the streets of Pakistan everyday, but in a very interesting way. The book was not at all boring, instead it was so gripping, that at every new chapter, I convinced myself for just ONE more.
3) The main character, Sikander, belongs to Quetta, and the writer has given such an amazing description of the city and its people, that I had a perfect picture in my mind and it felt like I had explored a whole new cast! Moreover, the character building is also very strong! I could picture everyone in my mind!
When I first read the synopsis of the book, I knew I had to read the book itself. I had only three days to finish this book and I completed it in 48 hours- I know! I’m in shock too! This book was so compelling, my God! It’s a must read!
1) This was the first political fiction that I actually loved! Usually the authors get so caught up in trying to make a political point that they end up loosing the depth, the tension, and the characterization that makes a good read. This book is about religious extremism, love and humanity and Osman Haneef, the writer, has penned it down so, so perfectly! His storytelling had me engrossed throughout and left me spellbound at the end of every chapter.
2) The book talks about religious extremism and blasphemy- but not just that. It also highlights various other issues like domestic violence, child abuse, death threats, false accusations, blind faith; so much that plagues the streets of Pakistan everyday, but in a very interesting way. The book was not at all boring, instead it was so gripping, that at every new chapter, I convinced myself for just ONE more.
3) The main character, Sikander, belongs to Quetta, and the writer has given such an amazing description of the city and its people, that I had a perfect picture in my mind and it felt like I had explored a whole new cast! Moreover, the character building is also very strong! I could picture everyone in my mind!
When I first read the synopsis of the book, I knew I had to read the book itself. I had only three days to finish this book and I completed it in 48 hours- I know! I’m in shock too! This book was so compelling, my God! It’s a must read!
August 21, 2021
Finished this novel the night before yesterday around 1:50 am and I kid you not guys it kept me hooket till the very end.
.
The Verdict explores the pathan culture in Quetta , the main character trys to Defend a blasphemy case and opposes angry Religious Extremists while torn between a hopeless love triangle.
Sikandar Ghaznavi arrives in quetta after being abroad for years long after he completed his law from yale and fell in love. Now he's back to the misery he once escaped but his somewhat normal life takes a 360° turn whe he tries to defend a christian boy who's been accused of blasphemy and the consequences unfolds some of his family's long lost secrets.
This book takes you on road full of precipices that is filled with the worries of a mother for her child and the need to protect a daughter's honour , it sheds light over the advantage that rich has over poor and entagles the reader till the end in it's never ending suspense . The author has flabbergasted me with the ending that caught me so off gaurd, when i was the most certain about it.
.
Osman Haneef deserves all the praise for representing the true culture of quetta and portraying the struggles of minorities in pakistan with absolute perfection as this genre has not been experimented with alot in pakistani fiction.
Also i'm a pathan too so the words like "morey" and "bachay" that are so often used in this book gave such a homie vibe ❤
.
The Verdict explores the pathan culture in Quetta , the main character trys to Defend a blasphemy case and opposes angry Religious Extremists while torn between a hopeless love triangle.
Sikandar Ghaznavi arrives in quetta after being abroad for years long after he completed his law from yale and fell in love. Now he's back to the misery he once escaped but his somewhat normal life takes a 360° turn whe he tries to defend a christian boy who's been accused of blasphemy and the consequences unfolds some of his family's long lost secrets.
This book takes you on road full of precipices that is filled with the worries of a mother for her child and the need to protect a daughter's honour , it sheds light over the advantage that rich has over poor and entagles the reader till the end in it's never ending suspense . The author has flabbergasted me with the ending that caught me so off gaurd, when i was the most certain about it.
.
Osman Haneef deserves all the praise for representing the true culture of quetta and portraying the struggles of minorities in pakistan with absolute perfection as this genre has not been experimented with alot in pakistani fiction.
