1. Which Pakistani author wrote the critically acclaimed novel Moth Smoke?

a) Tariq Ali

b) Uzma Aslam Khan

c) Mohsin Hamid

d) Bapsi Sidhwa

5. Which Pakistani writer is famous for his short stories, including Toba Tek Singh?

a) Patras Bukhari

b) Mustansar Hussain Tarar

c) Ashfaq Ahmed

d) Saadat Hasan Manto

3. Which book by Tehmina Durrani exposed the mistreatment of women in Pakistani households?

a) Home Fire

b) My Feudal Lord

c) A Case of Exploding Mangoes

d) The Crow Eaters

6. Which Pakistani author wrote
A Case of Exploding Mangoes, a satirical novel about the death of military general who died under mysterious circumstances?

a) Nadeem Aslam

b) Hanif Kureishi

c) Mohammed Hanif

d) Umera Ahmed

2. Who made his writing debut with In Other Rooms, Other Wonders?

a) Bina Shah

b) Fatima Bhutto

c) Daniyal Mueenuddin

d) Nadeem Aslam

4. Kartography, a novel describing Karachi as a mesmerizing metropolitan city with political turbulence, was written by which author?

a) Kamila Shamsie

b) Saba Imtiaz

c) Moni Mohsin

d) Sabyn Javeri

7. Who is the author of Twilight in Delhi, one of the first novels to depict life in pre-Partition India?

a) Intizar Hussain

b) Ahmed Ali

c) Asrar Ahmad aka Ibn-e-Safi

d) Ismat Chughtai

8. The Reluctant Fundamentalist was shortlisted for which prestigious literary prize?

a) The Man Booker Prize

b) The Pulitzer Prize

c) The Costa Book Award

d) The Hugo Award

Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

Moth Smoke (2000) marked the debut of Mohsin Hamid in the writing world and quickly earned its place as an English literary classic. The story, set in Lahore, centers around Darashikoh Shehzad, a disillusioned banker, who descends into a world of crime and forbidden love. The novel delves into themes of social inequality, corruption, and moral decline in urban Pakistan. It garnered international acclaim and solidified Hamid’s reputation as a significant literary figure. He has gone onto write several works of fiction.

2. The correct answer is c.

Daniyal Mueenuddin’s debut book, In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, is a collection of stories, published in February 2009. The short stories, featuring a variety of characters and Pakistani culture, provide a poignant depiction of the contradictions we encounter and our efforts to understand them. Rather than offering solutions to the challenges of navigating these tensions, Mueenuddin presents an authentic and heartfelt exploration of the complexities of our lives.

3. The correct answer is b.

Tehmina Durrani’s My Feudal Lord (1991) is a compelling memoir that recounts her abusive marriage to a notable Pakistani politician. The book stunned readers with its honest insights into the mistreatment of women within Pakistan’s feudal system. Despite facing criticism, it achieved bestseller status and continues to be a significant feminist text in South Asian literature.

4. The correct answer is a.

Kamila Shamsie’s Kartography (2002) unfolds in the context of Karachi’s ethnic and political turmoil. The narrative follows Karim and Raheen, childhood friends whose bond is shaped by the city’s chaotic history. Shamsie stands out as one of Pakistan’s leading contemporary writers, known for her other notable works including Broken Verses (2005) and Home Fire (2017), the latter of which received the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2018.

5. The correct answer is d.

Saadat Hasan Manto is considered to be the finest short story writer in Urdu literature. His works, such as Toba Tek Singh, Thanda Gosht, and Khol Do, provide powerful depictions of human suffering, especially in the context of the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. Manto’s fearless examination of controversial topics resulted in obscenity trials, yet his writing continues to resonate profoundly even decades later.

6. The correct answer is c.

A Case of Exploding Mangoes (2008) by Mohammed Hanif offers a darkly humorous perspective on the mysterious plane crash that claimed the life of a military general. The novel weaves together fiction and actual events, delivering a satirical examination of Pakistan’s political and military scene. Hanif, who previously served as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force, is celebrated for his sharp humor and astute political observations.

7. The correct answer is b.

Ahmed Ali’s Twilight in Delhi (1940) is a poignant novel that vividly depicts the waning splendor of Delhi’s Muslim aristocracy prior to the Indian partition. The narrative illustrates a society in decline, influenced by British colonialism and shifting social dynamics. Ali is recognized as one of the trailblazers of modern South Asian literature in English.

8. The correct answer is a.

Mohsin Hamid’s novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2007) was nominated for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. This narrative takes the form of a dramatic monologue delivered by Changez, a Pakistani man who contemplates his experiences in the United States before and after the events of 9/11. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complex dynamics between Eastern and Western cultures. It was later adapted into a film directed by Mira Nair.