What do you think?
Rate this book
The Party Worker
Bestselling author Omar Shahid Hamid's third and most chilling novel yet.
A burnt out New York cop; an eighty-year-old Parsi sitting in a decaying Karachi mansion; a hitman whose days are numbered; a journalist who dreams of the big time.
When a Jewish woman is killed on the steps of the Natural History Museum in New York, disparate lives are thrown together for one purpose: to bring about the downfall of the Don, the uncrowned king of Karachi.
The Party Worker explores the Machiavellian politics of Pakistan's busiest city, where friends come bearing bullets, and enemies can wait patiently for decades before striking.
Gritty, disturbing, and compelling, this is Omar Shahid Hamid at his best.
Omar Shahid Hamid has been a police officer in Pakistan for sixteen years and is a senior member of the Karachi Police's Counter Terrorism Department. In 2011, following an attack on his offices by the Pakistani Taliban, he took a five-year sabbatical to write books and worked as a political risk consultant. He has been widely quoted and regularly featured in major news outlets like The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, Le Monde, DW, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, BBC and NPR. His first novel, The Prisoner (2013), was longlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015 and is now being adapted for a feature film. His second novel is The Spinner’s Tale (2015). In 2016, Omar returned to active duty as a Counter Terrorism Officer.
A burnt out New York cop; an eighty-year-old Parsi sitting in a decaying Karachi mansion; a hitman whose days are numbered; a journalist who dreams of the big time.
When a Jewish woman is killed on the steps of the Natural History Museum in New York, disparate lives are thrown together for one purpose: to bring about the downfall of the Don, the uncrowned king of Karachi.
The Party Worker explores the Machiavellian politics of Pakistan's busiest city, where friends come bearing bullets, and enemies can wait patiently for decades before striking.
Gritty, disturbing, and compelling, this is Omar Shahid Hamid at his best.
Omar Shahid Hamid has been a police officer in Pakistan for sixteen years and is a senior member of the Karachi Police's Counter Terrorism Department. In 2011, following an attack on his offices by the Pakistani Taliban, he took a five-year sabbatical to write books and worked as a political risk consultant. He has been widely quoted and regularly featured in major news outlets like The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, Le Monde, DW, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, BBC and NPR. His first novel, The Prisoner (2013), was longlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015 and is now being adapted for a feature film. His second novel is The Spinner’s Tale (2015). In 2016, Omar returned to active duty as a Counter Terrorism Officer.
336 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2017
23 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Omar Shahid Hamid
11 books189 followersOmar Shahid Hamid served with Pakistan's Karachi police for 12 years, during which time he was targeted by various terrorist groups and criminal outfits. He received his Masters in Criminal Justice Policy from the London School of Economics, and his Masters in Law from University College London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 29, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Omar Shahid Hamid is a Pakistani author who I rate very highly. If you want to read about the real Karachi, then his books are the ones you should pick up. Of course, his books show the underbelly of this multi-layered, multi-cultural city, and are only reflective of the shady side of things, but no one is more qualified than Hamid to give a realistic view of this side of the city. He is a real police officer who has seen all this and more, up close and personal.
The Party Worker is a work of fiction, like all Hamid's other books, but those who have seen the Karachi of the 1990's and 2000's will know that this fiction is actually a very thinly veiled dig at some very real players in the political scene of that era. There is more than a grain of truth in almost all the incidents mentioned here. Most of these will chill you to the bone.
Despite my high rating and praise for this book, it's not for the faint of heart, for it shows the brutality and lawlessness prevalent at that time, making some things very hard to digest. It might be upsetting for the reader, but while many incidents really are a work of fiction, the most cruel and senseless ones are not. A certain football match in Lyari comes to mind.
As a die-hard Karachiite, it is not easy to recommend a book that shows my city in a less than favorable light, but it shows the real face of politics, of what power and money can do to people, of how people are willing to go to any lengths to gain that power and money.
It also shows how Karachi is a melting pot of ethnicities, all vying for their share of the pie. Karachi is a real character in this book, a thriving metropolis that makes everyone want to rule it, because whoever rules this city, controls the largest chunk of the country's economy. It is like a siren's call, with people willing to kill and die just to own a part of this sprawling city.
It was a struggle to write all this without actually giving away the plot of the book, but it all starts in New York, and culminates in this city of dreams and lights, that is the economic hub of Pakistan. A must read for fans of political intrigue and secret plans, who are not squeamish about a little (read: a lot of!) blood and gore. Oh, and that ending is not really that unbelievable, if you really think about it!