Also i'm a pathan too so the words like "morey" and "bachay" that are so often used in this book gave such a homie vibe ❤
December 21, 2021
Was a gripping read for a Sunday. Read the 263 pages or so in one day! As far as the writer's craft is concerned, it is amazingly fluid with great hooks in between the chapters.
Packed with issues close to the heart of many South Asians- social injustice, malafide legal aspects charred by colonial remnants, conflict of nature vs. nurture, with a background of heartbreak and idealistic longing for a relationship which defines our purpose in life. Descriptive yet simple.
A must read for students of sustainable social development, gender roles and human rights activism and of course the field of law.
Packed with issues close to the heart of many South Asians- social injustice, malafide legal aspects charred by colonial remnants, conflict of nature vs. nurture, with a background of heartbreak and idealistic longing for a relationship which defines our purpose in life. Descriptive yet simple.
A must read for students of sustainable social development, gender roles and human rights activism and of course the field of law.
November 24, 2020
A gripping tale about right, wrong, truth and corruption, and a little bit of love. An enticing read while at the same time saying something about Pakistan, and our world in general. Totally recommend it.
March 19, 2021
“Stand up for those who cannot defend or speak for themselves- the poor and downtrodden- that path leads to true success.”
.
Started reading this book a day ago, and stayed in a position of knowing more and more- resulted finished it in less than a day. The book talked about a Lawyer coming from Boston to Pakistan after the demise of his nanny, who look after him from childhood. In Pakistan’s city Quetta, he finds himself amid the chaos of issues which not only sensitive but spike the foundation of the society. With that, he was trapped in the hopeless love of her fellow lawyer.
The book talked about an issue which rare to find in Pakistan but when it happened, we see that how media and people react. So much so that even the laws on blasphemy exist in the country and to be honest it’s better to let the law do the work regardless of talking matters in hand. But unfortunately our law and judiciary system lack in so many ways that one can’t put in one review.
The author talked about the boy who was framed as the culprit of blasphemy and started the case of proving him innocent by Sikandar, the lead while on the other side stood the Iman of a mosque with influence from politics to businessman to the judiciary.
Honestly, it makes me feel sad that how the innocent boy ends up. It’s high time that there has to be active law who worked non these issues to address and make it obvious to Stan the right thing. One thing which is crystal clear was there’s no deny in being sensitive and emotional when it comes to Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) and matters of Islam. But let the law handle, and set an example by showing that there are things that hurt others’ faith and those things shouldn’t be touched.
Other than that, the book points to the issue of minorities and tolerance for other religious communities. We might put the label of being good to all, but let’s not refuse that how our extremist people see the minorities and consider them outcasts when there’s no such thing in our religion.
The author dotted almost everything in 250 pages and happy to read some important stuff in it. But the only problem I find myself digesting stuff was the live life of the main lead. No matter in which society, the community you living or the religion you follow... cheating is the constant. Emotions or feelings aside but this line ‘all is fair in love and war’ can’t be justified by the stupidity of people who cheat behind the back of their partners.
It hurt me to read that how easily Sanah; the female lead, literally had a one-night stand with someone who’s not her mahram (it’s a huge deal for me) while she’s the wife of someone else and how smoothly it wrapped around at the end of the book and even then the nerve of the woman to announce her love for her husband and yet kissed the man. I adore the character of sanah’s husband.
To conclude, the author makes it clear that what’s there to think and how we need to change our mindset and start living more humanly if we wanted to see society in a Better place. There’s this thing that people go to such lengths to save the honor of family that literally destroy the lives of poor. A blind elderly man rapped a young Christian girl, and she got pregnant and yet nerve of them they clearly not bother to took the responsibility and let the girl live a life filled with misery.
And to my opinion: regardless of how bold or successful you become, there are some limits and boundaries one must keep him or herself in. Thank you.
.
Started reading this book a day ago, and stayed in a position of knowing more and more- resulted finished it in less than a day. The book talked about a Lawyer coming from Boston to Pakistan after the demise of his nanny, who look after him from childhood. In Pakistan’s city Quetta, he finds himself amid the chaos of issues which not only sensitive but spike the foundation of the society. With that, he was trapped in the hopeless love of her fellow lawyer.
