5 Reasons to Read the Novel Baby’s Breath by Shahnaz Zaidi

Autism is not a curse or a disease; rather it is a new way of looking at the world. Across the globe, there are scores of parents, caregivers, and guardians that not only groom autistic children but also make them learn patience, power of communication, and socializing. In a sense, they raise them for the world. Be it any era or country stories of autistic children are inspiring and motivational. Today, I am going to share the story of one fictional autistic child named Pari Khan. She was from India and probably hailed from the epoch when the Internet or electric gadgets were not prevalent. She is the protagonist of Shahnaz Zaidi’s masterpiece novel Baby’s Breath. This is a serious and intense novel and I am presenting some solid reasons as why you should read this novel.

1. Based on Autistic Spectrum Disorder:

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not that serious disorder; however, it still demands lot of care for the child. The child having ASD may face challenges in socializing, communication, and behavior. Pari Khan was slightly ASD. But lucky she was, as her caregivers and fosters parent took great care of her. As a result, she became a famous painter and settled herself cozily abroad.

2. The Story was Way Indian:

Maybe the story is set in fictional place, but it is Indian. It is Hasanpur village where a rich Muslim family lived in a mansion-like Haveli. As Pari becomes their family member, they accept her with open heart. The author did not focus on the idyllic village culture but it was evident the way characters like Munshi, Bua, Bibi Saheb and others behaved. In fact, people were settled abroad but their roots were attached to this village. Later on, Uzair, brother of Pari Khan returned from London to settle down permanently in India. Even Pari Khan goes to the UK for studies, but in her heart she always carried the aroma of motherland.

3. Inspiring Story:

The story of Pari Khan is simply amazing, inspiring, and motivational. She was found outside the Haveli. She was sent to school and from there flies to London for higher studies. She, being of unknown parents and having ASD, never showed lackluster performance. She grasped every opportunity life threw at her. She chose to be an artist of landscape painting. She struggles in the UK for accommodation and to settle down among white people. It was not easy. In fact, her professors discriminated with her. Despite all odds, she kept fighting relentlessly. There are many instances in the book that will simply sway your heart and you will become a fan of Pari Khan. Her story was extraordinary.

4. It Shows the Veracity of Relationship:

Pari Khan had the opportunity to live a good life with trustable support. Why? She was luck to find a family whose relationship foundation was solid and truthful. They all were supportive, be it India or the UK. There was no backstabbing. Because the author showed a big family, its orbit was large, but surprisingly they all were educated and well-settled. From a relationship point of view, it is a wonderful novel. The author sketched a family that was full of allegiance and warmth and bonding.

5. Language, Narration, Pace and other Aspects:

The language was way simple but the narration was riveting. It kept nudging readers for knowing more. The novel moved at its measured pace, all things looked optimum, neither hurried or slow burn. It’s a hopeful thing to observe that the author may come up with some good and classic novels in the future. From literary aspects, the novel was perfect from all sides.