End of Innocence

by Moni Mohsin

Western Pakistan, the winter of 1971, and 9 year old Laila has a secret. Ignored by the adults around her yet desperate to know their world, Laila takes comfort in being the confidant of teenager Rani – privy to details of the older girl’s forbidden love affair. But when that affair bears unwelcome fruit, a floundering Rani leans on Laila for solace and support. Yet Laila – still a child – neither comprehends the danger nor is able to help; and thus unwittingly leads Rani towards catastrophe …

Genres: Fiction, Harlequin, Romance, Historical Fiction, Chick Lit

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Mohsin grew up in Lahore, and describes herself as being from a family of "educated, westernised people". When General Zia ul-Haq came to power in a coup in 1977, her family began to feel less comfortable in the new, religious Pakistan, where political repression against nonconformists became routine, but remained in Lahore. Mohsin left Pakistan at 16 to study at a boarding school in England, and later attended Cambridge University, where she studied anthropology and archaeology. Afterward she returned to Pakistan, where she founded the country's first nature magazine. After General Zia's death she moved more decisively into the public sphere, working for the independent "Friday Times", where she rose to the ranks of features editor.

Her books include "The End of Innocence", her debut novel '"Tender Hooks" AKA "Duty Free", and "The Diary of a Social Butterfly". Her writing has also appeared in "The Times", "The Guardian", the "Washington Post", "Prospect", "The Nation", and other publications.

She now divides her time between Lahore and London, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her sister, Jugnu Mohsin, is the publisher of "The Friday Times", an independent Pakistani weekly.[1]

Reviews

[Neha Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moni Mohsin the brilliant writer of the satirical butterfly series, shows her serious side with this book. Every word is soaked in nostalgia of growing up in Pakistan of 70s - in a nation conflicted between the old and new world, the politics and hierarchy of a feudal system, disparity between haves and the have-nots, louche theatre dreams, hopes of romance, confused childhood and dilemmas of growing up, the role of man and woman in a conservative society, and a nation at war inside and out.
Moni's story telling skills are exceptional. I loved the parts where she tells tales of the convent schools of big cities and the taboo of watching vibrant spicy films in Theatre by women folk and the fantasies attached to it.

The narrator is a young girl who shows immense maturity, though in retrospect with guilt. The protagonist is another young girl at the helm of becoming a woman, alluded by dreams and hormones of her age. There are other righteous characters who stick to the old world rules while the new world is embroiled in a fight for basic survival dumping the lofty ideals.

In a not so equal world - everything looses its meaning and there are no happy endings. I fail to understand how a man can become so cruel and inhuman, with anger and frustration lashing over everything in its control ruining so many lives. The book leaves you with a gash on your soul, thinking there is no retribution in this world or this life time, contrary to the religions we believe in. The evil walks free on this planet trampling beauty and innocence.

But who created this evil, isn't it the so called good and the righteous. A bastard kills another bastard life, because it understands how difficult such a life is. Who gives us right to judge others and end lives in the name of social justice. I have no answers, I just wish it never happened because no one can explain the madness that goes on in this world. How any one can kill a child and feel it was the right thing to do? There is good in this world but there is also evil and all those in between are victims. The only place any innocence is left is childhood and the nostalgia of the same haunts us all - the ending of innocence indeed.

[The Contented · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I started reading this book on a flight back from Dubai, thinking I could use some of Moni Mohsin's satire, her hilarious take on Lahori social butterflies. This book was different though. No humour, but the darkest take on honour killings that I have yet read, and the societies that allow them to happen.

[AlexandraB95 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were my property, I wouldn’t hesitate to turn you over my knee for a remark like that. In fact, the thought is quite tempting. The taming of the shrew!

---------------

Tell me, Don Rafael, why do you hate me so much?“
For a moment they stood facing each other, adversaries in some as yet unnamed battle.
Then suddenly, before she had time to resist, she felt his hands reach out and grasp her,low on her body, below the level of her cape, where only the flimsy stuff of her dress lay between his fingers and her skin. He pulled her fiercely upward and forward, against his muscular body, molding her hips to his. A slow rasping intake of his breath punctuated the action, and for one moment of intense shock Liona was frozen into immobility.

