Book Review: From Pashas to Pokémon by Maaria Sayed
1 min read
Namrata reviews Maaria Sayed’s From Pashas to Pokémon (Published by Vishwakarma Publications, 2024) calling it an exploration of one’s identity amidst divergent influences.
- ISBN: 978-9395481540
- Price: INR 275/-
Maaria Sayed’s debut novel, From Pashas to Pokémon, is an evocative and richly layered tapestry that weaves together family history, cultural transitions, and personal growth against the vibrant backdrop of Mohammad Ali Road in Mumbai. At its heart is Aisha, a young woman whose internal journey is as compelling as the external changes she witnesses in her homeland.
Aisha’s life is a poignant reflection of the dichotomies she navigates—between East and West, tradition and modernity, childhood innocence and adult complexities. Her journey is marked by the constant balancing act required to reconcile these often conflicting elements. Growing up in the vibrant yet challenging environment of Mohammad Ali Road in Mumbai, Aisha’s formative years are steeped in rich cultural traditions and familial expectations. However, as she steps into adulthood, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the allure of the West, with its promises of freedom and modernity. This internal conflict becomes a central theme in her story, highlighting the universal struggle of finding one’s identity amidst divergent influences.
