LIFE AND POLITICAL REALITY

Book Details

• Author: Shahidul Zahir

• Publisher: HarperCollins

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9789354892301

• Pages: 204

• Cover: Paperback

• Package Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches

About The Book

Life and Political Reality by Shahidul Zahir is a powerful and haunting exploration of the aftermath of the 1971 war and the subsequent loss of idealism in post-war Bangladesh. With his unique blend of surrealism, folklore, magic realism, and a profound understanding of social and political realities, Zahir presents a raw and unflinching narrative that delves deep into the human condition.

The novel is presented as a single, corrosive, stream-of-consciousness paragraph, capturing the internal struggle and the disillusionment of a nation torn apart by war. Zahir’s unorthodox style and clarity of vision establish him as a voice of immense significance in South Asian literature. This novel, along with the companion novella Abu Ibrahim's Death, which examines the fall of its titular protagonist, explores themes of idealism, compromise, and the personal and collective toll of political and social upheaval.

Shahidul Zahir, who tragically passed away at a young age, left behind a body of work that remains some of the most distinctive and influential fiction to emerge from the subcontinent. Life and Political Reality is a testament to Zahir’s ability to intertwine deep empathy and a searing critique of the political landscape, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature and history.