The pakistani Bride

(NOTE: The Book cover may vary if published by different companies.)

Author: Bapsi Sidhwa

Binding: Softback

Category: Historical Fiction Fiction English

Publisher: Local 

Pages: 261

About the book:

The Pakistani Bride by Bapsi Sidhwa is a powerful literary novel exploring women's rights, cultural traditions, arranged marriage, patriarchy, identity, and the struggle for personal freedom. Set against the dramatic landscapes of northern Pakistan, the story follows Zaitoon, a young girl orphaned during the Partition of India who is adopted by Qasim, a man from a tribal community in the mountains.
As Zaitoon grows older, Qasim arranges her marriage to a man from his native tribe. However, her hopes for a happy future are shattered when she encounters the harsh realities of tribal customs, domestic violence, and rigid expectations surrounding women's obedience and honor. Determined to escape an oppressive marriage, Zaitoon embarks on a dangerous struggle for survival and independence.
Through Zaitoon's experiences and the parallel story of Carol, an American woman living in Pakistan, Sidhwa examines the complexities of gender, culture, power, and relationships across different societies.
Blending literary fiction, historical fiction, social commentary, and emotional drama, The Pakistani Bride explores themes of female empowerment, cultural identity, oppression, courage, survival, and resilience. The novel offers a thought-provoking portrayal of women's experiences and the conflict between individual freedom and traditional expectations.