Day and Dastan

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Intizar Husain

• Language: English, Urdu

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789386906274

• Pages: 192

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches

About the Book
Intizar Husain, one of the finest writers of Urdu prose and a master storyteller of the post-partition generation, brings forth Day and Dastan (Din Aur Dastan), a collection of two novellas that showcase his exceptional literary skill and creative inventiveness. These two works demonstrate his unique ability to blend the deep complexities of the human condition with captivating narrative styles.

Day, a poignant and realistic story, delves into the trauma of migration, a theme that haunts the subcontinent in the wake of the partition. It is a meditation on the painful experience of being forced to leave one’s home, one’s roots, and the emotional dislocation that accompanies such a life-altering event. Husain beautifully captures the mélange of memories, fantasies, and nostalgias that characterize the experience of those uprooted from their homes. The emotional devastation of partition looms like a shadow over the narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the characters and the reader alike.

In contrast, Dastan transports the reader to a world of wonder, where the traditional narrative of magic, adventure, and heroism takes center stage. The novella weaves a fantastical tale of the 1857 war of independence, imbued with lyrical language and exaggerated storytelling. Set against the backdrop of historical turmoil, the story follows mystical forces and heroic deeds, invoking images of an old haveli, a weeping princess, and a parrot leading a soldier to his destiny. Husain captures the romance of rebellion and the hopes for political change, all wrapped in a timeless and tragic beauty.

Through these two novellas, Intizar Husain reaffirms his place as a supreme storyteller who masterfully combines history, fantasy, and deep emotional truths into a mesmerizing literary experience.