Omar Shahid Hamid is a Pakistani author who I rate very highly. If you want to read about the real Karachi, then his books are the ones you should pick up. Of course, his books show the underbelly of this multi-layered, multi-cultural city, and are only reflective of the shady side of things, but no one is more qualified than Hamid to give a realistic view of this side of the city. He is a real police officer who has seen all this and more, up close and personal.
The Party Worker is a work of fiction, like all Hamid's other books, but those who have seen the Karachi of the 1990's and 2000's will know that this fiction is actually a very thinly veiled dig at some very real players in the political scene of that era. There is more than a grain of truth in almost all the incidents mentioned here. Most of these will chill you to the bone.
Despite my high rating and praise for this book, it's not for the faint of heart, for it shows the brutality and lawlessness prevalent at that time, making some things very hard to digest. It might be upsetting for the reader, but while many incidents really are a work of fiction, the most cruel and senseless ones are not. A certain football match in Lyari comes to mind.
As a die-hard Karachiite, it is not easy to recommend a book that shows my city in a less than favorable light, but it shows the real face of politics, of what power and money can do to people, of how people are willing to go to any lengths to gain that power and money.
It also shows how Karachi is a melting pot of ethnicities, all vying for their share of the pie. Karachi is a real character in this book, a thriving metropolis that makes everyone want to rule it, because whoever rules this city, controls the largest chunk of the country's economy. It is like a siren's call, with people willing to kill and die just to own a part of this sprawling city.
It was a struggle to write all this without actually giving away the plot of the book, but it all starts in New York, and culminates in this city of dreams and lights, that is the economic hub of Pakistan. A must read for fans of political intrigue and secret plans, who are not squeamish about a little (read: a lot of!) blood and gore. Oh, and that ending is not really that unbelievable, if you really think about it!
October 22, 2018
I have always appreciated how Omar Shahid Hamid sets up plot for his reads. You always want to know what happens next and their is always that touch of specifc writings with local language in his novels which takes his novel to a whole new level. This one just like the prisoner perfectly elaborates how the polictics in Pakistan works like and how peoply betray each other to meet their desires no matter whatsoever harm it causes to a normal man.
April 3, 2017
Exceptional plot set in Karachi's different areas. Omar Shahid once again successfully portrays the intrigues involved in the politics, crime and police of Karachi. This time he has chosen to expose Karachi's biggest party and its nexus with crime. He is successful in making the readers understand the internal workings of the party and especially the psyche of the Don and how he has operated over the years from overseas.
At one point he says that the party's terror and tactics easily outshine that of BJP and its hardliners which is not only true but also surprising; considering that party does not use religion or any other brainwashing ideology to pursue its aims.
In order to remove any direct references to the Party he has changed names and locations which is a clever move especially since he mentions little known anecdotes such as that the Don had raped a famous pop singer and she had to move to London along with her family after that. Also the lifestyle of Don and his connections and utility for the intelligence community of the host country is elaborated along with the modes of money laundering that the Don uses.
Overall, it was an insight into the Party and its workings however the end could have been a little better as it was not as happening in a way and the climax was also not very convincing.
A good read nonetheless.
At one point he says that the party's terror and tactics easily outshine that of BJP and its hardliners which is not only true but also surprising; considering that party does not use religion or any other brainwashing ideology to pursue its aims.
In order to remove any direct references to the Party he has changed names and locations which is a clever move especially since he mentions little known anecdotes such as that the Don had raped a famous pop singer and she had to move to London along with her family after that. Also the lifestyle of Don and his connections and utility for the intelligence community of the host country is elaborated along with the modes of money laundering that the Don uses.
Overall, it was an insight into the Party and its workings however the end could have been a little better as it was not as happening in a way and the climax was also not very convincing.
A good read nonetheless.
November 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It's not my usual genre but I'm glad that I stuck with it. Was gifted to me by a friend when I visited Karachi last December. As someone who didn't grow up in Pakistan and is only vaguely familiar with the political scene and what Karachi is like, it was a really interesting take on what life is like in the city, especially the different denominations and how they're run. Wasn't the biggest fan of the unnecessary descriptions of the fuckability of some of the female characters BUT on the whole I really enjoyed it and I'd really like to read another book by Omar Shahid Hamid.
November 9, 2017
I could go on for hours describing how intelligent this novel is and how extensively profound it gets once you realize you can look underneath its surface, but I'll spare you of all the lauding. Instead, I'll just tell you to read it yourself, as soon as possible! You cannot go wrong with it, it's just too brilliant and once you understand its depth impossible not to like it. A wonderful and truly rewarding thriller! A must read for thriller lovers and specially if you are a karachites.
