Rating: 4 out of 5.

I had bought this book just because I had found the title quite intriguing and I was curious about what kind of a story could justify such a title. My curiosity was satisfied only when I read the last few pages of the book and it was only then that I realized the significance of the title. The book in itself is a good read and one of the very few books I have read where the story is based in Pakistan. The protagonist in the story is Alice Bhatti who is a catholic nurse working in a Government hospital in Karachi. The story starts with Alice’s interview for the job after she is released from jail. Now if that doesn’t make you curious enough to read the book then I guess this book is not for you. The book then moves on to introduce the other characters namely Sister Hina Alvi, Inspector Malangi, Teddy Butt, Joseph Bhatti, and Noor and his ailing mother.

This book probably shows us the other side(as opposed to India) where Hindus and Christians are minorities as compared to the Muslim community. But it also brings to light the fact that no matter where the downtrodden have always had the worse deal. The ‘Choohras’ of Karachi are definitely not better off than the Harijans or untouchables of India. They are treated with the same amount of disdain and distrust anywhere. Alice signifies hundreds of such people who want to move up the ladder and lead respectable lives. Falling in love with Teddy Butt and the consequent marriage is one of the ways she escapes from the French colony where she was born.I fell in love with Alice’s character even with all her flaws. She depicts the women I see every day who work towards making sure that their families can lead better lives. Women who have against all odds got jobs and supported their families. I don’t mean women who achieved great heights or women who have had successful careers. This is about women in general who stand up for themselves and ensure that they lead respectful lives no matter what they do and how they manage to continue doing so despite facing hurdles or obstacles in their way.

All in all, a very good book to read albeit not for everyone. This book will definitely give you some food for thought. This is not one which you will read and forget easily, instead the characters remain etched in your mind. Alice is here to stay in your mind and not blur into oblivion. I am definitely looking forward to getting hold of the author’s first book which also has a very interesting title ‘A Case of Exploding Mangoes’

Recommended Reading Age for this book: 15+

Side Note: I still not have had the chance to read any of this author’s other books. If you have, please do let me know how you liked them.

5/5 - (1 vote)