Hanif Qureshi describes himself as a slow, tortured writer who takes years to finish a novel. The genesis of his latest book stretches back eight years of writing and 14 years of contemplation. As one grows older, he notes, childhood memories and hometowns become more vivid, influencing the stories one tells. He admits there is no clear answer to why a particular book is written instead of another.
A Childhood Memory of Fear
Qureshi recalls a pivotal moment from his school days when a major exam was approaching. Teachers and parents assured him that success in that exam would secure his future. After the final paper, he and his friends expected to celebrate. Instead, they found deserted streets and a palpable public fear. For the first time, he witnessed fear outside the familiar contexts of parents, teachers, or bullies. They learned that former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had been hanged. Though the novel is not about Bhutto, Qureshi believes that day may have been the seed of the story.
Does Time Bring Clarity?
Qureshi reflects that time and distance can sharpen sensory memories—the sights, sounds, and daily interactions of a past life. However, he is uncertain whether time clarifies the meaning of historical events. The feelings become sharper, but the sensibility and understanding may remain elusive.
Evolution of Structure and Character Speech
When asked about the book's structure, where characters speak as if in a play, Qureshi admits he does not fully understand his own process. He envies writers who have flashes of brilliance but notes that capturing that vision on paper is often painful and never as beautiful as the initial idea. He emphasizes the importance of listening to people—eavesdropping in bazaars, queues, or public transport—to capture different rhythms of speech that reveal worldviews and backgrounds.
The Educational Class System
Qureshi believes the novel's core is the educational class system, which he says is designed to exclude rather than include. In India and Pakistan, proficiency in English opens doors, while lack of it shuts them. He recalls school essays requiring specific language and verbs to succeed, such as writing official notes for transporting cattle. He draws a parallel to writing fiction: it is like stealing someone else's cow but crafting a note so accurate that officials believe it is yours.
