Caste Metal: Short Story

by Fiza Pathan

Cacchar has taught himself to read. In today’s world, people would call him gifted, but in 1877, being born to the lowest caste—called the “untouchables”—and having read the sacred texts means being in violation of Hindu law. And, therefore, being in danger. Cacchar and his family are about to find out what happens when the priests conduct a purification.

Genres: Short Stories

Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2019

About the author

IMP: If you are an indie-author & wish to contact me for written or live interviews on my blogs & websites then contact me here - pathan.fiza@gmail.com
or you can text me on 9820763499.

I will then get back to you ASAP.

I also review books already published & in ARC form (pdfs are fine) especially of indie-writers. You can message or text about the same to me via the above given details. Messaging on Goodreads is coming to an end, period. I am also on X, LinkedIn, Fable & StoryGraph, feel free to join me there.

Fiza Pathan is a Roman Catholic born on the 19th of March 1989 and is from Mumbai, India.

Fiza has written and published seventeen award-winning books and short stories, which reflect her interest in furthering the cause of education and in championing social issues. In over seventy literary competitions, she has placed either as winner or finalist, chief among them being: 2020 DBW Awards; 2020 Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards; 2018 DBW Awards; Killer Nashville 2018 Silver Falchion Award; 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards; 2018 Book Viral Millennium Book Awards; Readers’ Favorite Book Awards; Reader Views Literary Awards; Eric Hoffer Book Award; Foreword Reviews Indie Fab Book Awards; Mom’s Choice Awards; Literary Classics Book Awards; and Dan Poynter’s Global E-Book Awards. She established her own niche publishing company called Fiza Pathan Publishing OPC Private Limited where she publishes Rare Classics for younger readers.

She has been contributing articles, book reviews, parabolic stories, and theological essays to various Catholic Magazines for the past 16 years. She has been associated with ‘The Examiner’ which is a reputed Catholic newsweekly of India for the past 16 years. In recognition of her various literary achievements as a young Catholic writer, she has recently received the first ever Bronze Pen Award from The Examiner at its 175th anniversary celebrations in the year 2024.

She also contributes theological articles and book reviews respectively to the ICM (Indian Catholic Matters) online magazine as well as ‘The Teenager Today’ which is run by the Catholic congregation of St. Pauls. She also contributed articles to ‘The Vision & Venture’ and ‘Word Power’ as a youth, both of which are Catholic monthlies.

Fiza Pathan is currently pursuing her Masters in Theological Studies from Pontifex University Atlanta, Georgia asynchronously. She also pursues additional theological courses at the Institute of Catholic Culture in Virginia through its online platform to improve her knowledge of authentic Catholic theology, philosophy, and literature. She is currently in the process of becoming a Consecrated Virgin for Christ.

She is also pursuing her Post Graduate Certificate In International Teacher Education (PGCITE) at Podar International School, Santacruz. She is being trained to teach grades 1 to 12 in the IGCSE & IB curricula. Her specializations will be in English Language, English Literature, Global Perspectives (GP), History, TOK & CAS.

She taught English Literature and History for a year at an ICSE school called Lilavati Bai Podar High School, Mumbai (2011-2012).

Fiza Pathan has a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Mumbai, where she majored in History and Sociology with a first class. She also has a bachelor’s degree in education, again with a first class, her special subjects being English and History.

She lives with her maternal family & her cat Lopez, and writes essays, book reviews, sketches, novels, and short stories in most genres. You may follow her on Twitter @FizaPathan and visit her blog insaneowl.com or her website fizapathansportfolioforpgcite.com

Reviews

[Tawfek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this subject, I know about the untouchables probably from a movie.
But it's good to refresh my memory about it and to hate that religion again.
The story was incredibly brutal and sad, it felt like one of those novels by Marquis De Sade where he goes, "Oh, you thought this girl was going to get a break? Think again, I have worse things in store for her."
But no it actually changes, and things do get better, a little late but they did.
And the sad thing you realize is, things probably didn't get better in real life 99% of the time when something similar happened, I doubt it would be related to reading Sanskirit, but there were probably way too many taboos for the untouchables that it was more likely they get in trouble than not.

