Historical Novel writing is not an easy job, one must have grip on facts and a style that makes an interesting readings. Naseem Hijazi was one such writer and when Jamila Hashmi wrote Dasht e Sos she also claimed that distinction.
Dasht e Sos is a novel about story of Hussain bin Mansur Hallaj. This novel was first published 27 years ago in 1983. The story of Hallaj is both fascinating and sad. Hallaj an anxious and curious spirit had questions unanswered, he was seeking some answers and wanted to get those like Hazrat Musa(Moses) got at Kohe Tur (Mount of Sanai). He wanted to reach to God like where there is no Hijab (veil) left, so he indulge himself into such prayers and meditation that were tough and beyond the capacity of normal human beings and they bring to him such awareness which he could not muster and in mystification said something that took him to the woods and was crucified. But that was not the only reason for his crucifixion, there is lot in between, a relations of hate and love. Love not only with the immortal and pristine but also with a mortal and beautiful princess. Which Love finally takes him to gallows is an interesting tale narrated in this novel.
hmm...I have recently read "Akhri Marka" of Naseem HIjazi...about...Mahmood of Gazni and it was breath taking...I couldn't part with the book for even single minute until I finished it.
ReplyDeleteI wonder...why I never read him before...?
hmm...and now I will try to find this book too...thanks for sharing such nice authors and books Dar Sahib...you are doing a very good job to bring these books into our notice.
I believed you must have a large library by now...tell me how I can avail the membership?
Thinking, Nasim Hijazi is a master of historical novels, and I use to read his novels with same reverence as you did.
ReplyDeleteVery good intro to the book. you made me curious. I will try to read this book.
ReplyDeleteyes Talha, it is a really interesting and well written novel.
ReplyDeletemera pasandeeda tareen novel... :)
ReplyDeletelekin Akhtar sahib, jamila hashmi aur naseem hijazi ka moazana theek nahin.. naseem hijazi ne tareekh ko romanticize kya hai..sirf aik rukh.. islam ki shaan o shokat.. lekin khair tareekh hamesha shayed issi tarah likhi gai hai.. aik hi rukh se..
Huma, I admit that comparison is never a good thing, Naseem Hijazi wrote history with the tender heart of a lover, whereas Jameela Hashmi wrote with passionate soul of a bewildered analyst.
ReplyDeleteWhich other Urdu novels you like, besides this…
Quratulain Haider is my all time favorite .. chandni begum (aik ainak ki gumshudgi ki kahani:)) ,aag ka darya, gardish e rang e chaman,akhir e shab ke hamsafar...
ReplyDeletephir Altaf Fatima ka Chalta Musafir.. Intezar Husain ki Basti...
hmm... Huma you are a literary evolved person...
ReplyDeletecan anyone share the book online or
ReplyDeletecan anyone share a link where i can get the book
Did you find ebook or pdf. Please provide me a copy.
Deletedo you know the pdf or online version. of dasht-e-soos. Kindly share the link. thank you.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it is not available on line.
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