Arsalan, His American Journey

Summary

Arsalan, a Pakistani student, wins a chance to be educated in Cold War America and begins a rise to the tip-top of the US foreign policy establishment, the National Security Council. Two beautiful women are strangely helpful to him, insinuating themselves into his life and his bed. An FBI agent discovers that the women are Soviet spies, eager to pry secrets from Arsalan by whatever means necessary. Meanwhile, Arsalan confronts a force almost as relentless as the Soviet spy network-- his mother's will.

Book Details

Volume: 111 pages
Publisher: Kahany (Jan 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1300683469
ISBN-13: 978-1300683469
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.9 inches
Editions: Paperback

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Khyber Pass

Summary

This historical novel, set in Washington and Pakistan in the 1980s, concerns a fictional Soviet attempt to install a puppet government in Pakistan in the last years of the Cold War. Two related stories unfold side by side. The first is the seduction, sexual and political, of a Pakistani general. A beautiful Soviet agent bewitches Bezar, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Pakistan, playing to his vanity and love of luxury. Meanwhile, her Moscow bosses have selected him as the man to overthrow the government in Islamabad and take over, effectively turning Pakistan from an American ally to a Soviet client state.

In Washington, a parallel seduction is taking place. "John Wilson," as he calls himself, had had a romantic relationship with Karen Donohue, now Deputy National Security Advisor to the President, back when they were high school students. At that time, he was called Pierre, and was the son of a Soviet diplomat posted to Washington. Now he reappears in her life with a secret rendezvous in Mexico. After years with no contact, he begs her to take him back. Lonely Karen believes that he is sincere, and the two start living together. Now, though, she is in a highly sensitive government position, and accepting cover identities and arranging secret rendezvous are dangerous breaches of security.

Don McDermit, an alert FBI agent, suspects that "John" is not who he says he is, and is determined to get to the bottom of his identity. As McDermit piles up evidence of Johns true background and motives, Karen must accept that she is living not with a long-lost beloved, but with a KGB spy. She also realizes how seriously she has compromised herself by not revealing earlier that she knew that John and Pierre were one and the same. The only way Karen can redeem herself is to pretend that she and John are closer than ever, in order to feed him — and the Kremlin — disinformation about American intentions. John/Pierre swallows the bait, and the Soviet-sponsored Pakistani coup détat meets unexpected resistance.

Commentary

Khyber Pass is an entertaining spy novel, alternating between international intrigue and personal dramas. As the action moves from Islamabad to Moscow to Washington, from venal generals to lonely, overworked White House staffers, readers are pulled into the story. A recurrent theme is the impact that one individuals emotional needs can have on world events. For example, General Bezars egotism makes him a perfect target for Soviet manipulation, and nearly shifts the international balance of power. On the other hand, Karens low self-esteem exposes her — and the nation — to peril at the hands of a cold-hearted imposter.

In this novel, the reader is constantly reminded of how the world has changed in 25 years. For example, phone booths feature in the story (remember them?). Even stranger is recalling a time when Pakistan figured in American minds not as an unstable terrorist haven, but as a staunch American ally and bulwark against Soviet expansionism. Technology that seemed unimaginably advanced in 1988, such as satellite surveillance and translation software, is now available to every cell phone user. But some things never change. Corruption and intrigue in high places, the hypocritical gap between public image and private behavior, and the cynical exploitation of vulnerable people by hostile forces remain as prevalent as ever.

Book Details

Volume: 144 pages
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing (Jan 1988)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805931090
ISBN-13: 978-0805931099
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.9 inches
Editions: Hardcover

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Behind the Veil

Summary

Rashida, a young woman from a large Indian Muslim family, sets her heart on marrying Nadim, an author whose work she admires, though they have never met. She turns down other proposals, insisting shell marry only Nadim, though his whereabouts and fate are uncertain. Years pass; India gains independence and Pakistan is created in a horrendous spasm of bloodshed and displacement.

When the author finally surfaces, he and Rashida are quickly married. It is immediately apparent that the marriage is a terrible mistake. Nadim is physically repulsive, irresponsible, and selfish. By his treachery, he nearly ruins Rashidas family. It is discovered that Nadim was already married with children when he claimed Rashida. She is plunged into despair.

Rashida begins an affair with a handsome and promising student, Shamim, and travels around India with him. His family, however, refuses to accept her as a daughter-in-law because she is older and has a "past." Though he loves Rashida, Shamim is torn between her and his family. He is tempted away from Rashidas side by an attractive and sensual Englishwoman. By the time he realizes that he has made a mistake, Rashida is lost to him forever.

