Moth Smoke

Moth Smoke

Book Review

Lubna Shahab

Moth Smoke is the apt name for the story in which protagonist is like a moth circling the fire which eventually took him down and there was nothing left only diffused smoke and ash like existence .... useless heap of the burned out life.

Darashikoh Shezad or Daru in novel is the classic example of the Greek hero who has downfall from prosperity to adversity. On the onset of story, writer introduces a short fact from the history about the mughal prince Dara Shikoh who was sentenced to death by his youngest brother Aurangzeb on committing a crime which goes against the morals of Islam.

Mohsin Hamid has artfully drawn parallel with the mughals and the characters of his fiction world. ‘Daru’ is like a cheap wine...toxic and easily disposed. That’s what happened to Darashikoh Shehzad, he turned toxic over time meddling with drugs and infidelity he lost the honour added to this is his status of being jobless accelerated his downfall. He fall for Mumtaz his best friend Aurengzeb’s wife and then she became the key who brought him down.

She used him for her satisfaction which gave her liberation with no strings attached i.e no commitment and left him in the lurch at the end because she couldn’t possibly leave her son....whom she never loved. Mumtaz was an invisible partner in Daru’s crime of passion while Murad badshah another side characher was the visible one. He also like Mumtaz used Daru, high on drug and disillusioned he accepted the partnership with Murad badshah in his robbery plan and in his rage of being ditched he shot dead an innocent boy because somehow he symbolizes Mumtaz son.

Setting is of the posh society of Lahore, Hamid weaves the story which is compelling, engaging and audacious. He opens the world where drug abuse, alcohol and infidelity prevail; the contempt of the writer of this diplomatic world is seen in his sarcastic, harsh and raw language. Darashikoh is a well rounded character, he has good as well as bad side his conscience is active throughout but the circumstances drew him towards the pit where he was left to rot. Aurangzeb or Ozi is a pasteboard character rich, spoiled and cuckolded husband he represents the high society and the corruption. Mumtaz and Murad badshah were strong side characters who contributed in shaping the events in Darashikoh’s life.

Narration is descriptive; one can feel the heat of Lahore as well as picture its bazaars and towns perfectly. Hamid’s subtle touch on political scenario is uncritical however the effect of politics is seen on the people of the Moth Smoke world. This book no doubt is a good read, witty and realistic and finishes with poetic justice.