A tale of identity crisis
Reviewed by Kanwalpreet

Stealing Nasreen
By Farzana Doctor Rupa.
Pages 305. Rs 295

The need to explore the unknown and be a part of the change is inherent in human beings yet there are only a few who dare to do so. Though , recently the number of this tribe is on the rise. This is the theme of Farzana Doctor’s novel where she explores relationships through her protagonists, Nasreen, Shaffiq and Salma. Set in Toronto, Canada, the lives of all three are intertwined in a situation not of their choice. Shaffiq and Salma are a couple who migrate to Canada, hoping for a better life than what they were leading in Mumbai, India. As they try to adjust to the system of their adopted country, they are confronted with their hidden wishes and also their pasts. Shaffiq works nightshifts , cleaning floors to make both ends meet. He tries to brighten up his otherwise dull job by rummaging through people’s garbage and keeping knick-knacks which reveal traits of the people concerned.

His wife, Salma , on the other hand , turns first to religion to find comfort and then to Nasreen. Surprisingly, the common object of both the husband and wife is Nasreen who has just suffered a heartbreak from her girlfriend, Connie. Nasreen has no interest in Shaffiq as she is still licking her wounds and trying to come to terms with Connie’s betrayal. But Nasreen ignites an interest in Salma who was friendly with a girl, Raj, in India. They had a hidden relationship as such bonding was considered a taboo in India. A mother of two, Salma is haunted by her past which is still dear to her but hidden from her husband. Nasreen, on the other hand, is the case of an only child of migrant Indian parents who refuse to severe their links with India. Nasreen seems to be happy with her life in Canada but her doubts come to the forefront when she inquires of her father, Bashir, "Well, we’ll always be seen as immigrants in this country (Canada) won’t we? Where’s home then, Dad?"

Farzana has dealt well with the problem of loneliness of both the young and the old well. Cozy families, bonding among the members , time to relax and working in a congenial , friendly environment make up life which are missing in the lives of Farzana’s characters. One feels they are groping through life.Good to read a novel which makes one appreciate one’s own life in India.

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