NPR's Book of the Day In Zahid Rafiq's debut short story collection, the future of Kashmir is uncertain
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Dec 12, 2024 Discover the haunting yet vibrant lives of modern Kashmir through Zahid Rafiq's debut collection of short stories. He dives into the unpredictability of life, inviting us into a world where a construction crew uncovers chilling secrets and a pregnant woman embarks on a quest for fresh fish. Rafiq explores the complex relationship between a turbulent past and the uncertain future, all while embracing spontaneity in storytelling. This poignant discussion reveals how resilient characters find hope amid chaos.
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Returning Home
- Zahid Rafiq reads a passage from his story "Bare Feet," where a Kashmiri returns home after a long absence.
- The passage vividly describes the city's decay and militarization, impacting the returnee.
Unplanned Writing
- Rafiq's writing style involves discovering the story as he writes, mirroring the uncertainty of life in Kashmir.
- He lets characters develop organically, allowing them to speak their own lines and shape the narrative.
The House
- Rafiq discusses "The House," a story about workers finding a severed hand.
- The story originated from his desire for a home amid violence, juxtaposing construction with unsettling discoveries.