If a novel could be described as near perfect – perhaps THIS is the one – AKS
زندگی بھی ایسی ہی ہوتی ہے اس میں بھی دھوپ چھاؤں ایک جگہ نہیں رہتی…. کبھی برے دن ہوتے ہیں پھر اچھے آ جاتے ہیں پھر اچھے گزر جاتے ہیں اور برے آجاتے ہیں….. پر اچھا برا کوئی وقت کبھی کسی انسان کے لئے مستقل نہیں رہتا
“Zindagi bhi aesi hi hoti hai ismein bhi dhop chaon aik jagah nahi rehti….kabhi bure din hote hein phir ache ajate hein phir ache guzar jaate hein aur bure ajate hein…par acha bura koi waqt kabhi insaan keliye mustaqil nahi rehta”–Aks
Aks is a phenomenal book written by a much-loved, prolific writer, you guessed it – Umera Ahmed. If a novel could be described as near perfect – perhaps THIS is the one! Unfortunately, Aks is not as renowned as other writings by Umera but you won’t be disappointed after reading it. The story highlights many significant society issues i.e. child abuse, class differences, a layered bureaucratic system, and many more topics relatable to readers who hail from similar backgrounds.
A Fascinating Plot
The story revolves around three people in particular: Sherdil, Shehrbano and Aks. Two different times and events are narrated at the onset. The suspense and curiosity created henceforth makes the book unputdownable as you want to know more about the characters and of course, how the story is played out.
Further mystery revolves around a house and an oval shaped mirror as the story keeps you deeply engrossed. The writer hides multiple secrets in multiple characters and things – keeping you on the edge of your seat in avid anticipation.
The Main Characters
It has two female protagonists and it will be very confusing to choose whom you ultimately favour. One is Shehrbano a sweet, innocent girl who garners love from all. Our second protagonist is Aks, an intelligent, wise women who will certainly inspire many young girls.
Sherdil will hold favour with some readers but not with others, and why is that? – No spoilers here! But needless to say, all the characters will send out a message.
Women, suspense, romance
Moreover, the story holds suspense, romance and more importantly, upholds strong women characters to aspire to. It will make you smile, weep and contemplate multiple issues that exist in our society.
Aks is not a book for you if you prefer light reads. This story is very intense and deep. It provokes the reader into deep thought – questioning and evaluating preconditioned values and mindsets.
Oh and if you thought The Queen’s Gambit was all you had, Aks gives you unique insight into the world of Chess. although not a new take on the game, it is intriguing to note how chess moves and play strategies correspond with the moves and decisions we make in our lives.
However, we must remember – a healthy dose of reality here – that life and a game are not one and the same:
کھیل اور زندگی میں بہت فرق ہوتا ہے نانا۔۔۔۔ کھیل کو ہم کھیلتے ہیں لیکن زندگی ہمیں کھیلتی ہے ہم زندگی کے مہرے ہوتے ہیں زندگی کو مہرا نہیں بنا سکتے۔
“Zindagi aur khel mein bht farq hota hai Nana…khel ko hum khelte hein lekin zindagi humein khelti hai, hum zindage keh muhre hote hein zindagi ko muhra nahi bnaskte.”
The character growth witnessed in the life journeys, the relatable scenarios and scenes, the unpredictable twists in the story line, and the character shades themselves make for an intense reading experience.
Aks is a super read! Go for your first 2021 read now!
