THE HOLY WOMAN (Chinese Edition) in Mandarin

The long awaited Mandarin Version of my best selling first novel ‘The Holy Woman’.

Set in contemporary Pakistan, London and Egypt, this is an epic tale of a modern young Pakistani woman caught between love of a man, her family, and feudal tradition.

Qaisra Shahraz skilfully depicts the rural world of village life in Sindh, the modern world of Karachi, and London and Egypt also playing their parts.She draws the reader into the lives of the characters, bringing the complexities and contrasts of modern Pakistan beautifully to life.

Central to the theme of the story is the role of the Burkha – something the book examines very closely – from its significance to the wearer, and perception of that item of clothing is discussed throughout the book in a beautiful way. The reader comes to gradually understand the many levels of complexity that surround the Burkha, developing a greater understanding of Pakistani and Muslim culture.

The other central theme, and one which transcends all cultures, is that of love; romantic love, love for your parents, and love for the traditions which have grown and shaped the central characters.

1. The Times:

“

A lean, lyrical meditation on tradition and independence, sensuality & sacrifice, set against the moral background of modern day Pakistan, Shahraz’s debut beguiles throughout.”