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exposing the horrible and frankly terrifying reality that was the caste system in India, the author has highlighted a reality that many people still don’t know about. The outcasts, known as the “untouchables,” face a harsh reality. At best, they are entirely ignored, forced to fend for themselves. At worst, they face a continuous chance of losing everything—control of their bodies, their freedom (if they could be called free), their entire lives.

This was eye opening, stomach-churning, and as painful as I found it necessary. The author has poured soul into this, as well as she has imbued it with truth. As a short story, the author has chosen the best possible length to tackle the topic as it doesn’t require additional layers to lengthen it, and nothing hinders its impact.

[Carl Bluesy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an eye-opening story!

The story so cases the class system of Hindu Society in the late 1800s and how cruel it could be to the lower class citizens. Although this system was finished by law in 1948, it is still practice and some places in India.

The story is showcases, how cruel and violent the world could be to people of the lower claps of this Caste system and what the people had to endure on a daily basis and watch their families endure.

It’s always good to learn more about other cultures and the hardships of their history in this story does a great job on that. I think this will be the beginning of a long journey of learning that I will be happy to go on.

I wish there is more on the characterization of the main cast, and that more time was lingered on the impactful moment of the story. But anytime when a story makes you want more, that is a good thing.

[Steve Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story (twice), and was entranced. Fiza Pathan put me immediately into the culture, despite the fact that India in the 19th century is not well known to me.

My first reaction was based on my own ethics and morals. Priests bad, genius boy good, hurray for his salvation! The story arc is clean and clear.

But on my second read, I reflected on the role of Kalamana. He is clearly the savior in this piece... but what were his motivations?

From the point of view of the priesthood (and all three higher castes), he was nothing more than a collaborator. A man who cozied up to the occupying force and did their bidding.

Was his motivation to gain favor with the occupiers? To enrich himself? Or did he recognize that the actions of the priests and the villagers were fundamentally wrong, and seek to rectify the injustice?

I love the writing. Fiza has a distinctive style, and a beautiful voice. I look forward to learning more about them, in the years to come.

[Arianna Holmstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Caste Metal a couple days ago and it was a really good read!

[lorenzodulac · Rating 5 out of 5]

How real and raw this story was.
The year is 1877, Cacchar is a young boy who has taught himself how to read. Something dangerous, as he was born an untouchable, the lowest social position in the caste system of India, and as a result he and his family are consistently attacked. He has been discovered, however, and is being threatened with a purification by Hindu priests.
The brutality of being part of such a rank in those times is portrayed masterfully in the span of less than 50 pages. It’s a short, but impactful read, not afraid to get graphic.
This is one of those stories that just stick with you.
5 painful stars.
Thank you to Fiza Pathan for the opportunity to review this short story.

[Zanna ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story about the caste system of the past was eye-opening for me! I was shocked, quite frankly. I had no idea it was that bad. I was riveted to the page from start to finish. And I felt so sad for the boy and his family. I look forward to reading more by the author.

[Gnana Sujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal is a moving story that delves into the brutal realities of the caste system in the 19th century.

The protagonist Cacchar evokes strong emotions and has a great character arc.

His thirst for knowledge in the times of brutality and harsh reality was inspiring.

The cruelties faced by him were heart breaking and reflects the dark side of the caste system.

The story will create an impact on every reader, as the sentiment was concretely conveyed by the author Fiza Pathan.

What a profound and striking short story that explores the dehumanizing effects of social hierarchy and importance of education.

[Shals · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave story on a social malady

It is a story which unsettles you, shakes you up. The prose does not hesitate to expose the brutality of the ancient caste system in India. It is unsparing. At the same time, it ends on a note that has a flicker of hope for the protagonist. I would like to know what happens next to the central character.

[Simay Erdem · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Caste Metal" is one of the most disturbing, powerful, and painfully necessary stories I have ever read. Fiza Pathan doesn’t just tell a story; she exposes a horrifying reality, one that many would prefer to ignore.

The protagonist, Cacchar, is born into a world that deems him worthless simply because of his caste. His only crime? A desperate thirst for knowledge, a love for words that should have been his right, but in his world, it is a sin. The cruelty he and his family endure is nothing short of monstrous, yet what makes this story so impactful is its raw honesty. The descriptions are brutal, and the injustice is suffocating. Every word feels like a punch to the gut.

