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Cover of Moth Smoke
Literary Fiction· Pakistan

Moth Smoke

by Mohsin Hamid
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
#119,859of 99,626 books
Published 2000English
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About This Book

Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke (2000) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Moth Smoke is Mohsin Hamid's debut novel, exploring themes of class disparity, corruption, and existential angst in contemporary Lahore. The story follows Darashikoh Shehzad, a disillusioned banker who spirals into a life of crime and moral ambiguity after losing his job. The novel is notable for its innovative narrative structure and its incisive critique of Pakistani society. Themes of class disparity, corruption, existential angst run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMohsin Hamid
Published2000
Country of Origin🇵🇰 Pakistan
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780312272738
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇵🇰 Pakistan

This book is part of Pakistan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Pakistan →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2000, Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with class disparity, corruption, existential angst, moral ambiguity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of Moth Smoke lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of class disparity, corruption, existential angst, moral ambiguity is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Moth Smoke reflects Mohsin Hamid's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Pakistan's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20000
✍️
About the Author
Mohsin Hamid
Pakistan
View Author →

Mohsin Hamid is a celebrated author from Pakistan known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moth Smoke about?

Moth Smoke is Mohsin Hamid's debut novel, exploring themes of class disparity, corruption, and existential angst in contemporary Lahore. The story follows Darashikoh Shehzad, a disillusioned banker who spirals into a life of crime and moral ambiguity after losing his job. The novel is notable for its innovative narrative structure and its incisive critique of Pakistani society.

Who wrote Moth Smoke?

Moth Smoke was written by Mohsin Hamid, from Pakistan. First published in 2000.

What awards has Moth Smoke won?

Moth Smoke has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Moth Smoke worth reading?

Moth Smoke is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in class disparity, corruption, existential angst.

Where can I buy Moth Smoke?

You can buy Moth Smoke on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Moth Smoke?

Moth Smoke is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Moth Smoke from?

Moth Smoke originates from Pakistan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Pakistan on our country page.

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