Commentary

Historical novel, romance, character study and family saga, this sweeping tale shows a changing India over a period of several decades in the middle of the 20th century. While much changes in Rashidas world, her loving family provides an anchor for her in the midst of political turmoil and personal upheaval. Rashidas growth from a starry-eyed teenager to a mature woman, bearing the scars of her experience, is the arc of the story, but along the way the reader is treated to a wealth of detail about India. The cultural traditions unique to India are illustrated on every page, but so are universal themes of resilience, love, and loyalty.

Book Details

Volume: 372 pages
Publisher: Wordclay (Jan 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604818314
ISBN-13: 978-1604818314
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.9 inches
Editions: Kindle, Nook & Paperback

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Murder in the Dorm

Summary

The two college roommates could hardly be more different. Sabby is a smart, dutiful Muslim girl, the daughter of Pakistani immigrants. CC is the hard-partying, entitled daughter of a Mafia don. The moment they lay eyes on each other, CC stark naked and Sabby surrounded by her traditional parents and younger brothers, the culture clash starts.

The only thing the two girls have in common is that they both like the same young man. His name is Cary Grant, so called because of his striking resemblance to the old-time movie star.
Sabbys parents try to arrange a marriage for her, but she decides to wait. She is immersed in research on a poisonous mushroom that she believes could eliminate cancer cells in the human body.
The college where the students are enrolled radically changes its name and its policies under a new celebrity president, to disastrous effect.

Cary dreams of a career in Hollywood, like his namesake. CC arranges, through her daddys connections, for Cary to go to Hollywood and join a movie in progress. Cary discovers that he has no acting talent and is terrified of the camera. CC, once she has forgiven Cary for his disastrous Hollywood failure, wants Cary all to herself. Cary, however, is overwhelmed by CC and her world, and prefers his friend and lab partner, Sabby.

The FBI convinces Cary to report to them on CCs familys activities. A major shake-up is underway in Mafia circles, with rival dons, including CCs father, targeting each other and those close to them.
CC is found dead. Sabby, CCs romantic rival and an expert on poisons, is accused of murdering her. Extraordinary developments in the Mafia wars, and in Sabbys criminal case, tie up all the ends of the novel on a surprising and cheerful note.

Commentary

Murder in the Dorm, despite its title, is not a whodunit. The murder mystery plays a relatively minor role in the book, which might more accurately be characterized as a love story, a satire, and a comic romp. Almost everything is fair game for affectionate satirical treatment: international organizations, academia, Mafia turf wars, Hollywood, immigrants, and government, for starters. The plot takes several sharp turns that will surprise and delight readers.

Many stories teem in the pages of Murder in the Dorm. Two families of refugees in Pakistan help each other survive and maintain their dignity. An academic causes worldwide economic panic with an ill-considered speech. A family eagerly prepares to audition a groom for their daughter. A Mafia dons bimbo girlfriend turns the tables on him. A renowned Hollywood actress gets a nasty surprise from a tyro. Each subplot is woven together into a fast-paced and humorous whole.

Book Details

Volume: 212 pages
Publisher: Wordclay (Jun 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604819898
ISBN-13: 978-1604819892
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.5 inches
Editions: Kindle, Nook & Paperback

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Last Flight from Earth

Summary

Planet Earth has been entirely engulfed by flood waters since global warming melted the polar ice. The small community of humans who were able to escape before the last mountain peak was overtopped has settled in a colony on Mars. Their Starloid hosts accept the troublesome refugees with some reluctance.

One young human, Jemima, mourns her parents and the young man she was growing to love, Imran. She soon discovers to her delight that her parents have survived as well, transported to the Mars colony by their friend Scott. Scott wants to marry Jemi. His agenda is supported by Jemimas parents, but not by Jemi herself. She has begun a tender relationship with a Starloid whom she calls Star. Jemi and Star face the special challenges of a cross-cultural — or in their case, an interplanetary — relationship.

A brutal rape and murder in the refugee colony sows panic among the humans. Evidence mounts that Scott is the criminal. Facing capture, he commits a suicidal atrocity, wiping out the entire colony. Jemi, traveling outside the colony with Star at the time of the genocide, and her visiting parents, are the only humans to survive the calamity. The entire future of human civilization depends on them, and on Star. Jemi makes a stunning discovery about him in the final pages of the novel.

Commentary

The novel Last Flight from Earth is Shahzad Rizvis first venture into science fiction. Despite being set on another planet and in a future time, however, the books themes will be familiar to his readers, particularly the yearning for romantic connection and the challenges of cross-cultural relationships. Add to those a concern for the future of the planet, and an imagining of the dire potential consequences of global warming.

