The Asian Outlook.com

The Holy Woman

I never thought the women were ever anything but holy, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a lover, and a wife I have always been of the opinion that if it was not for the womankind this would be a horrible world to live in.

At the first mention of book called "the Holy Woman" I thought this was a religious book written by another Pakistani woman with her own ideals to serve and as there have been so many books on this subject previously so I was rather dismissive of it.

A fellow journalist had a copy of "the Holy Woman" on her desk and my first remark to her was"hey since when did you become religious" She laughed and said after reading this holy book she was going to start wearing hijjab now I was really surprised to hear that and I thought she was being serious about it too, that would have been a loss because she really is very beautiful but fortunate for us she was only kidding.

I was intrigued by now about "The Holy Woman" had a quick glance at it and liked the first few lines and I was so impressed by the introduction to it that I asked my colleague to get me a contact number for the writer.

And more I got to know about the writer more interesting it became and eventually I got hold of the book and was fascinated by the content and power of impact on the reader and once you start, you have to finish the book in its entirety and fascination of the subject matter keeps your interest going to the last moment.

The Holy Woman is Qaisra Shahraz' debut novel and for me it is both an outstanding and enthralling book. The Holy Woman is a powerful and compelling drama telling the story of Zarri Bano - a glamorous, passionate and intellectual young woman. From the opening pages one becomes captivated by her amazing personality. When Zarri Bano falls passionately in love with Sikander, a Karachi businessman, her father takes an irrational dislike to the man. The father is jealous of the love between his daughter and Sikander and uses the sudden death of his son to break up the relationship. Resurrecting an ancient tradition, he compels his daughter to marry the Quran, thus forcing her to quell her passion and remain celibate becoming her clan's holy woman.

The book has many cleverly interwoven plots, which bring to life the astonishing and exotic world of rural Pakistan. It is full of interesting characters all brilliantly portrayed by Qaisra Shahraz. Especially outstanding is the proud queen of the village Chaudharani Kaniz and her sparring partner Fatima, the 'washerwoman'. This fascinating and powerful story of Chaudharani Kaniz makes this book, for me, one the gems of modern literature. It takes a master of story telling to create a character that, at the same time; one hates and likes, abhors and yet feels sympathy with.

Qaisra Shahraz introduces readers to the wonderful world of Pakistan as well as taking them on an exotic journey through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

While reading the book one could relate to her characters in such a wonderful and original way. The dust, the heat and the passion - all spring out of the page as though you were there. It is no wonder that in March The Holy Woman became Number Two in the hardback best sellers list in the Northwest and was given the accolade of Book of the Month in Bradford.

"the holy woman" comes alive in your hands very much like "Jumanji"
Ms Shahraz has the magic of story telling and she takes it on to a new height.

The Holy Woman is published by Black Amber Books at www.blackamber.com
Also available at www.amazon.com





		The Holy Woman I never thought the women were ever anything but holy, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a lover, and a wife I have always been of the opinion that if it was not for the womankind this would be a horrible world to live in. At the first mention of book called "the Holy Woman" I thought this was a religious book written by another Pakistani woman with her own ideals to serve and as there have been so many books on this subject previously so I was rather dismissive of it. A fellow journalist had a copy of "the Holy Woman" on her desk and my first remark to her was"hey since when did you become religious" She laughed and said after reading this holy book she was going to start wearing hijjab now I was really surprised to hear that and I thought she was being serious about it too, that would have been a loss because she really is very beautiful but fortunate for us she was only kidding. I was intrigued by now about "The Holy Woman" had a quick glance at it and liked the first few lines and I was so impressed by the introduction to it that I asked my colleague to get me a contact number for the writer. And more I got to know about the writer more interesting it became and eventually I got hold of the book and was fascinated by the content and power of impact on the reader and once you start, you have to finish the book in its entirety and fascination of the subject matter keeps your interest going to the last moment. The Holy Woman is Qaisra Shahraz' debut novel and for me it is both an outstanding and enthralling book. The Holy Woman is a powerful and compelling drama telling the story of Zarri Bano - a glamorous, passionate and intellectual young woman. From the opening pages one becomes captivated by her amazing personality. When Zarri Bano falls passionately in love with Sikander, a Karachi businessman, her father takes an irrational dislike to the man. The father is jealous of the love between his daughter and Sikander and uses the sudden death of his son to break up the relationship. Resurrecting an ancient tradition, he compels his daughter to marry the Quran, thus forcing her to quell her passion and remain celibate becoming her clan's holy woman. The book has many cleverly interwoven plots, which bring to life the astonishing and exotic world of rural Pakistan. It is full of interesting characters all brilliantly portrayed by Qaisra Shahraz. Especially outstanding is the proud queen of the village Chaudharani Kaniz and her sparring partner Fatima, the 'washerwoman'. This fascinating and powerful story of Chaudharani Kaniz makes this book, for me, one the gems of modern literature. It takes a master of story telling to create a character that, at the same time; one hates and likes, abhors and yet feels sympathy with. Qaisra Shahraz introduces readers to the wonderful world of Pakistan as well as taking them on an exotic journey through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. While reading the book one could relate to her characters in such a wonderful and original way. The dust, the heat and the passion - all spring out of the page as though you were there. It is no wonder that in March The Holy Woman became Number Two in the hardback best sellers list in the Northwest and was given the accolade of Book of the Month in Bradford. "the holy woman" comes alive in your hands very much like "Jumanji" Ms Shahraz has the magic of story telling and she takes it on to a new height. The Holy Woman is published by Black Amber Books at www.blackamber.com Also available at www.amazon.com