The writing is exceptional, capturing the helplessness of the oppressed and the inhumanity of those in power. I found myself enraged, heartbroken, and unable to look away. Pathan forces us to confront the horrors of caste-based oppression, not as a relic of the past, but as a reminder that systemic cruelty persists even today.

Fiza Pathan has an incredibly important voice in literature, and I truly hope she never loses it. Her ability to shine a light on the darkest corners of society is both brave and necessary. This is not a story for the faint-hearted, but it is a story that must be read. Caste Metal is a gut-wrenching testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unspeakable horrors inflicted by man-made hierarchies. An unforgettable read.

[Geraldine Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal: Short Story by Fiza Pathan stuns in its execution and style yet in an excellent way. It’s the heartbreaking story of a young boy who falls in love with the written word—the forbidden act of reading the holy text—and the act develops into his family’s undoing. The horrifying caste system is laid bare in the worst way. Ironically, it’s the people at the top of the caste system that turn out to be the worst of monsters. Despite the penalties for learning to read, the young boy finds the courage to continue. That bravery is eventually rewarded as although his family faces tragedy, a flash of hope is restored when a promising door is opened for the boy and his loved ones. A powerful and shocking story, the author demonstrates a fantastic talent for a gripping narrative that drags a reader into the pages and doesn’t let go until the very end.

[Michael Thomas]

"Caste Metal" is like being punched in the face by a flurry of Muhammad Ali jabs... One - two - three... It's a powerful tale of those customs, regardless of culture, that viciously discriminate against certain citizens. In the United States, that was slavery. In Hindu Indian culture, the untouchables... The saving grace, sparing any civilization from that knockout blow of prejudice are those activists willing to take a stand against the barbarism that "Caste Metal" slaps upon the reader. Thus, only then, is society allowed to exit this pugilistic ring, and elevate itself... Clever title too, take the 30 minutes to understand why.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly moving novella and I am astonished at how long I reflected on this story.
"He wore a clay cup the size of an English teacup with a thread under his mouth and a broom tied to his waist with a rag from his nineteen-year-old mother's saree." When I read this description, I thought it sounded rather odd. Why would an eight year old child where a cup tied under his chin? What could the broom be for? As this story unfolded and I grew to understood the meaning of these physical signs of the lowest caste in India, I was infused with a huge horror. It seems incomprehensible that an entire grouping of people could be so badly mistreated. Of course, I know that such awful systems existed in the past, in India and in many other countries in the world, but it is still difficult to get your mind around such an unfair and impossibly selfish system with my modern mindset.

The little boy in this story is a gifted child and it does seem rather amazing that such giftedness would be overlook and vilified in any society, but this was the law of the land at this time. Untouchables could not learn to read, in particular, they could not read the scriptures.

For me one of the best things about this short book is that it taught me so much about life in India at this time, but it still managed to end on an uplifting note and demonstrate that in every situation and circumstance there have always been those people who believe in love of their fellows and go to great lengths to demonstrate it, often at extreme personal risk.

Well done to the author on this intensely moving book.

[Theodora Oniceanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written story that makes the reader feel he or she is right in the middle of the action, observing, caring and helplessly rebelling against injustice.

Dealing with sensitive matters of custom and survival, the cruelty displayed in this book is rather disturbing and might intimidate the faint-hearted. It's not an easy read of a story that somehow manages to infuse a sense of hope for the protagonist, at the same time leaving us in shock with the traumatising experience we rest assured will haunt the boy forever.

