A case of exploding mangoes - review

A case of exploding mangoes, a case of an Indian crow, a case of Generals and Ambassadors, a case of bashing of dictatorial eras. Timing is perfect. A recent military (and country) ruler is ousted albeit not in quite a fashion as the one whose case is presented. A novel with the shortcomings of real characters. A satire with geniune creativity. A case of riding the bandwagon, of new age Pakistani writers trying to establish a market. Fashion prevails and the novel on the outset picks up that characteristic of being too westy, the usual mullah bashing but no doubt, one of the most hilarious ones. The novel portrays ZIa's character, in his usualy percieved self, a hypocritic character with many a inconsistency.

Although the novel provides several vantage points but presents the whole episode using one of the suspects as the protagonist. This works, as it glues one to read the fuzzy feelings the protagonist feels and his encounters with the General Secretary of the Mango Farmer's Union. COming to know that the novel was long listed for the Booker Prize was more than a motivation but the novel did dissappoint after the first 70 odd pages where characters started to become predictable and monotonous. Nevertheless, a novel one should read, but without any pretentions of political accuracy. All in all, a good enough case to read.