Bina Shah Bücher

In der modernen Metropole Green City, der Hauptstadt von Südwest-Asien, ist das Verhältnis von Männern und Frauen aufgrund von vorgeburtlicher Geschlechtsauswahl, Krieg und Krankheit extrem unausgewogen. Mithilfe von Gewalt und Technologie hält die Regierung die Bevölkerung unter Kontrolle, und Frauen sind verpflichtet, mehrere Ehemänner zu haben, um so viel Nachwuchs wie möglich mit diesen zu zeugen. Doch es gibt Frauen, die Widerstand leisten, Frauen, die sich im Untergrund zu einem Kollektiv zusammengeschlossen haben, Frauen, die sich weigern, Teil dieses Systems zu sein. In ihren nächtlichen Diensten bieten sie etwas an, das sich niemand erkaufen kann: Intimität ohne Sex. Diese Dystopie einer pakistanischen, äußerst talentierten Autorin ist wie "Der Report der Magd" eine moderne Parabel über das Leben von Frauen in repressiven Ländern überall auf der Welt.

This debut novel introduces a promising Pakistani novelist and journalist, showcasing a fresh voice in U.S. literature. The narrative likely explores themes relevant to contemporary society, offering insights into cultural and personal experiences. Readers can expect a blend of storytelling that reflects the author's background, potentially addressing issues such as identity, migration, and the complexities of modern life.

Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores a society where oppressive government leaders control women's freedom and reproductive rights. The story delves into the struggles and resistance of women against this authoritarian regime, highlighting themes of autonomy and empowerment in a world that seeks to suppress them. Through its characters and conflicts, it raises critical questions about gender, power, and the fight for personal agency.

Laila, a young Pakistani Christian girl, lives in Karachi’s poorest quarter, Issa Colony. The grim circumstances of Laila’s life are counter-balanced by her energy, vitality and determination to survive. Nine-year-old Laila is spirited and intelligent. She lives in a slum but she is happy: she’s got plenty of friends to play with, and is well looked after by her beloved elder sister, Jumana, while her mother works as a maid for rich families across town. But when Jumana contracts TB, their mother cannot afford the medicines that would save her life. Following Jumana’s lingering, painful death, and her mother’s emotional collapse, Laila discovers that her feckless stepfather is planning to sell her into prostitution to pay his gambling debts. Running away is her only option. Finding help from unexpected quarters, Laila makes her way to one of the families her mother worked for, and is taken into their household as a servant. There she finds unimaginable luxury, but also great unhappiness within this privileged family. At first Laila’s gift for making friends serves her well, but then disaster strikes, and Laila must flee again. But where is she running, and to whom? How can she hide from the terrible violence that threatens her? And how can she hope to find love, affection, and the chance at a normal life? Slum Child is the story of a girl forced to run alone, strong and courageous, to a future that cannot deny her happiness.