September 26, 2023
Loved it.
I was not expecting the main lead to die and the fact that he was known as a 'killing machine' and a 'mastermind' but played in the hands of the supposedly naive cop came as a blow. The journalist too out did himself. I was not expecting any plot twists but damn was I wrong. The language though at times was too strong :)
I was not expecting the main lead to die and the fact that he was known as a 'killing machine' and a 'mastermind' but played in the hands of the supposedly naive cop came as a blow. The journalist too out did himself. I was not expecting any plot twists but damn was I wrong. The language though at times was too strong :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
What a thrill of a read! Highly recommended!
February 17, 2017
3.5/ 5
A little stretched out and too much coloquial language .. But a tale with many twists and some brilliant portrayal of a city and it's sustainance.
Details - http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2017/02/t...
A little stretched out and too much coloquial language .. But a tale with many twists and some brilliant portrayal of a city and it's sustainance.
Details - http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2017/02/t...
August 19, 2025
like a 3.5/3.75 - started well then dragged a little
July 15, 2023
A decent fast-read masala thriller set in Karachi. Wish it had more depth.
April 9, 2017
Gripping Crime Thriller
The Party Worker is a full-fledged masala movie material, oh yes!!! The story starts with an attempted murder and gradually moves on to a wider net of politics, murders, corruption, underworld secrets, rising of a don among others.
The book revolves around the lives of four important characters a hitman, a cop, a journalist and an old man. The plot connects them all very strategically. Certainly credit goes to the fluid narrative and flawless storyline. Their lives crosses that of each other’s, while there are several parallel stories also. The story is set in New York and Pakistan.
The author has successfully penned an interesting book, that’s just not put downable. It’s a gripping crime thriller that’s racy and an exciting read.
Wait for some hard-hitting and shocking events in the story.
I received a copy from Pan Macmillan India in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Party Worker is a full-fledged masala movie material, oh yes!!! The story starts with an attempted murder and gradually moves on to a wider net of politics, murders, corruption, underworld secrets, rising of a don among others.
The book revolves around the lives of four important characters a hitman, a cop, a journalist and an old man. The plot connects them all very strategically. Certainly credit goes to the fluid narrative and flawless storyline. Their lives crosses that of each other’s, while there are several parallel stories also. The story is set in New York and Pakistan.
The author has successfully penned an interesting book, that’s just not put downable. It’s a gripping crime thriller that’s racy and an exciting read.
Wait for some hard-hitting and shocking events in the story.
I received a copy from Pan Macmillan India in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 24, 2024
Altaf bhai, ap idher?
March 4, 2017
I like the way omar shahid writes,very easy and simple method of writing,This time also he came up with an interesting plot and an excellent buildup however the climax was naive and ordinary unlike the way he writes,his last two books had very unique endings with each reader interpreting it in his own way,but what I did not like about this book was that the character it build and the character around which the whole story revolve were made to die just like that,and the characters who were barely there in the story came up as winners and they ended the story which was quite hard to absorb really,overall it was indeed a goodread, however the ending could have been better and well placed
April 15, 2017
This is Omar Shahid Hamid at his best till yet. He has come a long way over the years as far the writing is concerned. And then there is the plot, grander, well thought out and intriguing as ever.
February 18, 2017
This guy raises his bar every time.
(Full review coming soon)
(Full review coming soon)
December 30, 2017
Thoroughly gripping. This book is definitely a page turner. A crime thriller based on politics and drama in the city of Karachi and how it takes a toll on the lives of common people. This book is a must read for every Karachi-ite out there. Once you get the hang of it and read between the lines you'll find yourself on a delightful and surprising journey. The author uses simple language yet the plots are set in an absolutely awe-inspiring way.
August 28, 2017
This has to be Omar Hamids best one as of yet.
Loved Ismail's character. Did everything carefully, though at the end he maybe tried to be too smart.
what i found funny is how everyone under rated Guddo. And yet it was the same Guddo who came became the winner at the end.
But overall, this book was quite a revelation and if you understand that this book is actually based upon what MQM really did, it becomes really a sad story. The fact that so many people had to suffer due to pitchkari/don/altaf hussain. I had to search up the pop singer story and it pointed towards Nazia Hassan. Just shows how crazy the guy was and lengths he would go to..
Great stuff by the author for exposing how things work in karachi, and there is no better way then documenting it through a novel.
