Book launch

Red Birds fly highThe British Council recently hosted the Pakistan launch of Mohammed Hanif’s latest book, Red Birds at its library in Karachi. The third book written by Hanif, Red Birds is packed with his trademark wit, and a compelling blend of observation and absurdity. The launch included an author talk moderated by Sanam Maher, renowned freelance journalist and author of The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch. Mohammed Hanif also read out a passage, and signed copies of the book. Christopher Hunt, Area Director Sindh and Balochistan said, “Literature connects people through ideas and experiences. We are happy to have Mohammed Hanif launch his third book here at the British Council library. Our libraries are spaces for people to explore new worlds, access quality content from the UK and beyond. We wish Mohammed Hanif all the best for his book launch and continue to amaze us with his writing.”Mohammed Hanif is one of Pakistan’s most important literary voices - uncompromising, nuanced and deeply grounded. His first novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes was long-listed for the Man Booker prize, shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, and won the Commonwealth First Book and the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prizes. His second novel Our Lady of Alice Bhatti was shortlisted for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature. His work has been published in The Daily Telegraph, The New Yorker and The Washington Post, and he writes a monthly opinion piece for The New York Times. He has also been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan.About the British Council The British Council Pakistan re-opened its libraries in Karachi and Lahore in 2016 after a hiatus of 15 years. The new libraries were designed to be vibrant and adaptable cultural spaces where people can connect with others, generate ideas or unwind with friends and family. This is in line with the British Council’s aim to harness the potential of Pakistan’s talented young people, and support critical thinking and creativity. Since the libraries have re-opened, the British Council has promoted the love of literature through book launches, author talks, book clubs and literary festivals.

from The News International - US http://bit.ly/2SluFYt