Book Review | Daana Paani | Umera Ahmed | Episode 1

I was out on a hiatus, out of this country and away from my routine, so I missed one big development in fictional world.

Umera Ahmed is back with another story!

Say what?

Umera’s last outing was Alif–A memorable novel and a remarkable drama. So, this ought to be good.

 

This is only the first episode, and it does a fine job of introducing all the key characters. Let’s meet them one by one, shall we? Or, you can just read this post Book Review | Daana Paani | Umera Ahmed | Meet the Characters.

Okay, so now we have met the key characters. Without much further ado, let’s get to the story.

Plot Summary

The first few pages focus solely on the Gaamu Mashki, the mushki of the village Jhok Jeevan. He recites Bahoo’s kalam Alif Allah as he supplies water to every single household in the village, to the masjid, to the animals around.

This couple is the epitome of tawakkul alallah, full faith in Allah.

 

The episode ends as the hero and heroine of the story meet each other in the school. The hero sits by heroines side instead of sitting with the boys. Ahem! Tells me something about his character in future.

Review

I simply loved how “Alif Allah” kalaam is woven into the narrative verse by verse as we meet Gaamm Mashki and Allah Wasaii.

This story might have heavy dose of tasawwuf and basharat etc as awliya e karaam are often blessed with Allah’s basharat about others. Pir Ibrahim, for instance, gives this basharat to Gaamu Mashki and Allah Wasaii that they would be blessed with a baby girl. This is just one aspect of the story.

 

The other aspect is jealousy and hatred, that of Tajwar to Allah Wasaii and Motiya. Since this is Umera Amhed we are talking about, the hatred and jealousy and narcissism is extreme. And this always makes me off a little bit.

All said and done, I’m intrigued to read the second episode.

~~~

Until we meet again, check out my books on Amazon. You can subscribe for Kindle Unlimited for free for the first month, just saying 🙂

Shabana Mukhtar