Book Review: City on Fire: Boyhood in Aligarh by Zeyad Masroor Khan
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Namrata reviews City on Fire: Boyhood in Aligarh by Zeyad Masroor Khan (Published by Harper Collins, 2023) calling it a memoir that transcends boundaries.
Zeyad Masroor Khan’s City on Fire: Boyhood in Aligarh is a poignant, searing memoir that intricately weaves the personal with the political, capturing the complexities of growing up as a Muslim in the tumultuous environment of Aligarh. From the very first page, Khan’s narrative pulls the reader into a world fraught with tension, fear, and the ever-looming threat of violence. The memoir transcends the boundaries of a simple coming-of-age story, offering a visceral portrayal of religious strife and its deep, indelible impact on the human psyche.
With a striking cover, City on Fire is more than just a memoir; it is a profound commentary on the nature of violence and the human capacity for resilience. Khan’s story is one of survival and hope, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. His reflections on religion, identity, and the possibility of unity offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing contemporary India.