Like all Rizvis novels, Last Flight from Earth is deeply romantic. Jemimas love relationships, on Earth with Imran and on Mars with Star, lie at the core of the plot. Because of its short length, this novella has fewer subplots and lively secondary characters than in most of this authors other work. The character Scott, however, is well developed, and certain passages, such as the description of the Mars moon resort, the dawn of doubts about Scott in Jemis parents, and the Starloids observing the re-creation of the Earth, are particularly richly drawn and imaginative.

Last Flight from Earth will appeal to readers who enjoy a romantic love story in an exotic futuristic setting, with elements of crime/mystery, dystopian fantasy, and science fiction as well.

Book Details

Volume: 112 pages
Publisher: Wordclay (Apr 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604819758
ISBN-13: 978-1604819755
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.2 inches
Editions: Kindle, Nook & Paperback

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Woman with a Curve

Summary

The two main characters of Woman with a Curve are girlhood friends Minnie and Maxie, who come to the Washington area from a small town. Efficient, conscientious Minnie begins a rise to the heights of prominence through a chance encounter with a stranger who has taken ill. Her compassion is rewarded when her visitor brings her on as an assistant, and later on as a partner, in his career and life. Brash Maxie ruthlessly pursues her own quest for prominence by any means necessary, including exploitation of her sexual charms. In time, she rises to dizzying heights of power and acclaim, before a spectacular downfall.

Along the way, readers encounter examples of a unique breed of characters that could be found only inside the Beltway. The unforgettable Sharpie — exterminator, political operative, schemer, and senator — will do anything for the spotlight. His political fortunes begin when he stumbles upon a rival in a most compromising position. The vain, vapid President risks all to fulfill his sexual appetites. The First Lady is only one tiny step short of snapping.

Commentary

Real-life Washington is full of characters whose exploits, appetites, and utterances almost defy parody. But Rizvi has created a funny, lively, imaginary Washington that will have readers shaking their heads and snorting with recognition.

A Note About the Author

Shahzad Rizvi, an Indian writer long-residing in the Washington area, skewers politics in the nations capital in his satire, Woman with a Curve. A former White House interpreter and veteran of the civil service, Rizvi writes with both intimate knowledge of the Washington scene and a florid imagination.

Book Details

Volume: 136 pages
Publisher: Wordclay (Jan 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604818387
ISBN-13: 978-1604818383
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.3 inches
Editions: Kindle, Nook & Paperback

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Mayu: The Life of a Finnish Woman

Summary

Mayu both loves and loathes her father. She hates his alcoholic rages, how he abuses her mother and abandons the family. But his talk of social justice kindles her imagination and fills her heart with passion. She vows to defy her mothers acquiescent example in her own life.

As she grows up, Mayus intelligence and hard work propel her forward. At the same time, she is disappointed over and over in her relationships. As her career takes her around the world, she encounters a wide variety of men who both attract and repel her. She marries an American, but his incessant womanizing drives them apart, and she finds herself the lonely single mother of two boys.

She meets a sincere Indian American, and she and he link up romantically. But Mayus emotional baggage, her messy domestic life, and the yawning cultural chasm between her and her Indian lover run like treacherous emotional fault-lines under the affair. Mayus intense desire for meaningful connection is at constant odds with her critical, skeptical independence.

Commentary

This novels depiction of a modern womans life and struggles feels instantly and painfully authentic. Mayu juggles not only a career, but a defiant teenage son, a house full of dog hair, and those extra pounds that refuse to budge. There is solid home truth in the books portrayal of romantic relationships, especially the compromises that are required between couples, and the times when such compromises seem too difficult to undertake or sustain. Mayu is particularly effective at showing the strains that can develop in cross-cultural relationships, when each member of a couple has implicit expectations for how the other partner should behave, yet must continually confront the reality that these expectations are unlikely to be met.

The novel is told in three different voices: the narrators, Mayus, and her Indian lover Shamims. This allows the reader to get inside the perspectives of each character and how they see each other. Time shifts, too, within the story, but the reader is always clear on who is speaking and when. Mayus distinctive skeptical voice is one of the novels greatest strengths.

Mayu is also interesting in how it depicts the immigrant experience. Mayu and Shamim are both newcomers to the United States. Just as couple relationships require constant readjustment of expectations, so, by analogy, does living in a new land. There are pleasant adjustments, of course, but a subtle sense of loss and unease often undergirds daily life, although it is rarely acknowledged or expressed. This book describes the immigrants s emotional burden with unusual sensitivity and insight.

Book Details

Volume: 248 pages
Publisher: Wordclay (Jan 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604818360
ISBN-13: 978-1604818369
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.6 inches
Editions: Kindle, Nook & Paperback

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