Cacchar is an eight year boy who lives in India whilst the caste system is still ruling in its complete glory. What would be today regarded as the obvious sign of a gifted person, perhaps even a sign from the gods, for the religious beliefs of those times and the society’s shape was nothing more than a reason to satisfy a general thirst for blood and infamous acts of cruelty.
Not wasting time with unnecessary descriptive details of the caste system and the centuries old society in India, Fiza Pathan helps us immersed from the beginning in this boy’s private life, allowing us to discover everything we need to know from personal experience.
Through a clear and gentle insight to the boy’s soul, his mind and the love he has for the Sanskrit text, we are helped see the great injustice Cacchar suffers for being born in the untouchable’s caste. We also remain with a tense stomach after reading about the way the untouchable women and girls were treated, and maybe even realise how much harder was for them to survive and obtain the chance to be treated humanely.
I read the story a week ago but felt too overwhelmed by its powerful statement, its message making me wonder how would things have worked for a female main character instead of a boy. I also could not feel much joy for the happy events in the book as once struck by the terrible nightmare described here, one remains somewhat disturbed and maybe even starts appreciating everything around him or her more. Exactly what a story like this one is meant to make us feel.

It’s clearly a thought-provoking work worth experiencing.

[Loretta Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An incredibly succinct and moving short story. I was immediately engaged with the premise and importance of the subject matter. A well-written novella by a talented author. I am looking forward to reading more of her novels. Highly recommend.

[Simon Bardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating short story takes you back in time to India in 1877. It highlights for the Western reader what it was like to be a member of the Untouchable caste.

If you were a member of that caste. Through no fault of your own, you would be treated as the lowest of the low. How awful it must have been to be scorned purely by an accident of your birth.

It is an engrossing tale. Thank you to the author for telling it.

[Reet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic storytelling

This is my first book by the author and it is a raw compelling narrative that exposes the atrocities of the caste system. The tongue-in-cheek style of storytelling is brilliant and makes the struggle of the 'untouchables' heartbreakingly real.

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story will leave an impression on me for a long time. The brutality, hatred, and violence of people towards others it tore my heart. A well written short story that everyone should read. Thank you, Fiza.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal by Fiza Pathan is a heart-wrenching story of an innocent “untouchable” boy who wanted to learn. Education and schooling was taboo for him, as he was born to the lowest class. Is education a sin? Did Cacchar choose the home he was born in? How was his family responsible for his passion? These are some of the questions that Fiza seems to throw at the so-called religious heads who sit in judgment to show their supremacy. What follows is unimaginable and brutal. It is ironic that these “untouchables” could be touched for their own lascivious desires. This short story makes a bold statement against society that divided people on the basis of caste.
Though the story is set in 1877 but the plight of lower class remains pathetic despite stringent laws against all those atrocities, which were heaped upon “untouchables.”

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story took me on such a tumultuous ride from start to finish. I loved the boy branded as an Untouchable, who had a passion for reading and paid the highest price imaginable. You see education of any kind was forbidden to the Untouchables because they were not worthy to look upon the holy Sanskrit writings. I cringed when the punishment started because it was not only punishment for the boy, but his family as well, in the most horrific ways imaginable. I won't give any spoilers, but I will say I held my breath until I reached the end of this graphic tale. I loved the ending and even though so many suffered and died, it wasn't for nothing. I highly recommend this short read if you have the heart for it!

[Beem Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal is a short story that is both brutal and beautiful. Author Fiza Pathan tells the tale of a young untouchable growing up under the Hindu Caste System. The boy, called Cacchar, is a genius. He teaches himself to read—which is unlawful in this society and era. With his newfound skill in reading Sanskrit, Cacchar dreams of a better life for himself (and his family), rather than the life of a slave to which he was born.

When Cacchar’s secret is discovered, those closest to him pay a high price for his disobedience to the rules. Graphic brutality follows, leaving young Cacchar with what surely amounts to a death sentence. However, through the fog of horror, a twist at the end wraps the story on a lighter note. Well written and worth a read.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about all’s well that ends well.

Cacchar, a poor untouchable outcast secretly learns to read, and so, he steals away to read discarded books. One of these books happens to be a sacred Sanskrit that the untouchables were forbidden to even look at, listen to when read, not to talk of touching.

He was discovered and his whole family was put through hell as punishment. This is a gory story of the type that is hard to believe still exists. And yet the Caste system still endures.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Caste Metal” is a well-written short story based on the Hindu Caste System in 1877. A young genius untouchable, Cacchar, teaches himself to read. The penalty for this is brutal and cruel. The details are very graphic, and I felt the pain of his entire family. Not only the injustice of Cacchar’s place in society, but the dark side of humanity is portrayed skillfully. This is a story that evoked many emotions from me and one I highly recommend.

