Recently I got the opportunity to read the fantastic book No Funeral for Nazia by Pakistani Author Taha Kehar. This book is a striking exploration of death and how life unravels for the ones left behind. I had the privilege to interview Taha Kehar before the release of his book.
For those who do not know, tell us a little bit about No Funeral for Nazia.
No Funeral for Nazia is about Nazia Sami, a celebrated Pakistani author who wants a funeral instead of a party after she dies. This party provides a few of Nazia’s friends and family an opportunity to not only remember her life, but also to understand themselves.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a novel featuring a protagonist who doesn’t appear as a full-fledged character, but only exists as a memory in the other characters’ minds. In a way, Nazia is willed into existence by the other characters, even though she continues to exert control over them. I kept writing because I was curious to see where the other characters would take Nazia.
For those interested in exploring the subject or theme of your book, where should they start?
Not many people are willing to have conversations about death. Those who wish to understand the subject should question what their perception of death is. They should begin by asking themselves if they’re comfortable with the way in which they grieve the loss of a loved one and whether an alternative means of doing so would be more effective. Self-reflection is a useful starting point.
Did you always want to be a writer?
Not always. When I was a child, I was obsessed with telling and hearing stories. As I grew older, I felt the need to commit those stories to paper. In retrospect, I was fascinated with the power of the written word – how it can become the measure of readers’ imagination and transport them to other worlds. It’s almost like magic.
What did you learn during the process of writing this book?
I learnt not to be daunted by a first draft. I usually wade through the first draft of a novel without knowing the direction of the story. With No Funeral for Nazia, I would write a chapter, distance myself from the manuscript for a few days and then read what I’d written with the hawk-eyed scrutiny of an editor. This process taught me to be more disciplined as a writer.
As an author what does representation mean to your writing?
Meaningful and substantive representation is far more important to me than the superficial, tokenistic variety we often get to see. I wouldn’t want my characters to be viewed as just the sum of their racial identity. All of us possess composite identities shaped by our gender, religion, social class and individual characteristics. That’s the identity I seek to represent through my writing.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope No Funeral for Nazia comes through as a memorable story and a gentle reminder that we shouldn’t judge the choices people make to survive difficult circumstances.
What pieces of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Writing is a difficult, daunting journey. There are days when you manage to write the perfect sentence and earn praise for it. Sometimes your best sentences are greeted with indifference while another writer steals the spotlight you crave. Resist the temptation to chase after praise or compete with others. Compete with yourself. Keep honing your craft and enrich your own journey.
If you would like to get your hands on No Funeral for Nazia by Taha Kehar click this link to purchase from Neem Tree Press.
You can also read my full review here – Book Review of No Funeral for Nazia.
Follow Taha Kehar on Instagram @tahakehar
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