Shame, written by acclaimed author Salman Rushdie and published in 1983, tells the story of two generations in a Pakistani family living in the city of Islamabad. In their effort to maintain their traditional values, the family stumbles from migration, to exile, to nationalization.
The novel follows the members of the family--Ibrahim (father), Shame (mother), Deen, Silly & Jazz (children)--as they struggle to find their way in the face of ever-changing circumstances of their society. The story starts with Ibrahim's decision to migrate to the neighboring city, Karachi, supposedly to pursue a better life. Soon, they find themselves in the midst of a civil war; the Pakistan army wrests control of the city, renaming it "Islamabad" and making it the capital of a newly born country.
Meanwhile, the family still pursues their dreams of a better life, but their dreams and ambitions remain unmet. Despite the fact that Ibrahim finds a job as a clerk and Shame takes up embroidery, their lives remain awash in poverty and backwardness.
In their search for a better life, all four family members enter the darkness and danger of politically volatile Islamabad. Ibrahim is soon challenged by the consequences of his decisiveness and finds himself at cross-purposes with his own values. As the story progresses, all four main characters experience different types of shame--economic, social and political. The children, Deen and Silly, yearn for a life with freedom and rights and struggle against the limitations built by their parents. Meanwhile, Shame, the mother, is struggling to show her children a better example and break free from the bondage of their past.
The story of Shame provides readers with an insight into the complex, multi-dimensional and often oppressive structure of Pakistani society. The story is a classic example of how traditional values can clash with a rapidly evolving society and the consequences of such. Set in the backdrop of a constantly changing Islamabad, the novel paints a vivid portrait of social and political tensions.
The story provides an interesting perspective on the power of shame. Through its characters’ experiences, we see how Shame is present in all aspects of their lives: economic, political, and even religious. Shame works both ways; it can be used to oppress, but also as an instrument of freedom. In the end, Shame provides the family with some measure of liberation and hope.
The novel is a powerful narrative of a family in pursuit of the dream of better life, of freedom and of justice. It offers readers a unique perspective on Pakistani culture and provides a relevant look at how conditions in the region have evolved over time. Shame by Salman Rushdie is a must-read classic and a wonderful example of how great works of literature can be both meaningful and entertaining.
