ABSTRACT
In this essay, Wazir Agha, the well-known editor-publisher of the literary magazine Auraq and a noted writer, critic, and essayist from Pakistan, takes a considered look at Nadeed, Paul’s novel on the concept of blindness, of seeing and not seeing, perception and imperception. Writing about how readers in the subcontinent seem to be inclined more favourably towards the short story form, he comments on the contemporary Urdu literary scene and on the recent upswing of long fiction. He mentions Paul’s Nadeed as a recent addition to this trend, a novel that will be regarded as a thought-provoking and new experiment in the history of the Urdu novel. Agha writes of how it stands out because of its refreshing and innovative take on elements of plot and story, its distinct depiction of characters and situations, and the subtlety with which its meaning releases itself.