Now are you so sure, my cowardly little lioness,“ he threw at her in a contemptuous voice, „‘that you know exactly how I feel about you?“

----------------

She tried to push at his chest, only to become imprisoned in the tangle of matted hair in the opening of his shirt. Its texture over warm flesh drew her fingertips farther beneath the cloth, to sinewed shoulders. Hard muscles rippled beneath her touch, and a ridge of corded scar tissue.
„Tell me what I want to hear,“ he muttered. „Beg me to make love to you.“
„Stop, Rafael, please,“ she begged, twisting her head away, denying the actions of her hands that of their own accord had loosened the buttons of his shirt.

------------------

He carried her, kicking and screaming as she had warned, to the bedroom. He threw her on the bed, ignoring her protests, and ripped at her tunic. For a few minutes his hands probed hurt-fully at her naked breasts, causing her to gasp with pain and shock. And then to scream again, until his tongue, like a weapon, drove the screams back into her throat.
He tore at the chiffon of the harem trousers. There was no forbearance now, and when she struggled and clawed at him, he took the ripped chiffon and tied her hands to the post of the canopied bed. She was naked, and Rafael very near the goal he sought, one leg thrown over her limbs to keep them still, his hands coursing over her flesh with nothing to stop him. Despite everything, she could feel her traitorous body responding to his touch

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[Sarah Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m done with these morons. Nothing makes them happy. First Rafael is angry because she’s not a virgin (she is, but she’s lying for some stupid reason), then he’s angry that she is. He’s angry when she says she loves his brother & wants to marry him, then he’s angry when she says she doesn’t love his brother & won’t marry him. He’s angry when she won’t stand up to his mother, then he’s angry when she does. ENOUGH, ALREADY! Liona’s own story arc followed a similar path of nonsensical bullshit, & the side characters were useless. Miguel, the supposed fulcrum, was barely on-page & when he died abruptly there was no shift in tone—nobody except his mother seemed to remember he existed, so why bother killing him (or even including him)? Only the dowager Marquesa was interesting & somewhat likable—too bad she was old & couldn’t be the heroine. 🙄

2 stars, solely for the Marquesa & the gorgeous Will Davies cover art. This was boring, nonsensical, & way too long—but at least it made me appreciate how much better LOVE BEYOND DESIRE was compared to this dreck.

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing remarkable, It was her first novel in which she tried to write something great but failed miserably in terms of character development, narrative and plot. She herself realized that and focused her efforts on chic lit and became successful.

[Umm Salihah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this writer before, but like to try books by Pakistani authors in the hope there is something that I can relate to or recognise in them. Plus I like books where the blurb suggests that there is a big juicy secret along the way.

This book is set in the lusciously green and prosperous Pakistani village of Sabzbagh during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. It tells the story of a wealthy, liberal, educated family and the villagers they live amongst. The main character is 9-year old Laila and the story unfolds from her innocent point of view.

The author creates a host of interesting characters: Laila’s imperious grandmother Sardar Begum, her beautiful but stern mother Fareeda, her gentlemanly and philanthropic landowner father Tariq and her self-pitying, manipulative but loving ayah Bua. Then there are the passive-aggressive nuns that people the nearby convent and a host of patriotic, opinionated servants as well as a cast of nosy villagers. There is also Rani, the fifteen year old orphaned granddaughter of Sardar Begum’s servant Kaneez and also Laila’s best friend.

Rani is starved of affection and finds the love that she longs for in the arms of a young boy from another village – the consequences of this are predictable and Rani’s desperation entirely believable. The only person who is unable to understand is the narrator – Laila. The book then details the unfolding of the story of what happens to Rani and the horrific consequences in everyone’s lives.

