Book description
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES AND NPR
“Stunning not only on account of the author’s talent, of which there is clearly plenty, but also in its humanity.” —New York Times Book Review (cover)
Sent back to his birthplace—Lahore’s notorious red-light district—to hush up…
Why read it?
3 authors picked The Return of Faraz Ali as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I literally fell asleep over the pages several times, not because the book was dull, but because I didn't want to put it down.
All my favorite books have something in common: a vital energy to the prose, an immersion in another world, and characters shown in all their complex humanity.
When Faraz Ali takes up his new role at the police station in Lahore, Pakistan’s red-light district – the Mohalla - two things are clear early on: he’s supposed to cover up the death of a young girl, and he has a disturbing family history in the Mohalla. Even though you know all that, the suspense never lets up.
Any action Faraz Ali takes may be a dangerous choice. He and the children…
A brilliant novel with more than one mystery at its heart, with more than one truth about human emotions. Beautifully written, unflinching in its depiction of corruption and cruelty; lyrical in its evocation of loss and longing, love and survival. Faraz Ali, a young Pakistani police officer is sent to Shahi Mohalla, the red-light district of Lahore, where a girl has been murdered: not to solve the crime, but to cover it up. However, Faraz Ali has his own tormented history with the Mohalla. And, unknown to him his dimly remembered sister, the beautiful and fiery Rozina, is facing the…
From Ravinder's list on by writers of colour.
If you love The Return of Faraz Ali...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
Want books like The Return of Faraz Ali?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 92 books like The Return of Faraz Ali.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like The Return of Faraz Ali, you might also like...
In Bad Faith
Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.
Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…
Your Sun Will Rise Again
Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.
Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…