The book talked about an issue which rare to find in Pakistan but when it happened, we see that how media and people react. So much so that even the laws on blasphemy exist in the country and to be honest it’s better to let the law do the work regardless of talking matters in hand. But unfortunately our law and judiciary system lack in so many ways that one can’t put in one review.
The author talked about the boy who was framed as the culprit of blasphemy and started the case of proving him innocent by Sikandar, the lead while on the other side stood the Iman of a mosque with influence from politics to businessman to the judiciary.
Honestly, it makes me feel sad that how the innocent boy ends up. It’s high time that there has to be active law who worked non these issues to address and make it obvious to Stan the right thing. One thing which is crystal clear was there’s no deny in being sensitive and emotional when it comes to Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) and matters of Islam. But let the law handle, and set an example by showing that there are things that hurt others’ faith and those things shouldn’t be touched.
Other than that, the book points to the issue of minorities and tolerance for other religious communities. We might put the label of being good to all, but let’s not refuse that how our extremist people see the minorities and consider them outcasts when there’s no such thing in our religion.
The author dotted almost everything in 250 pages and happy to read some important stuff in it. But the only problem I find myself digesting stuff was the live life of the main lead. No matter in which society, the community you living or the religion you follow... cheating is the constant. Emotions or feelings aside but this line ‘all is fair in love and war’ can’t be justified by the stupidity of people who cheat behind the back of their partners.
It hurt me to read that how easily Sanah; the female lead, literally had a one-night stand with someone who’s not her mahram (it’s a huge deal for me) while she’s the wife of someone else and how smoothly it wrapped around at the end of the book and even then the nerve of the woman to announce her love for her husband and yet kissed the man. I adore the character of sanah’s husband.
To conclude, the author makes it clear that what’s there to think and how we need to change our mindset and start living more humanly if we wanted to see society in a Better place. There’s this thing that people go to such lengths to save the honor of family that literally destroy the lives of poor. A blind elderly man rapped a young Christian girl, and she got pregnant and yet nerve of them they clearly not bother to took the responsibility and let the girl live a life filled with misery.
And to my opinion: regardless of how bold or successful you become, there are some limits and boundaries one must keep him or herself in. Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2020
Riveting exciting read written with literary flair.
April 27, 2021
One star for having the courage to publish this.
May 22, 2021
You would think the story is of a blasphemy trial that mushrooms out of a rejected proposal. An elderly Muslim store owner Yusif Khan proposes a 30-plus Christian housemaid Mena. And when she refuses, instead of kidnapping, raping or forcefully converting her, he conspires with his good friend Pir Piya to raise blasphemy charges against her younger half-brother, 13-year old Danesh, for defiling a mosque, to force her to marry him. All defence witnesses lie under Pir’s directions. Pir Piya holds a secret of his own: he is a middle-aged gay or pedophiliac religious leader, having sex with boys like Danesh. You’d think the story would be how the nutcracker of an explosive case gets resolved.
You’d be wrong. The actual story is a clandestine love affair that starts between Danesh’s defence team: Sikander and the much-married Sanah. Majority of the books lingers on Sikander pining over her and she, dilly dallying with him.
Instantly disliked the lead character Sikander. By page 31, he is insufferable, and by page 41, unbearable. He is a bad son, bad friend, bad lover, and a bad lawyer. He’s also an utter moron. And a perennial procrastinator. He is supposed to have studied at Lincoln’s Inn and Yale Law School and worked in a hotshot Boston legal firm, but he cannot hold a legal argument in a sessions court without breaking into a sweat. He has no friends, drink buddies, contacts or connections, and no clue about seriousness of the security situation in Quetta or risk for a blasphemy defendant. He cares more about a nanny he had from age 8-15 than his own parents, and leaves U.S. only when he misses her call. And instead of finding a job in Pakistan, he kills time by flying kites with 13-year old boys and thinking about Sanah.