The book is written in clear prose, interspersed with lovely descriptions of Sabzbagh, Sardar Begum’s village of Kalanpur and Laila’s home. The dialogue is wonderful and often very funny. The first half of the book kept me smiling with the scheming and silliness of many of the characters, the second half in contrast is much darker. There is a long build-up to the gruesome denouement which seems to then come all too suddenly.

Something I found Mohsin very good at, was the way she pokes fun at the upper classes, the Church through the nuns and also the mullah’s. She also shines a light on the prejudices against Bengali’s at the time which I recognised immediately. My husband is from Pakistan and he absolutely refuses to believe the Bangaldeshi’s really wanted to separate from Pakistan (it’s an Indian plot - as is everything else of course).

There were lots of things I recognised in this book – phrases that had been translated into English, but that were still recognisable to an Urdu speaker (“Humph! As if I’d sit along cobblers, truck drivers and barbers. My shoe wouldn’t even grace them with its presence”), mentions of people (Noor Jehan and her patriotic songs), films (Heer Ranjha, one of my mum’s fave’s) and places (posh Gulberg in Lahore). I suspect a lot of these references would be lost on people who are not of Pakistani or Punjabi origin.

Despite all of the above, the village was still somewhere I did not recognise. It did not have the feel of my grandparent’s village or the Pakistani villages I have passed through. This did not lessen however, my enjoyment of the lovely writing and an absorbing story.

[Amina Ahsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly the end of the age of innocence. The real life ending for both friends was a surprise.

[Sumbul · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant and heavy read!!
Couldnt put down

[Rob Imes · Rating 3 out of 5]

END OF INNOCENCE by Abra Taylor was Harlequin SuperRomance #1 (June 1980), the first of the long-running line of longer novels that Harlequin released in order to offer readers stories with more complexity than the standard category romance could provide. This one runs 384 pages which sometimes feels a bit too long, but by the end is not long enough. Despite the historical look of the cover (depicting a scene on page 218), it's a contemporary romance about Liona, an English journalist in Spain who is following a popular bullfighter named Miguel. She had been covering him for a story, but the two fell in love. When the novel opens, the two are already secretly engaged, but Miguel is injured in the ring and sent to the hospital to recover. Miguel's older brother Rafael, a former bullfighter, is opposed to their marriage, and much of the novel consists of Liona and Rafael's love-hate relationship, with Miguel barely present physically but his existence psychologically hanging over them. As it turns out, Rafael is the book's love interest, not Miguel.

I enjoyed reading this novel primarily for its setting and its educational value concerning bullfighting. My feelings about the hero's behavior switched from sympathy to loathing, and back again, depending on the circumstances. For example, his decision to leave bullfighting and his generous treatment of a young man caught illegally bullfighting are admirable, but his controlling attitude towards Liona was infuriating. When Rafael informs Liona that she must marry him to prevent a scandal, and when he attempts to rape her at various times, I wanted this guy to burn in hell for eternity. However, the heroine's behavior was almost as annoying, most notably when she promptly agrees to marry him despite apparently hating him. (I took a few notes while I was reading the novel, and when I got to that scene on page 269, I wrote down one word: "bonkers!") However, it turns out that the reason she said yes is because she really did love him, but doesn't let the reader know until page 296 when she informs another character of her true feelings. And she doesn't let Rafael know she loves him until page 335. As for Rafael, well, we know by the end that he loves her, even if he doesn't come right out and say the words, because of the funk he is in, running off alone to the place where they first kissed, which is where she finds him and they reunite. Unusually, it is the heroine who does "the grovel" at the end of this book to win him back (never mind that he raped her, she had called him a coward).

