Asif Chowdhury, feeling his soul has been drained working in the financial world in the United States, decides one morning to return home to Bangladesh where he left his heart over a decade ago. Disregarding advice from his friends and mentors, Asif leaves behind his American girlfriend and American dreams. Yet, being back on the colourful streets of Dhaka, his modern idealism and longing for meaning are challenged by the traditions of his country and is all the while haunted by the memories of his never-forgotten love and questions of how he lost her.
Eager for a distraction and to find value in his new life, Asif accepts a coveted position at an international development agency. He takes this opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of Bangladesh and learn how the current generation is dealing with the side effects of colonialism while struggling to build a nation. It doesn’t take long for Asif’s hopes of making a difference to be dashed as he delves into the murky world of mistrust, vested interests and personal monetary gains, all in the false name of international development and poverty reduction.
Through the rich colours of Bengali culture, the cleansing relief of monsoons, and the enchanting scent of jasmine, readers will connect with Asif’s story as someone struggling to find their place in a complicated world without compromising what’s most important.
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Reviews
The novel reinforces the case that fiction is a powerful source of insight about both the world of development and wider issues of globalization, change and identity. The development novel – though the author might feel that is too narrow a descriptor of this wide-ranging narrative – is a comparatively rare thing. Double Truths is an impressive debut, avoids oversimplifying its complex subject matter, succeeds as an act of critical fabulation and is well worth your time. It’s a very worthwhile addition to a slim ouvre. While the book is an enjoyable read in its own right, it should also be on every university development studies reading list.
Professor David Lewis
Professor of Anthropology and Development, London School of Economics
The author’s depiction of contemporary transnationalism exists at the intersection of profound romanticism and dispossession. “Binary [..] and duality” are constantly at odds in this rich narrative, which prompts the reader to question contradictions that are inherent to existing in a world that is messy, raw, and dynamic. The characters’ spiritual journeys in finding comfort in the paradox of existence serve as an intimate reminder that “you can believe two conflicting positions at once”.
Sebastian Kolesar
A luminous, intelligent debut that boldly expands the boundaries of immigrant fiction and development literature alike.
Dilsora Fozilova (PhD)
Much of this industry is populated by the privileged class in the countries where aid is spent.
Themrise Khan
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