Kartography

Kamila Shamsie

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"Kartography" by Kamila Shamsie is a novel set in Karachi, Pakistan, during a period of political unrest and civil war. The story follows the intertwined lives of Karim and Raheen, childhood friends from affluent families, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and family secrets. The narrative beautifully weaves together elements of personal relationships, historical events, and the city of Karachi itself, creating a compelling story that delves into themes of forgiveness, identity, and the impact of past choices on present lives.

The writing style in "Kartography" is described as lyrical, evocative, and rich with detail. Kamila Shamsie's prose captures the essence of Karachi, painting a vivid portrait of a city caught in the turmoil of civil war and political strife. Through the characters of Karim and Raheen, the author explores the nuances of human emotions, the complexities of family dynamics, and the enduring bonds of friendship that are tested by time, distance, and buried secrets.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Karim and Raheen's privileged backgrounds leading to intricate emotional connections and conflicts, while supporting characters offer contrasting views on wealth and societal roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and vivid imagery of Karachi, with a mix of humor, though at times the dialogue feels overly coy.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the story of childhood sweethearts Karim and Raheen, exploring their deep bond while navigating familial secrets and the tumultuous political landscape of Pakistan.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in Karachi, richly depicting its social dynamics against the backdrop of historical tumult and political unrest.

Pacing:

The pacing starts quickly, reflecting childhood ease, but slows as deeper themes and character complexities are introduced.

Of course the garden is located where all our beginnings, Karim’s and mine, are located: Karachi. That spider-plant city where, if you know what to look for and some higher power is feeling indulgent,...

Notes:

Karim and Raheen grow up in Karachi, Pakistan, against a backdrop of political unrest and violence.

Their families have a complex history, including a significant partner swap among the parents.

Karim becomes interested in cartography as a way to understand Karachi and Pakistan's troubled history.

Raheen is initially indifferent to political issues, which creates tension between her and Karim later on.

The narrative explores themes of friendship, love, family secrets, and social class.

Raheen's social life involves swimming, parties, and enjoying the privileges of her wealthy upbringing.

The story reflects on the dynamics of affluent Karachi society, contrasting it with the struggles of the less fortunate.

The book touches upon the impact of the East Pakistan conflict and the formation of Bangladesh.

Characters are described as self-indulgent and spoiled, which some readers find frustrating.

The writing style is noted for its lyrical quality and evocative imagery of Karachi.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include political violence, familial conflict, and themes of loss.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, mainly revolving around Karim and Raheen's complex relationship.

From The Publisher:

Raheen and her best friend, Karim, share an idyllic childhood in upper-class Karachi. Their parents were even once engaged to each others' partners until they rematched in what they call "the fiancée swap." But as adolescence distances the friends, Karim takes refuge in maps while Raheen searches for the secret behind her parents' exchange. What she uncovers reveals not just a family's but a country's turbulent history-and a grown-up Raheen and Karim are caught between strained friendship and fated love.

A love story with a family mystery at its heart, Kartography is a dazzling novel by a young writer of astonishing maturity and exhilarating style. Shamsie transports us to a world we have not often seen in fiction-vibrant, dangerous, sensuous Pakistan. But even as she takes us far from the familiar, her story of passion and family secrets rings universally true.

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About the Author:

KAMILA SHAMSIE's first novel, In the City by the Sea, was shortlisted for the John Llewelyn Rhys/Mail on Sunday Prize. After her second novel, Salt and Saffron, she was named one of the Orange Futures "21 Writers for the 21st century". A recipient of the Award for Literary Achievement in Pakistan, she lives in Karachi and London, where she writes frequently for The Guardian.

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