[Ted Berner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a powerful message packed into a short story. I was drawn to this book from the captivating cover and am so glad to have found it. I don't want to give anything away, but I can honestly say, you'll be happy to have read this. Fiza Pathan has such a wonderful way with words and I'll definitely be reading more of her work.

[Mangalam Shiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just now I completed reading the short story "CASTE METAL" by Ms. Fiza Pathan. It was really gruesome to read about the atrocities prevailed in the previous centuries in India. Though my heart, as a Hindu, does not accept the cruelties and horror expressed by the author, but I appreciate her limits of imagination. The whole concept of Manusmriti has been totally misunderstood by many including the Hindus, it was not created to foster the hatred and cruelties towards the lower rung of people in India.
Manusmriti provides guidance on various aspects of life, including social organization, caste system, duties and responsibilities of individuals, marriage, inheritance, and punishments for offenses. It also discusses religious rituals, moral conduct, and the concept of dharma (righteousness or duty).

It’s important to note that Manusmriti has been a subject of controversy and debate, both within Hinduism and outside of it. While it has been highly regarded by some as a source of social and moral guidelines, others have criticized it for promoting inequality, particularly in relation to the caste system and the treatment of women.
Manusmriti holds significant historical importance for several reasons:

1)Legal and Social Framework:
2)Influence on Hindu Law:
3)Preservation of Ancient Customs:
4)Dharma:
5)Social Hierarchy:
6)Rituals and Religious Observances:
7)Ethics and Moral Conduct:
THE SCHOLARS WHO TRIED TO INTERPRET MANUSMRITI, WILLINGLY OR OTHERWISE GAVE A TWIST TO THE NORMS PRESCRIBED. It never said that the working class should be insulted, punished, humilated or tortured. These base practices prevail in other religions too, but out of fear the views of the cirtics do not come out.
Anyway, the author has written a down to earth short story on the evil caste system which may have prevailed a few centuries ago. Mangalam Shiva.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to start by saying that author’s writing style is beautiful and effortless; many times I “ forgot I was reading” as I felt I was watching picture by picture appear in front of my eyes; it’s a real talent to be able to write like this.

Author’s voice is sincere and compassionate, as she shows us little snippets of happiness from the life of the “ untouchable cast” family. As the descriptions of the family’s life are kept historically accurate, they also portray the most horrific violence that was endures by the cast’s members at the time of it being British colony. The influence of the latter power is actually shown as positive, for the officers were against the brutal antics of the village’s higher casts.

Another glimmer of hope came from one of the priests- the young and kind one; the rest of the religious cast seems to have been just as violent as the village farmers.
This story made me wonder how much of a cast-culture still exists in modern India? The abuse the untouchable faced is against every human right, so I hope this had now been abolished.

It was also interesting to learn a little about the culture of the village’s life; I felt I wished there was more about the positive aspects of the latter, but I respected author’s choice to mostly focus on violence in this short story.

Should the author wish to expand the topic, this could make a great novel, giving enough pages to expand on various fascinating cultural aspects of rural life in India.

Triggers: violence, rape, cruelty towards children; murder.

[Thom Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read the short story Caste Metal by Fiza Pathan, and although it is brief in length, it carries the weight and depth of a much longer work. Within just a small number of pages, the story manages to be suspenseful, moving, realistic, and deeply tragic.

Pathan captures the essence of old customs and long-standing cultural practices with striking authenticity. While the narrative itself is fictional, it is unmistakably rooted in historical realities—and, in some regions, very much in present-day traditions. For readers who share the cultural or religious background reflected in the story, especially those of Hindu heritage, I can imagine this piece hitting particularly hard.

As a Caucasian British Christian, my understanding of such customs comes only from historical knowledge and the darker chapters of humanity’s past—slavery among them. Even so, the story felt incredibly real and profoundly touching. Its honesty is often shocking and heartbreaking, but necessarily so.

The writing itself is excellent. The characters are vivid, the scenes richly drawn, and I was absorbed from the very first lines. Without giving anything away, I found the ending a relief, despite the immense trauma woven throughout the narrative.