So, as can be seen from the above, this novel does have some problematic characters. On the other hand, it is well-written, and I think the author knew what she was doing when she wrote it this way. Occasionally a reference is made in the text comparing the romance to the ring, where the bullfighter is waving the cape to distract the bull. But the cape is an illusion meant to distract the bull from its true opponent. Not all is what it seems here: Rafael's mother, for example, presents a solemn, imposing face to the world, to mask her inner pain from a tragic past. Liona's professed love for Miguel turns out to have been an illusion, with Rafael the true target of her affection. So the actions of the characters are better understood through the lens of literary symbolism than as a model for real-life behavior. Incidentally, there was another illusion in the story, the truth of which was not revealed until page 314, that unfortunately got spoiled for me because it was revealed by another Goodreads reviewer -- a reminder to me that I ought not read the reviews until I've read the book. (Which is a little frustrating, because how do you get a heads-up about whether it's worth reading until seeing what others have said about the book already?) Anyway, overall I enjoyed this novel and thought it was written well, but the two main characters were not very likable and occasionally infuriating. So, a mixed bag. I rate it 3.5 (out of 5) stars.

[Subata · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the Diary Of A Social Butterfly series, and I was looking forward to reading something more serious by Mohsin. But I was profoundly disappointed--while the plot in itself is intriguing, she tells the tale languidly and with a pronounced detachment that seems to have been placed there for the sole purpose of inducing some sort of literary style. I found myself writhing in frustration because some of the parts were just too freaking drawn out. And then there were some parts that were highly predictable, which kind of threw me off as well. She should have expounded more on Rani's character, as opposed to just presenting her in Laila's point of view--I felt that the story could have been much more interesting had she not clung so stubbornly to making Laila the narrator. The couple of chapters that focused solely on Rani were some of the most insightful ones.
That being said, I really liked Laila's family. I could relate with her parents and the household servants, and they were given a good amount of dimension--although some more facets of their personalities wouldn't have hurt. For example, why was Laila's used-to-urban-culture mother always so dutiful and good anyway? I understand the need-to-be-the-perfect-woman thing, but there must have been days on which she cracked?
All in all, it was a good read, and I finished the book (which is an achievement in itself on the author's part.) But I don't think I'll read it again, unless I get extremely bored.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of Innocence follows the stories of 9 year old Leila and 14 year old Rani, two very different girls in very different circumstances. Leila is the the daughter of the local landowners - rich, privileged, yet completely unaware of her own position. Rani is the granddaughter of one of the family's servants and already knows that life doesn't have much in store for her.

Between the two girls there is a fragile friendship in which Leila is taken into Rani's confidence when Rani is facing issues bigger than Leila can comprehend. The story develops slowly and is mostly told from Leila's perspective, giving us only a child's version of what is happening around her. It is through her eyes that we see Rani's despair and fear and through her that we see the adults around the two girls fail the Rani in so many different ways.

This is a book very much worth reading, as it gives us an rare insight into the life or rural Punjab and the hopes and dreams of people all stuck in the same pathological system that is made up of ideas of class and honor but ultimately built on violence and exploitation.

[Zaib Rizvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional and complex story about two girls from very different social backgrounds and their deep bond and friendship. The book explores how the socio-economical status and education can make a difference in the way of living and how honor is considered superior to life itself. It delicately explores the psychology of different people towards freedom, progress and women empowerment. A good read. All the characters are well thought of and interesting. I specifically liked Laila with her innocence and Tariq with his liberal thinking. The only negative thing about the book was that it seemed to drag a bit in the middle.

[Smitha Parameswaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a transition from the Social Butterfly series! Moni had handled the social butterfly series so well that for me it was like reading the Bridget Jones' diary or the Shopaholic series, reading it was like eating that bar of chocolate late in the night after the kids have gone to sleep, like a guilty pleasure, like how you savour every delightful bite.

Now coming to this book, it is the coming of age sort of story told in the perspective of a sensitive, precocious 11 year old Laila who belongs to an affluent Pakistani family. She has an older sister and a whole retinue of servants who are at their every beck and call. Her parents are quiet progressive thinking even though they both come from very different families. Her dadi (Sardar Begum) is a strong authoritative presence in her life but showers her grandkids with all love and affection.

