Book Review of Undying Affinity by Sara Naveed. — (Update)

Sara Naveed, a fresh and emerging author from Pakistan, presents to you her beautiful and simultaneously intriguing debut Undying Affinity.

The narrative opens with our second protagonist Ahmar in his daughter’s bedroom, living in Washington receiving a phone call from his father Muraad Hussain in Pakistan. Notifying him of a terrible news. The narrative travels back to 2010, 4 years to Lahore, as Sara informs the second largest city of Pakistan; with population of 9 million approximately, has always been extreme hot and severe in summers.

It is here that we are introduced to our primary protagonist Zarish Munawwar. Regretting to wearing her new dark pink Khaadi kurta on the day. Agitated by perspiration from the scorching heat.

Zarish, was rised in an elite family, but she is full of hatred and feels allergic to those who feigned poverty. Simply put, she is extremely stubborn, aggressive and proud to a fault. And as the narrative progresses we come to learn also a girl who cries on scoring low marks. Shallow, overemotional and weak, assumably. The only daughter gifted to parents Zia and Zarina Munawwar, with two brothers Zohaib and Zahaan. She is indeed a spoilt brat. But also adores fashionable wear.

Zia, a liberal person, they didn’t follow Islam strictly but indeed fasted in the holy month of Ramadan, paid Zakaat, performed Hajj. In this sense, they could be considered as better Muslims.

Anyway, Zarish is heading to university and catch ups with Haroon, who made silly jokes was irritating but lovable and a cute best friend since 5th grade. And his group of friends Hammod, Sherry, Danish, Maha and Saleha. Her friends, Ameena, Fatima, Saniya and Tooba. Studying at the University of Business Management, U.B.M, was one of the finest private universities in Lahore.

They are introduced to the Dean of the university, Faris Ahmed, and other members including trustee of the university, Mr. Muraad Hussain (Ahmar’s father). Soon herself and her class are introduced to Maleeha Ejaz, their Communication for Managers teacher. Sir Wahab, their Investment Analysis teacher. Communication Theory instructed by Sir Jamal. After a first encounter gone ugly, resulting in humiliation. We come to learn that Ahmar is Zarish’s Financial Statements Analysis teacher. Ahmar turning out to be also the same stranger she and her friends had insulted in a driveway mud attack.

And so it seems, Zarish’s world will turn upside down, inevitably. As if destined to. Her interacts revolving around her friends grows deeply. Especially with the unexpected and unsettling arrive of Ahmar. He bursts explosively with his random mood swings. Arrogant and intimidating. Zarish finding herself colliding with him in her path. But it is only when a crucial life-threatening event concerning Ahmar’s father Muraad, that Zarish’s equation with him, alters but begins to evolve. She discovers deep within the core, there residues a sweet, polite and supportive person in him.

There were many scenes that I loved from Undying Affinity and also that Sara presented Lahore as a character in itself. The carnival event was interesting. The beautiful culture and locations explored. But also allowed the readers to learn the practices of Islam. Notably, visiting the beautiful Badshahi mosque, the Lahore fort . The EXPO center was a great addition to the narrative.

Sara Naveed commendably explores the idea of the complications that would arise between the relationship of Zarish as a student and Ahmar as her teacher. Because you come to learn that they inevitably do fall in love. But how would the society accept that? Their families, well, Ahmar’s father accepts Zarish instantly. But how would Zarish’s parents Zia and Zarina, especially Zia accept this, when a past incident that involved both him and Muraad, vaporised their once friendship. Add to this, Zarish’s best friend Haroon loves her. The surprise element of a 3rd love interest heighens the narrative and is very well executed. This, only possible due to the dedication and writing flair Sara quite naturally possesses.

It is indeed a wonderful read, a must for all readers, undoubtedly. With a constellation of beautiful and memorable scenes which I leave for the readers to experience. Each character brilliantly written, including the supporting characters that simply added so much to the narrative.

As you near the finale, you are teleported back to the present time and Ahmar must now re-discover and travel to accomplish a search mission. Set in Mansehra District. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Province of Pakistan. One of the most beautiful location and favourite scene in the book. You find your mind and heart racing, with an edge-of-the-seat finale.

Sara Naveed’s Undying Affinity is not just a bestselling novel in Pakistan but also will become a cult, modern classic amongst the fresh generation. A bright and emerging author with the gift to deliver to the youth of today. I come to hear that the lead protagonist Zarish’s cynosure Ahmar is modelled on Pakistan’s finest talented actor Fawad Khan, who also wishes the author great success in the beginning of the Undying Affinity.

Sara delivers a delightful, romantic but coming of age story. Her debut is sensational.

5/5 Wonderful.