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Literary Fiction· Pakistan

Kartography

by Kamila Shamsie
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2002English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Kartography (2002) by Kamila Shamsie continues to receive. Kartography is a poignant exploration of friendship and love set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Karachi. Kamila Shamsie intricately weaves the personal and the political, as the protagonists, Karim and Raheen, navigate their complex relationship amidst the city's violence and unrest. The novel is lauded for its vivid depiction of Karachi and its insightful commentary on the impact of politics on personal lives. Themes of friendship, love, political unrest run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKamila Shamsie
Published2002
Country of Origin🇵🇰 Pakistan
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780156029732
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇵🇰 Pakistan

This book is part of Pakistan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Pakistan →

Editorial Assessment

Kamila Shamsie published Kartography in 2002, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Pakistan. The book's treatment of friendship, love, political unrest, identity accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Kartography lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of friendship, love, political unrest, identity is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Kamila Shamsie's role in the literature of Pakistan is well established. Kartography can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Kamila Shamsie
Pakistan
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Kamila Shamsie is a Pakistan author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kartography about?

Kartography is a poignant exploration of friendship and love set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Karachi. Kamila Shamsie intricately weaves the personal and the political, as the protagonists, Karim and Raheen, navigate their complex relationship amidst the city's violence and unrest. The novel is lauded for its vivid depiction of Karachi and its insightful commentary on the impact of politics on personal lives.

Who wrote Kartography?

Kartography was written by Kamila Shamsie, from Pakistan. First published in 2002.

What awards has Kartography won?

Kartography has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Kartography worth reading?

Kartography is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in friendship, love, political unrest.

Where can I buy Kartography?

You can buy Kartography on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Kartography?

Kartography is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Kartography from?

Kartography originates from Pakistan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Pakistan on our country page.

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