It's a somewhat comical narrative about an actual event that led to the demise of the military dictator, Gen Zia, along with many others, in a plane crash. The investigation suggested the possibility that the crash was a deliberate assassination.

In his fictional account of this incident, Mohammad Hanif presents the story in an engaging and enjoyable manner. He effectively brings to light the military's control over the state, which has resulted in considerable suffering for the country over the past 75 years.

I rated it with three stars, because the narrative tends to slow down in the middle of the book. In my opinion, the novel might have been more effective if it were shorter, possibly around 225 pages. ( )

I read this excellent book not realising that it was inspired from true facts. It makes it even better. Recommended ( )

This book is a quirky political satire dealing with a crazy conspiracy interspersed with some really controversial elements concerning Pakistan's government of the Nineteen Eighties. The narrative is jumpy and I had no clue what I was reading for quite some way into this book. Finally, it all ends - can I say 'well'? - with the explosion of General Zia-ul-Haq's aircraft, Pak One, due to multiple causes. One thing that stands out in this difficult-to-follow story is its dark humour; it deserves four stars for that! ( )

Strange book. I would have liked better, if the ending had not been first. Hanif was less successful than other authors in switching timelines between the investigation and the events leading up to the exploding mangoes. ( )

Wickedly funny and a real treat. A military satire as dark as I've ever read. ( )