'A stunning debut novel - a noir-inspired thriller that weaves in politics, family ties, corruption and murder,
while also being sharp about different kinds of power, particularly as it relates to women'' Kamila Shamsie
'A rich and deeply moving novel about confronting histories both personal and political . . . Marvellous' Yaa Gyasi
Pakistan, 1968. As riots erupt in the streets of Lahore, Inspector Faraz Ali returns to his birthplace, the red-light district in the walled inner city. Wrested from it as a child by his powerful father to be raised by a respectable family, Faraz has hidden his roots ever since. Now his father has sent him back: to cover up the murder of a young courtesan.
It should be a simple task, but for once Faraz finds himself unable to obey orders - nor can he resist searching for the mother and sister he left behind. Chasing after answers that risk shattering his precariously constructed existence, Faraz is unaware that his sister also faces a return to the old city, and to the life she
thought she had escaped.
'A layered, fascinating portrait of a fractured family and of Pakistan' Antonia Senior, The Times
'A gripping read that does not let you go, even after the end' Maaza Mengiste
Genre: Literary Fiction
while also being sharp about different kinds of power, particularly as it relates to women'' Kamila Shamsie
'A rich and deeply moving novel about confronting histories both personal and political . . . Marvellous' Yaa Gyasi
Pakistan, 1968. As riots erupt in the streets of Lahore, Inspector Faraz Ali returns to his birthplace, the red-light district in the walled inner city. Wrested from it as a child by his powerful father to be raised by a respectable family, Faraz has hidden his roots ever since. Now his father has sent him back: to cover up the murder of a young courtesan.
It should be a simple task, but for once Faraz finds himself unable to obey orders - nor can he resist searching for the mother and sister he left behind. Chasing after answers that risk shattering his precariously constructed existence, Faraz is unaware that his sister also faces a return to the old city, and to the life she
thought she had escaped.
'A layered, fascinating portrait of a fractured family and of Pakistan' Antonia Senior, The Times
'A gripping read that does not let you go, even after the end' Maaza Mengiste
Genre: Literary Fiction
Praise for this book
"A rich and deeply moving novel about confronting histories both personal and political. Marvelous." - Yaa Gyasi
"Aamina Ahmad has done the impossible: made her literary debut with an enduring classic. Essential and compelling." - Adam Johnson
"Mesmerizing . That a novel so epic in scope can remain so intimate at heart is nothing short of astonishing." - Anthony Marra
"The Return of Faraz Ali heralds the arrival of a strikingly accomplished and mature talent. Ahmad has managed to meld fast-paced, intelligent noir with a devastating portrait of the true costs of ambition and desire. Does not let you go, even after the end." - Maaza Mengiste
"A gripping read - everything beautifully evoked, from the alleys of the Old City to the atmosphere of corruption and secrets." - Kamila Shamsie
"Aamina Ahmad has done the impossible: made her literary debut with an enduring classic. Essential and compelling." - Adam Johnson
"Mesmerizing . That a novel so epic in scope can remain so intimate at heart is nothing short of astonishing." - Anthony Marra
"The Return of Faraz Ali heralds the arrival of a strikingly accomplished and mature talent. Ahmad has managed to meld fast-paced, intelligent noir with a devastating portrait of the true costs of ambition and desire. Does not let you go, even after the end." - Maaza Mengiste
"A gripping read - everything beautifully evoked, from the alleys of the Old City to the atmosphere of corruption and secrets." - Kamila Shamsie
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