Loved Ismail's character. Did everything carefully, though at the end he maybe tried to be too smart.
what i found funny is how everyone under rated Guddo. And yet it was the same Guddo who came became the winner at the end.
But overall, this book was quite a revelation and if you understand that this book is actually based upon what MQM really did, it becomes really a sad story. The fact that so many people had to suffer due to pitchkari/don/altaf hussain. I had to search up the pop singer story and it pointed towards Nazia Hassan. Just shows how crazy the guy was and lengths he would go to..
Great stuff by the author for exposing how things work in karachi, and there is no better way then documenting it through a novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2020
This book gets you hooked from the starting just like a Hollywood thriller. The city of Karachi plays the role of an additional character, adding to the grim and wild nature of the book. Though the build-up to the end takes a bit too long. It's just when you are done with three-fourth of the book you start craving for some serious action, but the end is no way disappointing. The Russo chapters with all the American drama seemed to bore me a little maybe because the writer is of American descent and the author couldn't excite us there, but the Karachi chapters especially the Ismail ones are the real delight to read.
March 11, 2017
It was a thrilling and quick read about the Karachi situation. Believable but still a bit far-fetched. I did like the portrayal of the journalist as well as other political figures but found the portrayal of women slightly skewed and unhealthy. I have yet to find an Anglo Pakistani novel with some normal Pakistani women in it. Since I haven't read many such novels I will keep searching for such a book.
June 13, 2018
What an amazing book! Omar Shahid Hamid's work keeps on getting better with each novel. For me, this was his best work. The plot, the schemes, the characters.... it was so much fun to read.
This book is highly recommend, specially for Karachites.
Can't wait to get my hand on to Hamid's next masterpiece.
This book is highly recommend, specially for Karachites.
Can't wait to get my hand on to Hamid's next masterpiece.
February 17, 2017
Overall this was a much enjoyable read.
Read the complete review...
http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2017/02/t...
Read the complete review...
http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2017/02/t...
February 23, 2017
Brilliant as always... make good use of recent political events to fashion a tense and terse thriller
May 24, 2020
MQM goons story. Seems like an actual story of some real character
April 27, 2021
The Party worker by Omar Shahid Hamid
Genre: Crime fiction
Wow what a book ...
The party worker is a crime thriller set in Karachi. It offers 300 plus pages of non-stop action.
The novel starts in New York. When a hit on a man named Asad Haider goes wrong.
As detective Russo and his friend try to solve the case they Soon realize that Asad Haidar is no ordinary man. Asad Haidar has ties with CIA and Pakistan's most notorious political party.
The party is known as United front and it's founder the Don has taken political asylum abroad and he controls Karachi via remote control.
Characters:
Ismail Naich: by far my most favorite character in the book. Ismail Naich is a predatory reporter who finds dirt on people and blackmails them in to giving him lifafa. A twist of fate puts Naich between the party and it's arch Rival. The notorious Lyari gangster Baba Dacait.
Sadia: A naive girl, sister of heroic cop Akbar Khan (murdered in cold blood by the party)
Byram: Ex-Member of the party and Father of Cyrus ( a honest journalist, who lies in coma after beaten by party thugs)
Asad Haider: party's hit-man
Tariq Colombowla: A cunning politician and The Chief minister appointed by the party.
Baba Dacait: Infamous Lyari gangster.
Ghafar Langhra: Baba Dacait's right hand man.
Guddu: An inspector, A party member whose loyalty is dubious.
The others: an inner group of party and ex party members conspiring to kill the Don and Destroy the party.
My Thoughts: This can become a hit Lollywood movie. Something like 'shoot out at lokhandwala' except that it's twice as good. It's not just bunch of high thugs shooting people.
Hamid's characters are real. Each character has a tragic back story. Each character is selfish, each character is ambitious, cunning and smart.
The novel takes you deep in to Karachi's politics and underworld. Startingly original and wholly memorable story.
Genre: Crime fiction
Wow what a book ...
The party worker is a crime thriller set in Karachi. It offers 300 plus pages of non-stop action.
The novel starts in New York. When a hit on a man named Asad Haider goes wrong.
As detective Russo and his friend try to solve the case they Soon realize that Asad Haidar is no ordinary man. Asad Haidar has ties with CIA and Pakistan's most notorious political party.
The party is known as United front and it's founder the Don has taken political asylum abroad and he controls Karachi via remote control.