Sardar Begum is a strong woman who has had to raise her son after the death of her husband at a very young age. Despite pressures from the immediate family to handover the responsibilites, she took matters into her own hands and became the master of her own future. This is not an easy feat in the place where women and their needs always are placed last and where men are seen as the supreme beings. Tariq, her son and Laila's dad is cast from a different mold. He is seen as a very decent person who doesnt impose himself on his mom, wife or his girls. He in fact does everything in his power to empower the less fortunate women in his village.

Kanees, Rani, Fatima, Bua, Sister Clementine and many more people have been so beautifully portrayed that you can see it book as you read it.

Rani is Kaneez's grand daughter and Laila's best friend( I had that feeling that the sentiment isnt entirely mutual) Though Rani is lovely and giving, she is much more older and doesnt have the patience to listen and dance to Laila's tunes.

Rani falls in love and while she knows it is forbidden, she yearns for consideration and empathy from someone. She happens to fall prey to unfortunate circumstances and what happens forms the crux of the story.Laila becomes and unfotunate, accomplice to all this and grows up with the unbearable guilt that she was the reason for plight that befell Rani. It was unbearable to imagine a little girl turning into herself carrying all the weight of the incidents and even at almost 40 years of age she hasn't found in her to let go and live her life.

How honor killings form a big part of the lives and public shame is worse than death forms the basis of this story. For that matter Rani had all the help she might have needed in the form of Laila and her family to resolve her problems but she chose to not disclose them than endure the shame doesnt come as a surprise honestly.

Beautiful book and waiting for more from Moni

[Uswa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! Beautiful, impactful and tragic!
The book has so much of almost everything. A child protagonist as central narrator with the setting of the 1971 war, the innocence of first love, honour and shame culture, a vivid portrait of the class divide. However, there is some predictability to the plot. The devastation and tragedy is not nearly as impactful as it should have been. The lack of retribution should have some lasting consequences on rest of the characters and their interpretations of the world and their sheltered lives. The writer does not make an attempt to truly unearth the deeper themes but perhaps the protagonist (mainly) being a child can serve as an excuse for that.
The book tackled so much and yet didn't disappoint on most fronts. It was moving, immersive, descriptive, dramatic with an interesting setting.

Side note: This book would make an excellent film if done right.

[Arushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a coming-of-age story set in Pakistan. It narrates the events of one summer in which a teenage girl got pregnant and the events that happened afterwards. It is narrated by her 8 year old friend who belongs to a different social class. It contains a lot of commentary on cultural issues, as well as class differences. However, it does not get heavy at any point. I was a bit disappointed by how the events of the story were wrapped up, but I think it did a pretty good job covering some important themes.

[Rahi Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember last year in kolkata book fair when I saw this book and read it's summary I was so curious to what happened to Rani but couldn't read it for a long time. I was bit sceptical because when some writers tried to write war stories they ended up doing same as Khalid Hossaini's work with different plots. But in this story war wasn't played a big role.

[Fama · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books i've ever read. i place it so high above in my mind and heart and ill never get over it. perhaps the only book that make me sob so much. so beautifully written and well described.
i re-read it with my roommate before she left, and it was one of the best memories we've shared, the joy and pain that followed laila and rani. i deeply appreciate you, miss Moni Mohsin.

[Sukaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a nice book to read actually other than the last conversation between Fareeda and Laila...

[Muhammad Azhar Rafique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but not Moni Mohsin’s best.

[Meher Sheikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite Pakistani English books. A poignant story without the unnecessary exotification

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOOOOOOOOOOK omg, it had me going through all of my emotions and I loved but hated it lol

[Live2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Started a bit slow but it was sure packed with angst & chemistry. It was obvious he was bonkers for her but their happily ever after was kept rather lowkey, almost like a cliffhanger. I know the way the book ended served its purpose, if not smart than definitely powerful in the sense of reading beyond the fine prints. Clearly, he’s already in love with her & she purposely speaking less to get more out of him. Yet, I can’t help but to want more for them. I wanted him to admit his feelings for her straightforwardly & humble himself just a bit in that final scene. Although, I’m rather glad we didn’t get pages & pages of sappy stuff either, because it would be cringey/out of character.

