Mohsin Hamid’s first novel Moth Smoke depicts the story of decline of DarishikohShezad, who loses where he is going in life and speeds up his own fall. The story is set in the summer of 1998 when both India and Pakistan were on their way to become nuclear powers. The story tells the events that took place to bring Daru to the dock where he faces charges of a crime that may not have been committed by him.

The story starts with Daru’s best friend Ozi(Aurangzeb) returning to Lahore. The two have grown together and treat each other as brothers. When Ozi returns, he is somewhat balder, heavier and married but is as charming as ever. Daru’s life disrupts from here when he loses his job. His money starts to decline, his electricity gets cut, he falls in love with Mumtaz, Ozi’s wife and also tries heroin.

He desperately wants to reverse his fortunes and turns to crime by partnering with MuradBadshah, a very notorious rikshaw driver. When their plans go wrong, Daru finds himself facing a trial for murder which he may not have committed.

The fast and unexpected story of Moth Smoke shows the real image of contemporary Pakistan. His first novel shows Mohsin Hamid’s writing prowess and establishes him as a writer.

Urvi Dani