2. Kamila Shamsie
• Kamila Shamsie is a Pakistani British novelist born on August 13, 1973 , in Karachi,
Pakistan.
• She comes from a family of intellectuals and artists, with her mother being a journalist send
her father a university professor.
• Shamsie completed her undergraduate studies in creative writing at Hamilton collage in the
united state and later earned a Master degree in creative writing from university of East
Anglia in the UK.
• She has written several critically acclaimed novels, including “In the city by the sea”(1998)
“Keratoghraphy”(2002) and “Burnt shadows”(2009). However, her most well known work is
“Home fire”(2017), which was longlisted for the Man Booker prize and won the Women's
prize for fiction.
3. Home Fire
• Written: 2014-2017
• Published: August 15,2017
• Genre: Political Fiction, Romance novel
• Setting: London and Middle East
• Literary Period: Contemporary
6. Characters:
• Isma Pasha:
Isma is a eldest sibling of the pasha family, she is a responsible and
independent young women who leaves for America to pursue her studies.
• Aneeka Pasha:
Aneeka is an Isma's younger sister and is described as passionate and
determined. She becomes involved in a relationship with Eamoon Lone.
• Pervaiz Pasha:
Parvaiz pasha is a Aneeka's twin brother, Isma's younger brother, and one
of the five protagonist of the novel.
7. Characters:
• Adil Pasha
Father of Isma, Aneeka and Pervaiz
• Karamat Lone:
Karamat Lone is a British Home secretary and Eamonn’s father. He is a
prominent politician and plays a significant role in the narrative.
• Eamonn Lone:
• Eamonn is the son of a powerful British politician and becomes romantically involved with
Aneeka. He struggles with the complex feeling and expectations surrounding his
relationship with Aneeka.
8. Themes
• Identity and Belonging:
Characters grapple with their identities as British citizens of Pakistani origin, exploring the tension
between cultural heritage and national belonging.
• Love and Sacrifice:
The novel explores various forms of love, from familial bonds to romantic relationships, and delves
into the sacrifices characters make for their loved ones.
• Political and Social Commentary:
Shamsi provides a critical commentary on contemporary political issues, examining the impact of
counter-terrorism measures on Muslim communities and the intersection of personal lives with
political realities.
9. • Radicalization and Extremism:
The narrative explores the theme of radicalization, shedding light on how individuals,
particularly the character Pervaiz, are drawn into extremist ideologies and the
consequences of such choices.
• Gender Roles:
Traditional gender roles are challenged, especially through the character of Isma, who
takes on a maternal role for her siblings. The novel explores how societal expectations
based on gender can limit individuals.
10. Critical Aspects:
• Multiple Perspectives:
Shamsi employs a multi-narrative structure, allowing readers to experience the story from different
characters' viewpoints. This adds complexity and depth to the narrative.
• Political Realities:
The novel doesn't shy away from addressing contemporary political issues, providing a nuanced
exploration of how politics intersect with personal lives and impact marginalized communities.
• Intersection of Love and Politics:
The forbidden love between Anika and Eamonn becomes a focal point, illustrating the complex
intersection of personal relationships and political power.
11. • Symbolism and Allegory:
Shamsi incorporates symbolism, drawing parallels with the Greek tragedy of Antigone.
The novel serves as an allegory for contemporary issues, blending classical themes with
a modern context.
• Moral Ambiguity:
Characters face morally complex situations, challenging readers to consider the
motivations behind their actions. This adds depth to the narrative and emphasizes the
blurred lines between right and wrong.
12. Summary:
“Home fire” is a novel written by Kamila Shamsie that explores themes of love, loyalty, family, and
the complexities of identity. The story revolves around a British Muslim family, primarily focusing
on the three siblings. Isma, Aneeka, and pervaiz.
Isma, as the eldest sister, takes on the role of the caregiver and provider for her younger siblings
after their mothers death, and make the difficult decision to leave for America to pursue her studies.
Aneeka is a law student whose life is a deeply affected by her twin brother, pervaiz.
Parvaiz is drawn into the world of extremism and joins ISIS, leaving his family devastated. Aneeka,
determined to bring him back, starts a relationship with Eamonn, the privileged son of the British
Muslim politician who becomes entangled in their story.
The novel delves into complex politician and social issues, portraying the struggles faced by Muslim.
