Kamila Shamsie’s Ode to Karachi
Kartography — An analysis
Kamila Shamsie, Kartography (Boston:Mariner Books, 2001) : 320.
Crux:
“Kartography” by Kamila Shamsie is a novel about belonging, in-group and out-group, cultural identity and the resilience of Karachi in the face of violence. The story spans more than one generation, which allows the author to elucidate the implications of different events across history. The novel narrates the story of generations that have seen the bustling city of Karachi bloom, and then face progressive turmoil, like a true sport.
Themes:
- Personal and political impacts of war
- Cultural associations
- Generation gap
- Longing
The Setting:
The narration follows how Karachi turns politically charged after the country’s independence in 1947 and even more after the 1971 war. The protagonists Raheen and her best friend Karim grow up in an increasingly violent Karachi. Being childhood companions, they know each other like the back of their hands and have seen each other’s dreams evolve.
Rationale of the Title:
One of the central characters, Karim, attempts to chart the map of Karachi. In the book title, the…
