Set in Lahore in 1998, the summer of Pakistan’s nuclear tests, Mohsin Hamid’s “Moth Smoke” plunges into the life of Darashikoh Shezad. Having just lost his job, Daru navigates a crumbling economy, power outages, and the exclusive parties of the city’s elite. His life takes a dramatic turn as he develops feelings for his best friend’s wife and experiments with heroin, charting a course of personal decline amidst societal upheaval. This novel offers a compelling look at a man’s unraveling in a turbulent world.

Why You Should Read?

• Experience a vivid portrayal of Lahore in the late 1990s, capturing the social and economic tensions of the era.
• Delve into a character study of Daru, exploring themes of desperation, desire, and the consequences of his choices.
• Engage with a narrative that blends personal drama with broader societal commentary on class, corruption, and moral decay.
• Discover Mohsin Hamid’s distinctive literary voice and his ability to craft a powerful and thought-provoking story.

About the Author

Mohsin Hamid is a Pakistani novelist and essayist. His novels include “Moth Smoke,” “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” “How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia,” and “Exit West,” which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His work often explores themes of globalization, migration, and identity, earning him critical acclaim and a wide readership.