Rolaak
By Rafaqat Hayat
ILQA Publications
ISBN: 978-969-640-288-6
670pp.

Re-imagine the story of Sophocles’ tragic play ‘Oedipus Rex’, in which the King of Thebes unwittingly kills his father, in a contemporary setting. Or let us again explore themes such as fate versus free will, the nature of knowledge, hubris, and the consequences of blindness — both literal and metaphorical — in the world-famous tale of Rustom Sohrab in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Literature is full of such stories of complex and uncomfortable father and son relationships.

Rolaak, a new novel by Rafaqat Hayat that revolves around the father’s reputation as a “sex machine” and the son’s struggles to emulate his father’s success, is both intriguing and unsettling. This rivalry is the central conflict that propels the story forward. The flashback and internal monologues are of only one character, the protagonist Qadir Bux.

The novel delves into the psychological impact of this rivalry, highlighting the son’s internal turmoil as he grapples with his own insecurities and the shadow of his father’s perceived dominance. The author skilfully portrays the son’s struggle, his attempts to emulate his father’s behaviour and the ultimate futility of his efforts. The narrative is both introspective and suspenseful, keeping the reader engaged with the son’s emotional journey.

However, the novel’s focus on the father’s sexual exploits can feel excessive at times, bordering on gratuitous. While it serves to highlight the son’s envy and the stark contrast between the two characters, it also risks trivialising the complex issues of masculinity, self-esteem and familial relationships.

Winner of the........

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