Instantly disliked Sanah, written as an emotionally unstable, flippant tramp, who never takes responsibility for anything in her life. She belongs to a military family. She studied abroad and works pro bono in Quetta but has no law office and is affiliated with no human rights organization. She irritatingly calls her husband Fazeel, some hotshot Kargil POW soldier, son of a general, by the petname Fuzzy, quite passive-aggressively. Her constant yes-no to Sikander’s advances and gaslighting across a decade makes no sense, neither does her toying with a husband who stood with her through sickness and health or her lack of an office. She does know how to cross-examine though.
Both Sikander and Sanah are what we, in Pakistan would call, ‘confused desis.’
The story is full of unrealistic scenarios, unbelievable conversations between people of different eco-social classes, and whiny, wily men. The content reads like an editor's checklist of what to add in contemporary Pakistani fiction. All men in this story throw a hissy fit more than once: the most memorable is the one by Zeeshan Durrani, nanny’s grandson, the suicidal BA-pass unemployed Tableeghi-Jamaat follower who thinks he can talk to Sikander and his mom rudely and condescendingly, does, and gets away with it.
There are also no winners in this tale, well, maybe except Zeeshan, who gets a job at the end as a legal clerk, through Sikander’s efforts.
Felt sorry for Danesh.
I liked the way Quetta’s cantonment area was described: “Unlike the rest of the city, the cantonment had manicured lawns, parks, and sidewalks. It felt like another country, and Sikander had to go through several security checks to enter.”
Also liked how Sikander used the few brain cells he had to figure out how Pir ‘saw the future.’
Creepy line: “The Governor of Punjab has also taken an interest. This could be the start of real change.”
Very cool line: “What is so Western about tolerance and human rights?”
It’s a good first attempt, a self-published title from a vanity-publisher Reverie, though undeserving of the glowing reviews by Dawn.com and The News on Sunday.
You’d be wrong. The actual story is a clandestine love affair that starts between Danesh’s defence team: Sikander and the much-married Sanah. Majority of the books lingers on Sikander pining over her and she, dilly dallying with him.
Instantly disliked the lead character Sikander. By page 31, he is insufferable, and by page 41, unbearable. He is a bad son, bad friend, bad lover, and a bad lawyer. He’s also an utter moron. And a perennial procrastinator. He is supposed to have studied at Lincoln’s Inn and Yale Law School and worked in a hotshot Boston legal firm, but he cannot hold a legal argument in a sessions court without breaking into a sweat. He has no friends, drink buddies, contacts or connections, and no clue about seriousness of the security situation in Quetta or risk for a blasphemy defendant. He cares more about a nanny he had from age 8-15 than his own parents, and leaves U.S. only when he misses her call. And instead of finding a job in Pakistan, he kills time by flying kites with 13-year old boys and thinking about Sanah.
Instantly disliked Sanah, written as an emotionally unstable, flippant tramp, who never takes responsibility for anything in her life. She belongs to a military family. She studied abroad and works pro bono in Quetta but has no law office and is affiliated with no human rights organization. She irritatingly calls her husband Fazeel, some hotshot Kargil POW soldier, son of a general, by the petname Fuzzy, quite passive-aggressively. Her constant yes-no to Sikander’s advances and gaslighting across a decade makes no sense, neither does her toying with a husband who stood with her through sickness and health or her lack of an office. She does know how to cross-examine though.
Both Sikander and Sanah are what we, in Pakistan would call, ‘confused desis.’
The story is full of unrealistic scenarios, unbelievable conversations between people of different eco-social classes, and whiny, wily men. The content reads like an editor's checklist of what to add in contemporary Pakistani fiction. All men in this story throw a hissy fit more than once: the most memorable is the one by Zeeshan Durrani, nanny’s grandson, the suicidal BA-pass unemployed Tableeghi-Jamaat follower who thinks he can talk to Sikander and his mom rudely and condescendingly, does, and gets away with it.
