The stories are outstanding; they deal with corruption, greed, ego, dilemma, longing and loss, among a myriad of other aspects found in the complicated fabric of city life. What really is significant in their stories is, how they deal with their lot in life and struggle to rise—however insignificant it may seem to the patriarchs in their families. Sobhan, waiting for the dowry his friend Hamid was to pay for the marriage, even tries to indoctrinate Hamid: “Everything is connected...Life is a series of connection”. The women characters in “The Happy Widow” and “Up in the Main House” are distinct for their thoughts and desires. Blending a multitude of voices into this brilliant narrative, Zaman has been successful to make Dhaka come to life through well-constructed stories.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 08, 2018 13:07 UTC