Annually, Pakistan and the UAE host literary gatherings where numerous emerging authors present their works to the public. The escalating interest in literature and the plethora of literary events in the UAE offer significant motivation for aspiring writers.
Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi's inaugural novel, 'The Centre', revolves around a Pakistani translator named Anisa residing in London, who aspires to translate 'great works of literature'. Upon finding 'The Centre', a cryptic and elite language institute promising mastery of any language within ten days, Anisa believes it could be her opportunity, only to uncover the clandestine and malevolent practices of the institution.
'The Centre' is a captivating and reflective narrative that serves as a compelling page-turner while delving into profound themes concerning identity, language, and the essence of success. It has garnered widespread critical praise; The New York Times deemed it 'ingenious', and The Guardian described it as 'a clever satirical tale that poses pertinent questions about privilege and appropriation'. Author Gillian Flynn praised the book as 'exciting and distinctive'.
During the composition of the book, Siddiqi served as a contributing editor for the podcast 'The Trojan Horse Affair' by Serial Productions. She has also contributed reviews, essays, short stories, and poetry, and has penned works for the stage and radio. The inspiration for 'The Centre' stems from a translator encountering a seemingly miraculous language school, only to find that things are not as they appear. The narrative unfolds through various twists and turns before revealing the truth. The author, having grown up in multiple countries during her childhood in a multilingual environment, was inspired and held a profound interest in languages. The process of learning a new language can resemble solving a puzzle, and translation can be both mathematically precise and creatively intuitive.
Given that the author is Pakistani, it was natural for the protagonist to also be Pakistani. Writing about familiar subjects allows for depth and specificity, enhancing the narrative. Generally, individuals are born with creative talents and naturally gravitate towards storytelling, painting, or singing, with their imaginations running wild and creating masterpieces. However, without nurturing over the years, this talent may wither or become dormant. Ayesha acknowledges the support she received from siblings, cousins, teachers, and friends in developing her skills.
'The Centre' is intended for adult readers, aged 18 and above. It is published by Picador Books in the UK and Zando in the US, and is readily available in bookstores and online.
