aad Sibte Sultan recently published his debut novel, The Double Crescent Sword. He had earlier written and produced two stage plays.

Khwaja Saad Sibte Sultan was born and raised in Lahore. He completed his BA (Hons) in English through the University of London’s distance learning programme and acquired his MA in text and performance from Birkbeck, University of London, in affiliation with the RADA. He also holds a postgraduate diploma from the SOAS in a course titled Islamic Societies and Cultures. He is now working on six more projects.

The Double Crescent Sword is divided into four parts: Status Quo, Sympathy, Empathy and Change. These sections explore the complexities of the inherent bond of brotherhood and goodness. The novel unfolds as a coming-of-age narrative of an aspiring lawyer and a member of the household staff. It delves deeper into the co-dependency and parasitic bonds of bloodlines. Basim’s primary goal is to help his house-help friend, Furqan, become a practicing lawyer. But there’s a twist to the plot: the lowly house help has started dreaming of an alliance with his master’s sister, Momina. It is a tale of competing masculinities under the guise of love and humanity.

“The earth is my mother; my father’s the sun; metal’s my brother; wind and I are one.” - Rasheed.

Dr Amra Raza praises the work, stating, “Saad Sultan’s debut novel is a riot of converging cultural, religious and post-colonial narratives. His multifaceted characters are caught up in conflicts of identity amidst conspiracies engendered in the alleys and streets of old and modern Lahore.” The novel begins with an intriguing statement: “I weep with longing while people mock me with knowing smiles.” The writer attempts to embody the pain and anguish surrounding Pakistan’s fragile security situation and the rampant corruption corroding its roots while also commenting on the political scene, the cultural landscape and the class differences in the society.

Saad Sultan attempts to examine the overpowering yet paradoxical question regarding the polarity of situations. 

It showcases life-altering moments shaped by decision-making. Saad Sultan has provided a particularly nuanced and sensitive portrayal of humans as victims of their socio-political circumstances. He portrays the close links between religion, superstition and politics, making the plot and related symbolism an interesting read. It seems to be a plea for sowing seeds of tolerance and love for the attainment of peace—both within and without.

Sultan uses immaculate imagery to represent the duality of life and his characters. He tries to evaluate the overpowering yet paradoxical question regarding the polarity of situations. The visual depiction of traits of heroism, mastered through the service of humanity, is hidden in the meticulous details. The sword here resembles the storied Zulfiqar, a deadly, double-edged weapon.

One sees the characters creating and re-creating myths of heroism around their childhood memories and passions. The Double Crescent Sword is a socially conscious novel that delves into the pathos of the Twenty-First Century.

What seems to be a simplified narrative is adorned with cross-references to fables and tales like Alif Laila.

This reawakening of these mythological spirits through his writing makes the novel an interesting read. It creates a unique architecture of words and images that cast a unifying spell beyond considerations of caste, creed and culture. The parallel that the central characters have with Queen Leda’s twins perhaps sheds light on the foreshadowing of their fate. Will Pollux be able to resurrect Castor? Will there be no escape from their destiny?

The Double Crescent Sword

Author: Saad Sibte Sultan

Publisher: Sang-e-Meel

Publications, 2024

Pages: 336

Price: Rs 1,050

The reviewer is a lecturer at the Department of English Language and Literature, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore