Unfettered Wings - by Sana Munir

Before 2020 began, I already had a list of books from Pakistani authors and one of them was Unfettered Wings by Sana Munir. Luckily, I got hold of this book before the new year and managed to finish it before 2020 could rise and shine.

Sana Munir is an accomplished writer and teacher from Lahore, Pakistan.

A collection of short stories, Unfettered Wings is Sana’s debut entrance in the literary world of writing. The book’s title cover says “extraordinary stories of ordinary women” which sets the tone for the reader. There are 10 short stories in there re-establishing the fact that it is not easy being a woman in a patriarchal society. All the ten stories are titled in the name of the female protagonist.

Unfettered Wings shed light on everyday women and the stories they carry behind their pretty faces.

The book begins with Farida and her journey from childhood to puberty during one of the bloodiest migrations of 1947. After Farida, the reader will meet several other women such as Maria, Beena, Habiba, and many more. My personal favorites are Summi and Nazia!

Sana Munir has an uncomplicated way to tell her stories.
She gives you a punch in the beginning and will maintain the momentum except on a few occasions. Sana’s way of storytelling will compel you to reflect around and realize these women are not limited to plain stories but walking & talking around us. The situational details and depth of the protagonist's character are a delight to reader's imagination. 

Unfettered Wings will take you on a flight from dusty lands of Kharan to the narrow lanes of Lahore. Everyday feminism is not limited to urban Pakistan in this book, but it is an equally shared burden by the rural women too.

I give it 4/5.