Mohammed Hanif has written an extremely seductive yet disturbing tale of love and revenge that takes place in Pakistan about the time that the Russians are leaving, the government is in turmoil, and a young, Pakistani pilot has found his father hanging from a fan-an apparent suicide.

Ali Shigri's quest for vengeance is both horrific and darkly humorous. Read carefully - the plot is very convoluted! The characters seem so "Americanized" that you almost forget this is set in a war torn Pakistan. This is definitely not a Kite Runner type of novel that will leave you feeling you have learned about a culture distinct from your own. But in the end, aren't we all the same? This first novel is highly entertaining, fast paced, and definitely worth reading!