Caste Metal is a powerful, historically grounded work of fiction that opens the reader’s eyes to the struggles, sacrifices, and harsh realities endured by many across centuries. It is both educational and emotionally impactful.

Highly recommended.

[James Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiza Pathan's Caste Metal is a short but gut-wrenching tale that plunges you into the brutal realities of the Hindu caste system in 1877. With an eye for harsh detail and an unflinching narrative, Pathan recounts the heartbreaking story of Cacchar, a young untouchable with a gift for reading—something strictly forbidden. His courage in defying societal laws for the love of sacred texts leaves you both inspired and shattered. The story spotlights the cruelty of the caste system, showing that those who consider themselves "holy" or "elite" can, in fact, be the most monstrous of all.

Pathan's portrayal of this oppressive world is vivid, visceral, and deeply disturbing, forcing the reader to confront humanity's darker sides. I read with my face twisted in a grimace, ashamed of our species—especially as a man—to see how this boy and his family are treated. Cacchar's journey, full of suffering and injustice, ultimately offers a flicker of hope, reminding us that resilience can shine through even the bleakest circumstances. Pathan's prose is striking and unrelenting; this isn't just a story; it's an experience that stays with you long after the final page. A must-read for those ready to face the uncomfortable truth of what humanity is capable of and a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

[Vashti Quiroz-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal is a fascinating and powerful short story about the life of an Indian boy and his family during the year 1877.

Cacchar was a gifted boy who had taught himself how to read, but because he was born an “untouchable” outside of the Hindu caste system, he was considered “the scum of the Earth” and was meant only for a life of slavery. He was not allowed to read or even touch books or scrolls. However, Cacchar was addicted to the sacred Hindu texts and was unaware of the severe consequences if he were caught reading.

He collected books and scrolls discarded by priests. He read them every day, sitting under a holy peepul tree, which he had cultivated using his own water supply, since the tree was dying in the heat, leaving him with only animal urine and blood to quench his thirst. He loved the words of the Hindu scriptures and enjoyed reciting the holy prayers.

I was outraged by the treatment of the “untouchables” and by the brutality, depravity, and hypocrisy of the so-called “holy” priests. Who determined how the Hindu people were divided into the different castes? If you’re poor, you’re automatically an untouchable, despite your intelligence and other gifts? And it seemed hypocritical how the girls in the lowest caste had to be married off at age ten in order to prevent priests and others in higher castes from raping them. These children are seen as disgusting subhumans––untouchables––whose footprints pollute the land, but it’s okay to have intercourse with them?

Fear not; in the end, the wrongdoers get their comeuppances.

This short story is fierce and not for the faint of heart, but I believe it needed to be so. Things happened that I wish had not; however, I was satisfied with the ending. The author’s writing style is beautiful and engaging, and I loved the way she pointed out the hypocrisy of the priests and rituals in subtly sarcastic ways. Like what she wrote at the end, “It had been a long ‘holy-day’ and he needed some refreshment.” I highly recommend this short story.

[K.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caste Metal: Short Story by Fiza Pathan. This is the story of a boy, Cacchar, who lived in the Puna district in India in the year 1877. He was born into the lowest caste system in that district, and he and his family bore the title "untouchables".
Cacchar taught himself to read, something prohibited because of his station in life, by collecting thrown-out sacred scrolls and devouring the scriptures written therein.
This is a powerful, gut-punching story of how the caste system destroys the soul through horrific suffering and hatred passed from generation to generation. A story that begged to be told and Fiza Pathan brings it to life with the heart-wrenching reality of what happens to those unfortunate enough to be born into this ungodly system.
This is a story every person should read to understand the disparaging circumstances others are forced to live in. It is a tragic story that stirred my every emotion as I read about the brutality this family suffered, though not limited to this family. But Fiza included a thread of hope for this family, which other families may not find. A cruel reality of what goes on still today.
Thank you, Fiza, for sharing this with those of us who have not suffered through this sad and unthinkable way of life. I would give it more than five stars if possible. It is brilliantly written, and I highly recommend it. I will read more of Fiza's beautifully written works.