Characters:
Ismail Naich: by far my most favorite character in the book. Ismail Naich is a predatory reporter who finds dirt on people and blackmails them in to giving him lifafa. A twist of fate puts Naich between the party and it's arch Rival. The notorious Lyari gangster Baba Dacait.
Sadia: A naive girl, sister of heroic cop Akbar Khan (murdered in cold blood by the party)
Byram: Ex-Member of the party and Father of Cyrus ( a honest journalist, who lies in coma after beaten by party thugs)
Asad Haider: party's hit-man
Tariq Colombowla: A cunning politician and The Chief minister appointed by the party.
Baba Dacait: Infamous Lyari gangster.
Ghafar Langhra: Baba Dacait's right hand man.
Guddu: An inspector, A party member whose loyalty is dubious.
The others: an inner group of party and ex party members conspiring to kill the Don and Destroy the party.
My Thoughts: This can become a hit Lollywood movie. Something like 'shoot out at lokhandwala' except that it's twice as good. It's not just bunch of high thugs shooting people.
Hamid's characters are real. Each character has a tragic back story. Each character is selfish, each character is ambitious, cunning and smart.
The novel takes you deep in to Karachi's politics and underworld. Startingly original and wholly memorable story.
May 8, 2017
This book has a good start but the more prosperous is its end . Not like some absurd book that only goes on conveying the story this book gives you much information about the political scenario of PAKISTAN and in the mean time it tells you the story basically this book has 5-6 protagonist and each protagonist has a different set of thinking about the political sphere of THE PARTY and its head DON(issue on which the book is based) .All characters are in some way or the other a victim of The Party Workers tyranny and the book shows how each character contemplate on oneself and avenge DON for what wrong he has done to them.
What this book lacks is a little philosophy and it need more time to introduce its character with the reader of course that will not make you difficult to connect the story with the character . You may fell that stories of one protagonist is mixed in the other that makes the chapter more about other character then the character to whom the chapter is dedicated.
Otherwise its a goodread may you enjoy the book and this review be useful to you. Good Luck.
What this book lacks is a little philosophy and it need more time to introduce its character with the reader of course that will not make you difficult to connect the story with the character . You may fell that stories of one protagonist is mixed in the other that makes the chapter more about other character then the character to whom the chapter is dedicated.
Otherwise its a goodread may you enjoy the book and this review be useful to you. Good Luck.
October 8, 2018
Always a pleasure discovering emerging Pakistani writers receiving International recognition.
His latest novel, 'The Party Worker' is a street run paced crime fiction written in the context of pure notoriety based on characters with criminal lives propagating from the 80's to present day Pakistan. Based in the neglected, dilapidated and infamous criminal town of Lyari, Karachi. It's very much inspired by Karachi mafia/gangs in post 80's Pakistan, And touches a great deal on post 9/11 inspired Pakistan/ International political crimes and conspiracies.
But if i had to summarize it in one sentence; 'Hollywood's 'Good Fellas' meets Bollywoods 'Gangs of wassipur'. '
The prose is not complex, straight forward, makes it a good, fast paced read. It's gritty, adult oriented, dark, realistic and contains text with the occasional one-liners which aptly paint the post-current political/mafia culture of underworld Karachi. Though prose is simple, the plot is praiseworthy.
Upon reading Omar, It's clearly evident why his previous book has already been adapted for film. And I'm sure, more of his books will be inclined to become film scripts in the future too. He's the first one to be recognized by an international audience for writing Pakistan based Crime fiction in the English Language. And he's keeping it simple, but at the same time pulling readers worldwide.
Omar Shahid Hamid is no Kamila Shamsie, Mohammed Hanif or Mohsin Hamid. But he certainly has his own place amongst recently emerged Pakistani writers.
His latest novel, 'The Party Worker' is a street run paced crime fiction written in the context of pure notoriety based on characters with criminal lives propagating from the 80's to present day Pakistan. Based in the neglected, dilapidated and infamous criminal town of Lyari, Karachi. It's very much inspired by Karachi mafia/gangs in post 80's Pakistan, And touches a great deal on post 9/11 inspired Pakistan/ International political crimes and conspiracies.
But if i had to summarize it in one sentence; 'Hollywood's 'Good Fellas' meets Bollywoods 'Gangs of wassipur'. '
The prose is not complex, straight forward, makes it a good, fast paced read. It's gritty, adult oriented, dark, realistic and contains text with the occasional one-liners which aptly paint the post-current political/mafia culture of underworld Karachi. Though prose is simple, the plot is praiseworthy.
