awn is breaking when she adds the final full stop to her article: The Real Bomb Is Poverty. Consider a French journalist’s insider view of Pakistan as Anne takes her audience through political complexities, betrayal and an unquenchable thirst for love.

In the Land of the Pure by Kenize Mourad, originally written in French, has been translated into English by Leïla Samy. The novel is a geopolitical thriller about Pakistan and its inner turmoil. Mourad utilises her skills as a professional journalist to demystify the stereotypical narrative about Pakistan and its citizens.

The narrative begins with, “Spy! Like a whiplash, the man in black snaps out the word.” From the very beginning, the reader is left wondering how the story of this spy will unfold.

Kenize Mourad, winner of the prestigious Readers Award by Elle magazine, was born in Paris. She has a Turkish mother and an Indian father. She studied psychology and sociology at Sorbonne University and brings a unique perspective to her journalism. Mourad began her career with Afrique Asie and Le Monde Diplomatique. She covered the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, the Lebanese wars, the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Iranian Revolution (1978-79) and much more. She has been awarded the Prix Anaïs Ségalas by the French Academy and was appointed Officer of Arts and Letters by the French government.

As one sifts through the chapters, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. The vividly painted descriptions of cultural festivities captivate entirely the audience’s imagination. In the interest of preservation, the novel expands on indigenous culture and traditions such as Basant. The cityscape of Lahore is portrayed with the aim of reviving the long-lost charm the city once embodied.

The opening chapters feel like an ode to Lahore: “Imagine Lahore in 1947. A function at the French consulate has brought together an elegant and cosmopolitan crowd in the beautiful, illuminated gardens.” The city is compared to Paris, and at one point referred to as “the Paris of India.” Through the magical verses of Sri Nanda, the glory of the Mughal era is resurrected from its ashes for novices. Here, mushaira plays an integral role in describing and documenting the historical landscape and poetic inclinations of Lahoris.

Lahore is compared to Paris, and at one point referred to as ‘the Paris of India.’ Through the magical verses of Sri Nanda, the glory of the Mughal era is resurrected for novices from its ashes.

Mourad tactfully bridges the gap between India and Pakistan. Her narrative reveals the pain and longing felt by people from both countries, drawing on their experiences of brotherhood and fondly recalling the pre-partition era. In the Land of the Pure adopts a humanistic approach toward Pakistan and its citizens, offering itself as a canvas to combat the historical amnesia associated with the country’s complex identity.

The novel serves to demystify the stereotypical notions often associated with Pakistan. It underscores the crucial role of journalism and writing in shaping imagined communities for its readers. The narrative challenges the instant labelling of Muslims and Pakistanis as proponents of terrorism and violence. It also highlights the detriments of Islamophobia and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons capability.

The novel expertly encapsulates the essence of humanity and advocates nurturing the seeds of coexistence. By voicing the rise in ethnic and racial conflicts, it offers a written plea for overcoming this divide and developing better policies for a peaceful country. It can be seen as an extended hand from Mourad, attempting to set right the wrongs done to this nation. The novel foreshadows a civil war like a grim oracle, revealing a microcosmic picture of the maltreatment of minorities. “This society, torn by ethnic, religious, and economic conflicts…” asks its readers the rhetorical question: Will we ever be one? Could this land move beyond prejudice, malice and exclusion based on religious and ethnic divides?

Kenize Mourad also uncovers “the great game of the 21st Century” – a muffled yet ferocious conflict between the United States and China for supremacy in a region that lies at the crossroads of major petroleum routes and is rich in rare metals. The interweaving of social commentary with the unattainable love story of Karim, who loves Pakistan madly and guards a dangerous secret, and Anne makes the narrative even more compelling. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Karim then falls into a death trap. Will he ever be able to rescue the love of his life?

In the Land of the Pure

Author: Kenize Mourad,

translated by Leïla Samy

Publisher: Lightstone

Publishers, 2024

Pages: 313, Paperback

Price: Rs 1,495

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