Weary Generations (Paperback)

Abdullah Hussein

ISBN 10: 0720611873 / ISBN 13: 9780720611878

Published by Peter Owen Publishers, London, 2003

Paperback. Published ahead of Paul Scott's Raj Quartet and long before Midnight's Children, Abdullah Hussein's ambitious saga of social struggle The Weary Generations was a bestseller in Urdu. Published in 1963 and now beyond its 40th edition, It Has Never Been Out Of Print. A vivid depiction of the widespread disillusionment and seismic upheavals of the Partition era that lead to the creation of Pakistan and Bangladesh, There Has Never Been A More Opportune Time to discover one of the most important writings about the post-colonial trauma in the region. Although it has appeared in translation in several Indian languages as well as Chinese, it wasn't until 1999 that it first appeared in English, when the author's translation was published in hardback in the UK by Peter Owen to major critical acclaim and subsequently by Harper Collins in India. This paperback edition has never been more timely and its significance more apparent. An immensely powerful novel in its own right, The Weary Generations is an Essential Text for English language readers seeking to comprehend the historical origins of the tensions in the Indian sub-continent.Beginning with the struggle of the people of India against the British Raj, this is the story of love and marriage between two people of totally different social backgrounds which crumbles almost as soon as it takes place, mirroring the uneasy 'marriage' between the British and their Indian Empire - both unions ultimately ending in a parting of the ways. Naim, son of a peasant, marries Azra, the daughter of a rich landowner. Fighting for the British during the First World War he loses an arm. Invalided home, he becomes angered at the subjugation of his countrymen under the Raj and aligns himself with the opposition. His ideals are swept away after Independence in 1947 when he realises that, as Muslims, his family is no longer safe in their Indian home and that they must migrate to the newly created Pakistan. An epic novel of Indian independence and partition, focusing on the experiences of two families. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780720611878

Synopsis:

Published ahead of Paul Scott’s Raj Quartet and long before Midnight’s Children, Abdullah Hussein’s ambitious saga of social struggle The Weary Generations was a bestseller in Urdu. Published in 1963 and now beyond its 40th edition, it has never been out of print. A vivid depiction of the widespread disillusionment and seismic upheavals of the Partition era that lead to the creation of Pakistan and Bangladesh, there has never been a more opportune time to discover one of the most important writings about the post-colonial trauma in the region. Naim, son of a peasant, marries Azra, the daughter of a rich landowner. Fighting for the British during World War I he loses an arm. Invalided home, he becomes angered at the subjugation of his countrymen under the Raj and aligns himself with the opposition. His ideals are swept away after Independence in 1947 when he realizes that, as Muslims, his family is no longer safe in their Indian home and that they must migrate to the newly created Pakistan. Regarded as one of the half-dozen most influential novels dealing with Partition or post-colonial malaise, this is an immensely powerful novel in its own right and is essential reading for English language readers seeking to comprehend the historical origins of the tensions in the Indian subcontinent.

About the Author:
Abdullah Hussein is one of Pakistan's greatest writers.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Weary Generations (Paperback)
Publisher: Peter Owen Publishers, London
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new