A Curated Reading List for Your Journey to Pakistan
We’re all going to Pakistan soon! And if you’d like to get to know more about the country and its neighbors, we feel like books are a great way to start immersing yourself in the history, culture, and the complex narratives of the region. We’ve compiled a list of historical books, novels, and memoirs to hopefully cater to your reading preferences. This is NOT mandatory! But if you enjoy reading, we are more than happy to help you increase the size of your personal library.
To avoid linking you directly to websites like Amazon (plus you’re from all around the world, and for some of you it might be easier to get an e-book), we’ll just be linking the google search results for the book. Please feel free to choose whichever platform works best for you! We’ll be learning a lot about the country and breaking down many stereotypes. These will just help you dive deeper into the country.
Historical and Political Context
The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire by William Dalrymple
This book chronicles the rise of the East India Company and its role in reshaping the subcontinent. It highlights how imperial ambition changed the country and the colonial legacy it left on Pakistan and its neighbors.
Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven
This comprehensive book explores Pakistan’s political and cultural complexities, unpacking the factors that make it both resilient and challenging to govern. Read if you want to understand contemporary Pakistan more.
Pakistan on the Brink: The Future of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the West by Ahmed Rashid
This book helps connect the dots between Pakistan’s internal dynamics and its international relations.
Memoirs and Personal Narratives
- Songs of Blood and Sword by Fatima Bhutto
A personal memoir that recounts the history of the Bhutto family and its role in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape. A personal and political exploration of power, family, and loss.
- My Feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani
This groundbreaking memoir exposes the oppressive feudal culture and patriarchal society of Pakistan through the author’s personal experiences. A brave account of survival and resistance.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
No Pakistan reading list would be complete without this book. The inspiring story of a young girl’s fight for education and her journey from a small village in Pakistan to becoming a global icon. Her role as a Pakistani representing her country is controversial, though.
Literature and Fiction
Kartography by Kamila Shamsie
A novel set in Karachi, this story beautifully intertwines themes of love, friendship, and political tension, offering a window into urban life in Pakistan.
Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid
A story of ambition, love, and moral decay, set in the backdrop of Lahore’s elite society. It’s a compelling narrative that critiques social inequality and corruption.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
A powerful novel that explores identity, globalization, and the post-9/11 world through the lens of a young Pakistani man. This book challenges stereotypes and the global narratives about Pakistan.
The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad
Set in the tribal areas of Pakistan, this novel offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabit this remote and often misunderstood region.
History and Culture
Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan by Naureen Ghani
Pakistan’s urban centers have been significantly shaped by Afghan refugees over the decades. This book delves into how these communities have influenced the country’s socio-economic landscape, weaving their stories into Pakistan’s broader population.
The Footprints of Partition: Narratives of Four Generations of Pakistanis and Indians by Anam Zakaria
Through interviews and personal accounts, Zakaria captures the enduring impact of partition on the lives of ordinary people. Her sensitive portrayal of generational trauma and memory helps readers better understand the impact and aftermath of partition. You can also find the interview that Our World Too, our permanent partner, had with Anam. This is in Season 1, episode 5 of the podcast More than a Statistic.
The Collected Poems of Faiz Ahmed Faiz (translated by Naomi Lazard)
Faiz, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated poets, captures the struggles, hopes, and resilience of his people through evocative verses.
Travel Guides
A Journey Through Pakistan: Travels in a Land of Beauty and Resilience by Matthew Vaughan
An engaging travelogue that captures the diversity and beauty of Pakistan’s landscapes and people.
Although you won’t be needing a Lonely Planet if you’re traveling with us, we wanted to add it to the list since some people still collect them! Please note that this book is not entirely up-to-date, especially regarding road conditions and infrastructure, since these are constantly changing.
This collection of books will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region’s history, why it’s so misunderstood, and how it’s evolving to become recognized once again. Whether you’re looking for historical context, personal stories, or travel tips, we hope these books will help you get a better insight of the country and the people living within. We can’t wait to see you all soon!
Discover More
Explore other curated reading lists for destinations like Jordan on our website: The Hybrid Tours Reading List. Or explore our other tours and immerse yourself in history through the voices of those who have lived it themselves – taking you far beyond what the books can offer.