There are also no winners in this tale, well, maybe except Zeeshan, who gets a job at the end as a legal clerk, through Sikander’s efforts.
Felt sorry for Danesh.
I liked the way Quetta’s cantonment area was described: “Unlike the rest of the city, the cantonment had manicured lawns, parks, and sidewalks. It felt like another country, and Sikander had to go through several security checks to enter.”
Also liked how Sikander used the few brain cells he had to figure out how Pir ‘saw the future.’
Creepy line: “The Governor of Punjab has also taken an interest. This could be the start of real change.”
Very cool line: “What is so Western about tolerance and human rights?”
It’s a good first attempt, a self-published title from a vanity-publisher Reverie, though undeserving of the glowing reviews by Dawn.com and The News on Sunday.
February 8, 2021
*This review was initially published at The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go
here
.
When I first saw- let alone read the summary or even the title of the book- I knew I had to read Blasphemy as it looked right up my alley. A book set in Pakistan dealing with the trial of a Christian boy sounded like a setup I would have picked up on my own anyway, but I’m so grateful that @iamreadomania kindly offered to send me a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Sikander Ghaznavi returns to Pakistan and takes it upon himself to defend a Christian boy accused of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death, seeking a sort of redemption. He seeks help from his former lover Sanah, a human rights lawyer. Both the well developed characters with a story so interesting that ends in the most graceful manner (a rarity, really) come to terms with the reality of their country.
A poignant tale about religious extremism, Blasphemy is an eye opener not just to that, but various other issues like domestic violence, child abuse, death threats, false accusations, blind faith and so much more that plague the streets of Pakistan. Author Osman Haneef’s writing is brilliant, from the description of the city Quetta to its people, everything was put down meticulously. His storytelling had me engrossed throughout, and left me feeling shocked, stirred and satisfied.
This was somewhat like The Kite Runner meets The Reluctant Fundamentalist, but to be very honest, the comparison is just so a reader would pick up this book if they like the two mentioned. On its own, Blasphemy stands a sharp, unique, impressive and moving read.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Readomania in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
When I first saw- let alone read the summary or even the title of the book- I knew I had to read Blasphemy as it looked right up my alley. A book set in Pakistan dealing with the trial of a Christian boy sounded like a setup I would have picked up on my own anyway, but I’m so grateful that @iamreadomania kindly offered to send me a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Sikander Ghaznavi returns to Pakistan and takes it upon himself to defend a Christian boy accused of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death, seeking a sort of redemption. He seeks help from his former lover Sanah, a human rights lawyer. Both the well developed characters with a story so interesting that ends in the most graceful manner (a rarity, really) come to terms with the reality of their country.
A poignant tale about religious extremism, Blasphemy is an eye opener not just to that, but various other issues like domestic violence, child abuse, death threats, false accusations, blind faith and so much more that plague the streets of Pakistan. Author Osman Haneef’s writing is brilliant, from the description of the city Quetta to its people, everything was put down meticulously. His storytelling had me engrossed throughout, and left me feeling shocked, stirred and satisfied.
This was somewhat like The Kite Runner meets The Reluctant Fundamentalist, but to be very honest, the comparison is just so a reader would pick up this book if they like the two mentioned. On its own, Blasphemy stands a sharp, unique, impressive and moving read.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Readomania in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
September 22, 2020
Magnificent! Great character development, and an important topic that will keep you on your toes. A thrilling and fast read. I couldn't put it down.
March 3, 2021
The book that is being called the 'To Kill A Mockingbird of Pakistan' after Harper Lee's work, this news sparked my interest quite a lot. The parallels drawn alongside a book that has challenging themes of profanity and injustice. I had to read this one. After finishing this book the first thought that came to my mind was– "This book is like a mixture of all of Khaled Hossieni's novels plus Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird!"