All in all, a pretty memorable book. I would recommend. After he has been “toying” with her, she decides to return the favor by pretending to want an affair with him. But before anything happens, she took off with his clothes and leaving the hero in his birthday suit at the hotel… although, her revenge was mission incomplete as he soon catch up to her & returning her ploy in a similar yet different way. Then, there was also a scene near the end when Hero fought the bull to prove his courage as she taunts him a coward…

[Anuradha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Puzzling male characters in the book. Not that the girl was more sensible.

Brothers , both bull fighters. The elder one , the hero is a fame averse yesteryear hero. The younger one is an exhibitionist , charmer , gets engaged to the girl on a whim. Or only because she refuses to 'do it' otherwise. Fair enough as a reason for engagement , you might say !

Not that the naughty younger brother hasn't had enough action otherwise. He has a well installed mistress with a child to boot !

But no , the brooding hero , the sacrificial elder brother hides all his younger brother's shining qualities and manages to snare the heroine for himself by coercion.

She cant make up her mind whether she wants to "do it" with the elder one or the younger one !!
The blow hot blow cold sex scenes left me rather confounded.

The best part of the book is a rather astonishing support character - the mother of the boys !! She is really something :)

[Rameesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthy of a casual read, only slightly passes over some serious issues faced by many people in South Asian urban areas that may have been passed down from generation to generation even after the partition.
I found it merely amusing with contradictory characters and it has been a while that I read a decent novel with a younger protagonist- it reminded me of my childhood thoughts although I did despise her at her foolishness in many scenes. Try it ONLY if you have nothing better to read- I found it on a dull, lazy visit to the library during exams and it was something I looked forward to every day.

Basic Urdu vital for understanding the black humor.

[Sadaf Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in the lusciously green and prosperous Pakistani village of Sabzbagh during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. It tells the story of a wealthy, liberal, educated family and the villagers they live amongst. The main character is 9-year old Laila and the story unfolds from her innocent point of view.

The first half of the book kept me smiling with the scheming and silliness of many of the characters, the second half in contrast is much darker and agitating. I did feel in some parts that the story is being dragged, however on the whole it was a good, absorbing read.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this book to unravel predictably but I was pleasantly surprised. The author brought a world to life with detail and believable characters. I was particularly impressed with the nuance the author brought not just to the central character, but to most characters throughout the book. It is not merely the story of one person in a static background but a depiction of a complex family group in a complex time. My only reservation is the author's choice of using a flashback as a way to structure the novel. In my opinion, it did not need it.

[Bulbul · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished reading this book weeks after plodding through it. When I love a book, everything in my life is forgotten and the book takes precedence and when I don't like it I have to push myself to read it. The End of Innocence is the latter kind of book.
Till mid way, nothing much happens. After that there is some action but it is not thrilling or shocking or anything. I didn't feel anything while reading the story. The story could have been so much more but the Moni Mohsin does not pen it well.
Please avoid. There is nobody who can like or appreciate this one.

[Roub · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish the book had not ended like that..with all things left unsaid between these two. we did not get the hero to talk about his feelings so that at least we could have known what had been going on in his mind during all of the book. just because of that it lost a star for me and i have given 4 star instead of 5. and also, i think that on the wedding night, the heroine should not have said all those horrible things and allowed the hero to consummate the marriage. she disgusted me at that point

[Aileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho hum, I can describe this book in two words. Written in the literal style that many people on the Subcontinent seem to adhere to, this book "tells" too much without taking you on a journey. Still, there are nice passages of description. (This was a potential book club book that piqued my interest. In retrospect I'm glad we didn't choose this one as there's no fodder for conversation).

[Chinmaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good opposing perspective to the indo-pak war...tough to read a book in which a pakistani swear at india....but nevertheless a good book!!