By:
Ullah, Inam Gul. iukhan233@gmail.com
Kamila Shamsie’ latest novel Home Fire is indeed a
reflection of her art of storytelling and eloquent description. The novel is set in Britain, America, however
she, as her usual stock scene, does not forget to shifts the scene to Karachi,
her birth place. The novels deals with issues faced by Pakistani migrants and
diaspora communities especially in the post-colonial British settings, and the
rise of ISIS.
The novel begins with Isma, whose family is settled in
London, leaves for America to pursue her PhD. She leaves behind two other
orphan siblings: Aneeka and Perviz. Their father ,being a Jihadi, had died on his way to Guantanamobay. However, later Perviz is
also driven into the war theatre by IS. Isma in USA comes into contact with
Emmon, who is the son of the Home Secretary at London. They forge relationship
but it does not last for long as Emmon leaves back for London.
In London Emmon comes into contact with Isma’s
sister Aneeka and they develop a an intimate relationship. Aneeka wants Emmon,
being the son of Home Secreatry, to be instrumental in bringing her brother
back to London through his father’s influence. Things, however, don’t happen as
she plans them. The Secretary does not agree to the plea of his son, and in
turn wants his son to break the relationship with Aneeka, Emmon is not ready to
do so. Aneeka and Emmon are having frequent dates with cross purposes, Aneeka
focused on the thoughts of bringing her brother back to London, Emmon enjoys
the movements.
Perviz, in the meanwhile tires to flee back to
London from the camp of terrorists. While trying to reach the British Consulate
at Ankara , is shot by someone and dies there. The crises surfaces, when it
comes to the burial of the deceased. British government refuses to receive the corpse,
whereas Aneeka insists on getting him back to London. However, she does not succeed
and the corpse is subsequently transported to Karachi with mixed responses from
the public and the government. Aneeka arrives to Karachi for the funeral rites of her brother. Emmon,
despite of his father unwillingness, flies to Karachi and joins Aneeka at this
hour of trial.
The novel depicts how the immigrants are influenced
by the culture of the host countries and are victims of identity crises on the
political, social and cultural fronts. Shamsie depicts the uncertain and
precarious position of the migrants especially on the political aspects. They
are not willingly owned by either country when they need support from it. Mixed
loyalties and tough choices are reflected as motifs in the novel.
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