‘What! Who? How?’ Mirza realized he was
babbling, but the news had hit his ears like a ringing slap. A Murder at the Mushaira?
That was a first. Who had been killed? This was his community, his people.
‘Murder at the Mushaira,’ is an enthralling and unpredicted period drama. Raza Mir recasts Mirza Ghalib, poet laureate of the realm as detective, he is simply appointed as the chief investigator in horrific murder case of Janaab Sukhan Khairabadi.
Basically, the story of this historical fiction, set against the backdrop of the revolt of 1857. After celebrating a grand Mushaira at Delhi Haveli, a poet found stabbed to death, he was a nobleman. The cleaner found his body around the time of the Fajr prayer. It was not that distressing until the participation of high British officials, mutated it into preferential case.
Once our protagonist, Mirza Ghalib called for help, he initiated the investigation, and the world of all attendees of Mushaira, turned upside down. First it seemingly impossible to resolve the mystery, as there was many mistakes, and long list of suspects. By the time you think you have caught up to puzzle, it’s already fades away. The narrative of conspiracy entwines with myriads of secret and lies skyrockets this conundrum into compelling, entertaining and believable tale.
‘Murder
at the Mushaira’ is a pleasure rush with an ambitious record of world we once
knew. With enigmatic language, Mir managed to capture the shades of vibrant
life of Delhi in 18th century. It is so
rich with metaphors and words that shape the story in plausible ways. Mir’s fresh
perspective offers an instant connect to reader. In spite of web of sub-plots
and motifs, the story entrances you in the same way that theatre does. The
writing is genius and scrupulous, especially witty dialogues and hidden insights,
able to suck you in and creates an absorbing environment around.
At times, this book behaves as delicacy for admirers of Urdu poetry without dulling its thrill element. Raza Mir begins each chapter with Ghalib versus along with apt translations; after all, words were his weapon. It resonates so deeply within readers’ psyche that you feel breathing among those character. With amazing cadence Raza Mir succeeds in illuminating an experience profoundly.
Aadmi ko bhi mayassar nahin insaan hona
It’s impossible for all tasks to be facile, that’s all
People find it so tough to answer
humanity’s call
Mir’s eloquent prose style tugs at the heart. Apart from the unusual plot, what stands out this novel, is amount of distinctive detailing. Raza Mir captured the meditating photographic reproduction of an era. I think, mere review is not enough to bottle the kindling ambers. Here, I have been drawing your attention to this piece, ‘Ramchandra was surprised to see how young Ratna Bai was. Hardly 30 years old, she was beautiful, but in a classical way, with none of the flamboyance that one would associate with a tavern owner. She was very fair skinned, giving further credence to rumors of British parentage of medium height with a dancer’s build, she was dressed simply in white Chudidaar Kurta with a brilliant multi color Chunni that must have been 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.’
In ‘Murder at the Mushaira, characters come to life, are kind and suspicious as well, the landscape is author’s mind while he pines to rediscover the pleasure of storytelling, Mir brilliantly shows how strongly interlaced anxieties and love can be, ‘Their nervous expressions dissolved into relief at the site of Mirza. He had always been a favourite of the domestics as he treated them with kindness unlike other members of the Ashraaf. Now he spoke to them with brusque kindness.’
One can judge ‘Raza Mir’s Murder at the Mushaira’ by its cover, a real pristine beauty. Yet, I genuinely suggest you to pick this phenomenal read, it would be an intoxicating experience. I loved this book to eternity and beyond. Recommended!
Qaid-e-Hayaat –o-Band-e Gum asl main donon ek hain
Maut se pahle aadmi gham se najaat paaye
kyon.
About The Author
Raza Mir teaches management
at William Paterson University, USA. He is the co-author of Anthems
of Resistance: A Celebration of Progressive Urdu Poetry and the author of The
Taste of Words.