History’s Angel

Hasan’s erudite and languid novel (after the collection A Day in the Life) traces a series of escalating conflicts for a Muslim history teacher in contemporary Delhi. Alif Mohammed, 40-something and nonobservant, has taught at a private school for 20 years. During a field trip, a rambunctious nine-year-old named Ankit goes missing and then, after he’s been found, insults Alif for being Muslim. When Alif twists the boy’s ear, the school’s new principal suspends him pending an investigation. Alif keeps the news from his wife, Tahira, who is focused on studying for her MBA and anxious to move up in the world. Meanwhile, Alif nurses his jealousy over Tahira’s close relationship with their 14-year-old son, Salim. Making matters worse, Alif’s parents are clashing with Ahmad, the orphan they took in and raised as a servant who has taken a strongly religious turn as an adult. While the story is slow moving and at times unfocused, Hasan frequently blends her chronicle of Alif’s problems with insightful internal monologues, in which he reflects on the country’s history and simmering anti-Muslim sentiments. Hasan’s layering of history and personal drama accrues a subtle but undeniable power. (July)