The twists and turns of fate left Sikander wanting to return to Quetta, the city he had vowed to never go back to. Over kite flying competition, creamy kulfis and discussions about dreams that are prophecies in disguise, Sikander bonds with Danesh. Maybe it was Sikander's haunting past or his troubled mind that warmed him up to Danesh and that he took on his case. The young Christian boy who is barely twelve years old is accused, albeit wrongly, of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death in Pakistan.
Sikander's Baba, while suffering from dementia, was one of the influential men who had passed the law stating blasphemy as a crime punishable by death. There are layers of emotions in this book, it is a warm and thought provoking book; it has drama, romance and ends on a tragic note, teaching us many things, but, above all, bringing to light the fact that people are oppressed, the system is corrupt, domestic violence and child abuse still prevail, and the ones in power exploit others from under the garb of righteousness. The book impels you to look that– in the wrong hands faith and religion can become tools that break people apart and set developing societies back by years.
A must read in my opinion!
The twists and turns of fate left Sikander wanting to return to Quetta, the city he had vowed to never go back to. Over kite flying competition, creamy kulfis and discussions about dreams that are prophecies in disguise, Sikander bonds with Danesh. Maybe it was Sikander's haunting past or his troubled mind that warmed him up to Danesh and that he took on his case. The young Christian boy who is barely twelve years old is accused, albeit wrongly, of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death in Pakistan.
Sikander's Baba, while suffering from dementia, was one of the influential men who had passed the law stating blasphemy as a crime punishable by death. There are layers of emotions in this book, it is a warm and thought provoking book; it has drama, romance and ends on a tragic note, teaching us many things, but, above all, bringing to light the fact that people are oppressed, the system is corrupt, domestic violence and child abuse still prevail, and the ones in power exploit others from under the garb of righteousness. The book impels you to look that– in the wrong hands faith and religion can become tools that break people apart and set developing societies back by years.
A must read in my opinion!
May 6, 2021
This book is a medicore style writing; it has addressed a very sensitive topic, but the good part is the revelation of the most important tradition in Pakistan, which is the final verdict by people who claim to be religious scholars like pir piya, the culprit.
It is about the ego of pir piya who is false islamic scholar who wants to avenge himself by accusing the innocent boy danesh.
The writing style is not impressive btw, you will feel several stories turning up simultaneously making the plot very blurry.
It is about the ego of pir piya who is false islamic scholar who wants to avenge himself by accusing the innocent boy danesh.
The writing style is not impressive btw, you will feel several stories turning up simultaneously making the plot very blurry.
May 31, 2020
A riveting book on the topic of religious extremism, and how the powerful use it as a tool for their own cynical ends. It is a rising ill in many countries, setting societies back by decades, even centuries; and thus is a universal story.
June 21, 2020
An intense story of love, religion, and humanity.
It is powerful, gripping, gut-wrenching, heart-warming – all at the same time!
It is powerful, gripping, gut-wrenching, heart-warming – all at the same time!
August 28, 2021
Blasphemy had two parallel stories running in one book. The first one is of the young lawyer Sikander Ghaznavi and another of his origin- Pakistan. The depilated and dark state of the country resonates with the darkness inside the heart of the protagonist.
Sikandar Ghaznavi is a trained lawyer who returns to Pakistan. Haunted by his tragic past, Sikander is confused, and he has no real motive in life after coming back to Pakistan. Amidst this, Sikander finds himself entangled with the life of the boy Danesh and his sister Mena, the Christian Catholics working at his house.
One thing leads to another, and Sikander finds himself fighting in the court for Danesh. he approaches the best human rights lawyer Sanah, once his love interest in Boston. She has got married to Faazil, an army man, someone Sikander finds way below her mettle.
Blasphemy is essentially political fiction. In fact, it is loosely based on the actual trial of a Christian boy Salamat Masih who was tried for blasphemous writing on the mosque wall, despite being the fact that he was illiterate. A lot is going on in the story. There is a love triangle between Sikander, Sanah, and Faazil. Abhey-Sikander's dead nanny's family has lurking secrets. There is an illegitimate son, no-one knows about. Sometimes one loses track. Though there is no denying that it gives a comprehensive view of the .country's legal system. The influence of the rich and religious over the law.