Upon reading Omar, It's clearly evident why his previous book has already been adapted for film. And I'm sure, more of his books will be inclined to become film scripts in the future too. He's the first one to be recognized by an international audience for writing Pakistan based Crime fiction in the English Language. And he's keeping it simple, but at the same time pulling readers worldwide.
Omar Shahid Hamid is no Kamila Shamsie, Mohammed Hanif or Mohsin Hamid. But he certainly has his own place amongst recently emerged Pakistani writers.
April 17, 2024
The party worker is a good elobration of the dark politics of the busiest city of Pakistan, Karachi. It gives a fine insight into how the politics actually works, and the minset of the Don himself, the leader who rules the city from overseas. While he is the mastermind of manipulating the people of his party and even his close friends, there are forces within his close circle that are working to bring him down.
And so the gruesome story of betrayal, murder and tactics begins where everyone is working for their personal gain. You must also believe half of the tragedies stated in the book since most of them are based on actual events that's what make reading it makes it horrible at times.
These are ground realities of the cities where evil forces like corrupt politicians, taliban, terrorists and local gangsters have gripped the society.
The plot was crafted quite impressively and the thrill of it keeps you bound to the book till the very end. The characters are well developed and do quite a fine job of the evil that is expected of them. However like all of Hamid's other books the female characterization is pretty lowly. I know it is based a lot on reality but I've never read a powerful or even well respected feminine character by him (p.s. I'm not feminist). It'd be a nice change to have some strong female characters, for that is as much a reality of our world.
And so the gruesome story of betrayal, murder and tactics begins where everyone is working for their personal gain. You must also believe half of the tragedies stated in the book since most of them are based on actual events that's what make reading it makes it horrible at times.
These are ground realities of the cities where evil forces like corrupt politicians, taliban, terrorists and local gangsters have gripped the society.
The plot was crafted quite impressively and the thrill of it keeps you bound to the book till the very end. The characters are well developed and do quite a fine job of the evil that is expected of them. However like all of Hamid's other books the female characterization is pretty lowly. I know it is based a lot on reality but I've never read a powerful or even well respected feminine character by him (p.s. I'm not feminist). It'd be a nice change to have some strong female characters, for that is as much a reality of our world.
November 27, 2019
Honestly, I've never read any political fiction or suspense thrillers, this was my first one and let me tell you one thing, Omar Shahid Hamid nailed it!
If I talk about the plot of this book, it's about Karachi's notorious political party who use violence to run the city back in 20th century. Yes you guessed it right. The book provides an insight of Party's structure and methods from the inside that too in a fictional setting. I wonder why Netflix hasn't adapted it for an original series yet.
I didn't lose my interest for a single minute, it captured me from page 1 to the the very end. This was one of those books that keeps you wanting for more and you can't really leave it without finishing it. Additionally, it provides you with background of each and every major character involved in plot and the twists, yes, you wouldn't believe how Omar has the ability to fold the cards one by one and keep the most interesting ones for last. I'm surely going for other Omar Shahid Hamid's writings after this one. Highly recommended for people interested in Pakistan's politics or suspense thrillers in general.
If I talk about the plot of this book, it's about Karachi's notorious political party who use violence to run the city back in 20th century. Yes you guessed it right. The book provides an insight of Party's structure and methods from the inside that too in a fictional setting. I wonder why Netflix hasn't adapted it for an original series yet.
I didn't lose my interest for a single minute, it captured me from page 1 to the the very end. This was one of those books that keeps you wanting for more and you can't really leave it without finishing it. Additionally, it provides you with background of each and every major character involved in plot and the twists, yes, you wouldn't believe how Omar has the ability to fold the cards one by one and keep the most interesting ones for last. I'm surely going for other Omar Shahid Hamid's writings after this one. Highly recommended for people interested in Pakistan's politics or suspense thrillers in general.
February 13, 2018
Karachi, Pakistan's largest and one of the world's most violent cities, is a helluva place. It has an brazen 'fuck you' attitude and dares you to beat it. My next novel will be set at least in part in this city by the Arabian Sea. Omar Shahid Hamid, has written an excellent book about the city but more importantly, its political culture. The political Party referred to in the title is based on the existing Party the MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain. So if you've lived in Pakistan or have any other interest in it this book will be quite revealing. But even if you've never been to Pakistan and have not read anything else about it this book is still worth your while. Its a murder/thriller that takes place across two countries. While some of Hamid's characterisations are cliche and tired overall his characters are believable and mostly compelling. A great quick read that will keep you engaged the whole time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews