Book Review: Aangan by Khadija Mastoor

Aangan

Author: Khadija Mastoor

Published By: Sang E Meel Publications

Khadija Mastoor is a name in Urdu Fiction writer of whom almost every Urdu novel lovers have atleast heard of. She is the author of many well-renowned books e.g.  Thakay Haaray / تھکے ہارے & Bochar / بوچھار. Another of her book is Aangan/آنگن which I'll be reviewing today.

آنگن ۔۔۔ جس میں وقت کی موجیں مختلف سوچوں,قابلیتوں,احساسات,جزبات۔ اور افکار کے حامل لوگوں کو بڑے چچا کے گھر کے آنگن میں جمع کردیتی ہیں۔

  اسی آنگن کی دیواروں پہ بہت سے اچھے برے زمانوں کی دھول ہے۔

اسی آنگن کے فرش پہ چلتے پھرتے قدموں کے نشان ہیں۔۔۔ کہ زندگی ہر دم متحرک ہے۔

  اسی آنگن کی کچی مٹی پر بہت سوں کے آنسوں گرے ہیں کبھی غم سے۔۔ کبھی خوشی سے۔

The book gained quiet popularity after it was adapted into a TV serial by Hum Tv.

      I'll be reviewing this book today under the heads of Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Simple Language

Perhaps, one of the features of Khadija Mastoor's writings is her simple style of writing & opting easy language. So anyone new to Urdu Books should definitely check her out. Although a very few of the terms which she used in the book are the ones with which we are unfamiliar but we can always look up the dictionary, right.

2. No Complex Politics

Although subcontinent of 20th century was echoing with the politics but the story actually emphasizes the impact of outside politics on the inside politics of home. (You know every home has got its own politics.) So it can be a delight for those people who know nothing about sub-continent history, all the table talks and complex politics. The author depicted all the politics and possible outcomes of rivalry in two character, Barey Chaccha, man of Congress & Jamil Bhai, From Muslim League's side.

3. Strong Character Depiction

All the characters have strong opinions & sentiments. In them, are present the whole era. Each character has a strong connection with the rituals, superstitions & beliefs of their times. Like Kariman Bua is a strong advocate of loyalty to her masters despite them being unfair to her.

4. Strong Leading Character

The thing which I absolutely adore about Khadija Mastoor and her sister, Hajra Masroor's writings is the strong female protagonist, who despite being strong, physically and emotionally especially does not lose their womanly charms which is also seen in Haseena Moin's script plays and such books and script play are getting rarer and rarer.

Cons

1) Calamities of Migration are not well depicted

Although, it is simple and comprehensive but the true spirit of independence is not well conveyed in the story. This may be due to the reason that the political scenario of the then sub-continent is confined within the limits of courtyard/آنگن (Probably, this forms the basis of the name of this novel)

2) Lack of definite plot

The story seems to revolve around random things. It lacks a definite purpose & plot.

Plot Summary

Aaliya and her mother were forced to move to the house of barey Chaccha (uncle) after her father was imprisoned by English men. The situation in her uncle's house is already tense because of the rising political tensions of sub-continent. Her uncle is a strong advocate of Congress while on the other side Jameel, his eldest son, was a strong patron of Muslim league. Chammi, their cousin was also one of the main character of the story. The story has no definite plot.

In the end, Aaliya departed for Pakistan and vowed herself to dedicate her life for Pakistan. Chammi and Jameel got married. Barey Chacchey died. 

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