Overall the book is entertaining though I feel it could have been a little tighter storywise.
Sikandar Ghaznavi is a trained lawyer who returns to Pakistan. Haunted by his tragic past, Sikander is confused, and he has no real motive in life after coming back to Pakistan. Amidst this, Sikander finds himself entangled with the life of the boy Danesh and his sister Mena, the Christian Catholics working at his house.
One thing leads to another, and Sikander finds himself fighting in the court for Danesh. he approaches the best human rights lawyer Sanah, once his love interest in Boston. She has got married to Faazil, an army man, someone Sikander finds way below her mettle.
Blasphemy is essentially political fiction. In fact, it is loosely based on the actual trial of a Christian boy Salamat Masih who was tried for blasphemous writing on the mosque wall, despite being the fact that he was illiterate. A lot is going on in the story. There is a love triangle between Sikander, Sanah, and Faazil. Abhey-Sikander's dead nanny's family has lurking secrets. There is an illegitimate son, no-one knows about. Sometimes one loses track. Though there is no denying that it gives a comprehensive view of the .country's legal system. The influence of the rich and religious over the law.
Overall the book is entertaining though I feel it could have been a little tighter storywise.
July 25, 2022
The Verdict is the story of a young lawyer who has returned to his motherland after studying and practicing abroad. What starts as an internal battle about past relationships (his father, the woman who raised him like a mother and the love of his life who abandoned him) soon becomes something bigger than himself. Sikandar finds himself in the position to save someone’s life.
This book can be read in one sitting as it’s only 260 pages long. And that’s the only thing that I did not like about it. I want more! Where is the rest of the book?
The first half of this poignant story was so well paced, the character development done well, the scene set beautifully in the city of Quetta. I was engrossed, I couldn’t put the book down. But then the second half was so rushed. Everything, the trial, the witnesses, the investigation and the affair. I felt like I was reading the summary of the story.
I am honestly heartbroken about the end. I need more pages I need a part two because I got so emotionally invested in these characters.
My final verdict, I’d recommend this book despite the unsatisfactory end. Ever so often we need fictional characters to help us understand some very real problems.
This book can be read in one sitting as it’s only 260 pages long. And that’s the only thing that I did not like about it. I want more! Where is the rest of the book?
The first half of this poignant story was so well paced, the character development done well, the scene set beautifully in the city of Quetta. I was engrossed, I couldn’t put the book down. But then the second half was so rushed. Everything, the trial, the witnesses, the investigation and the affair. I felt like I was reading the summary of the story.
I am honestly heartbroken about the end. I need more pages I need a part two because I got so emotionally invested in these characters.
My final verdict, I’d recommend this book despite the unsatisfactory end. Ever so often we need fictional characters to help us understand some very real problems.
July 16, 2022
This same book in Pakistan is released as The Verdict and that's how serious the word Blasphemy is in Pakistan. The book is about a Blasphemy case against a Christian boy named Danesh and his Lawyer Sikander.
I loved how the book draws parallels to reality and with such ease tells a story that is important and also thought provoking. How different characters have their personality and how well their complexities are explained. The relationships between the characters and the unfolding darma.
It's gonna be on the top of my recommendation for time to come.
I loved how the book draws parallels to reality and with such ease tells a story that is important and also thought provoking. How different characters have their personality and how well their complexities are explained. The relationships between the characters and the unfolding darma.
It's gonna be on the top of my recommendation for time to come.
July 28, 2021
Hats off to the author for writing on this topic. Our society needs such books. However, the writing style is ordinary and I think the book falls short on literary merit. Most of the situations are cliched; the story is predictable and not very engaging; the characters are shallow and the choice of POVs does not allow the characters to be relatable; the author errs on POV on some occasions; some editing errors too.
