The Storm by Arif Anwar [Paperback]

The Storm is a novel inspired by the devastating 1970 Bhola cyclone that claimed half a million lives in Bangladesh. The narrative weaves together five love stories across sixty years of Bangladeshi history, starting with Shahryar, a recent PhD graduate who must return to his homeland from the US. As he spends his final weeks with his daughter Anna, the story unfolds from a village on the Bay of Bengal, where a poor fisherman and his wife prepare for an impending storm. Their tale intertwines with those of a Japanese fighter pilot, a British doctor in Burma during World War II, and a privileged couple who migrate to East Pakistan after the Partition of India. The novel's structure mirrors the storm's chaotic nature, leading to poignant revelations and exploring themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice within families. With historical depth and imaginative storytelling, The Storm positions itself alongside works by Khaled Hosseini and Rohinton Mistry, showcasing the voice of a promising new author in international fiction.