Discontent And Its Civilizations by Mohsin Hamid

Discontent And Its Civilizations is a collection of essays by Mohsin Hamid that explores the fractures generated by seismic changes in the world, from the “war on terror” to the struggles of individuals to maintain their humanity in the face of ideology or globalization.

The book traces the author’s experiences as an outsider caught between his ambitions and memories, aspirations and resentments, and the blurred lines between the personal and the political.

The book addresses themes of migration, exile, and the relationship between East and West, highlighting the intertwined Pakistani, British, and American roots of the author.

Hamid’s writing style is elegant, piercing, and often funny, making for an engaging read. The book also includes insightful commentaries on family, nationalism, sex, economics, Islamophobia, literature, violence, and other expressions of humanity.

What I Liked

I will read anything Mohsin Hamid puts out. He is one of my (if not my) favorite novelist ever. Read all his books.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing – great read.