April 20, 2021
This is an iconic, genre-defying debut from Osman Haneef. It is set in Quetta, a city seldom talked about in Pakistan. I felt utterly transported while reading this novel. Haneef's hard-hitting and yet lyrical prose will keep you reading well into the night. This is a book that is definitely not to be missed!
June 18, 2021
Absolutely riveting read
Osman Haneef has done a brilliant job in bringing to life a landmark trial in Pakistan. In doing so he has given us an insightful view of the socio economic environment in Pakistan. His narrative is fast paced, candid and poignant all in good measure. Loved the book !
Osman Haneef has done a brilliant job in bringing to life a landmark trial in Pakistan. In doing so he has given us an insightful view of the socio economic environment in Pakistan. His narrative is fast paced, candid and poignant all in good measure. Loved the book !
July 28, 2025
If you have read quite a few Afghan based fiction books, this will come across as predictable. If you are new to this genre and culture then you'll love it😀
March 13, 2021
🌟 Blasphemy: The Trial of Danish Masih🌟
I read this book over two days and what an excellent read by Osman Haneef. I would highly recommend this read, it’s a political fiction that keeps you gripped throughout.
The book is set in Pakistan. The story is about Sikander Ghaznavi who arrives in Quetta after many years of being abroad and studying law. He takes on the defence of a Christian boy who has been falsely accused of blasphemy. He reaches out to a friend and a women he has loved to help with the case. She is a Human Rights lawyer and is wedded to another man so there is a love triangle going on.
I enjoyed how the narrative is taken back in time through the book to the younger Sikander, and his take on what has happened in his life. His regrets his bitterness and family life is portrayed. He tries to use these to make sense of the presence.
It’s a poignant tale of religious extremism. It’s an eye opener to the many issues discussed like, child abuse, domestic violence, corruption, blind faith, death threats, false accusations and so much more. It really plays on the emotions of each character.
It highlights many of the issues in Pakistani society that are taboo or not tackled. It shows how the elite exploit their powers under the pretence of righteousness. The Pir (Peer) culture is very real in Pakistan as people are brainwashed into blind faith of the Pir’s they are looking up to. They are unable to decipher right from wrong.
The writer has done an excellent job of writing this book on a very sensitive issue. It is a much needed read to open up to the ideas of social injustice and what is done against the poor, weak or underprivileged humans. It was a gripping book about the conflict and social injustice and ends tragically.
I read this book over two days and what an excellent read by Osman Haneef. I would highly recommend this read, it’s a political fiction that keeps you gripped throughout.
The book is set in Pakistan. The story is about Sikander Ghaznavi who arrives in Quetta after many years of being abroad and studying law. He takes on the defence of a Christian boy who has been falsely accused of blasphemy. He reaches out to a friend and a women he has loved to help with the case. She is a Human Rights lawyer and is wedded to another man so there is a love triangle going on.
I enjoyed how the narrative is taken back in time through the book to the younger Sikander, and his take on what has happened in his life. His regrets his bitterness and family life is portrayed. He tries to use these to make sense of the presence.
It’s a poignant tale of religious extremism. It’s an eye opener to the many issues discussed like, child abuse, domestic violence, corruption, blind faith, death threats, false accusations and so much more. It really plays on the emotions of each character.
It highlights many of the issues in Pakistani society that are taboo or not tackled. It shows how the elite exploit their powers under the pretence of righteousness. The Pir (Peer) culture is very real in Pakistan as people are brainwashed into blind faith of the Pir’s they are looking up to. They are unable to decipher right from wrong.
The writer has done an excellent job of writing this book on a very sensitive issue. It is a much needed read to open up to the ideas of social injustice and what is done against the poor, weak or underprivileged humans. It was a gripping book about the conflict and social injustice and ends tragically.
July 3, 2024
3.5 stars.
December 16, 2025
probably the quickest ive read a book, felt myself relating to certain characters and the background and the roots of them, a good piece to read. definitely worth my time
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