Author

Abdullah Bin Zubair

Undergraduate student, exploring emotions through poetry. Author of 'The Gods We Cannot Be'.

The book

The Gods We Cannot Be

"The Gods We Cannot Be" is a poignant exploration of loss, faith, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. Nine-year-old Khudesh finds himself orphaned after the tragic loss of his mother in an accident, adding to the absence left by his father's earlier demise. Struggling to make sense of his grief and the unfairness of life, Khudesh embarks on a quest to confront God and demand answers for his suffering.

As Khudesh traverses through the labyrinthine paths of his grief, he encounters a myriad of characters who claim to embody divinity. Each encounter presents Khudesh with a new challenge, as he grapples with the complexities of faith and the manipulation of those who seek to exploit his vulnerability. From charismatic charlatans to enigmatic mystics, Khudesh must discern truth from illusion amidst the cacophony of voices clamoring for his belief.

Yet, amidst the chaos, Khudesh's unwavering determination leads him to a profound encounter with the true essence of divinity. Through moments of doubt and revelation, Khudesh discovers that the gods he sought were not external entities to be appeased or blamed, but rather reflections of the human condition and the inherent resilience of the human spirit.

In a climactic revelation, Khudesh comes face to face with the ineffable presence of the divine, finding solace not in answers to his questions, but in the acceptance of life's inherent mysteries. "The Gods We Cannot Be" is a moving testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring quest for meaning in a world marked by loss and uncertainty.

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The themes

What this book is about.

01

Poverty written from the inside rather than about

02

The questions a child puts to God

03

Kindness between strangers, and its limits

04

The price quietly attached to everything

05

Looking for something worth believing in

Behind The Book

About the Author

Abdullah Bin Zubair, as an undergraduate student from Pakistan, I've found my passion for literature and the written word to be a guiding light in my life. Through my debut poetry compilation, "Peculiarities," I've sought to weave together emotions and experiences into verses that resonate deeply with readers. Immersed in the rich tapestry of literature, I find solace and inspiration within the pages of books, fueling my creative spirit and driving me to explore the depths of imagination. With each poem I pen, I invite you into a world where emotions run deep and experiences are artfully expressed. As I continue my journey of self-expression through poetry and prose, I am committed to honing my craft and sharing my unique perspective with the world, promising a future filled with literary brilliance and captivating storytelling.

Excerpts

Read a little of the book.

The Gods We Cannot Be, p. 4

He sits at the edge not because he has a cramped up left thigh, a sibling waiting to be seated along, picked up at the next station, or a maneuver to suppress the urgency of attending the next station’s public toilet, but only because of the iron bars in his head around his mind that have been installed just in place by the surgeons of a developing society that won’t let his mind grow into thinking that he too deserves the handrails, the headrest and the foamed cushion of the seat of a public transport bus as much as anyone else because he has paid for it and is not in for a free ride.

The Gods We Cannot Be, p. 10

He grips the nearest ground, arms hugged over her, “Why have you left me with nothing? You could have at least told me where He was. Hmm, No? I have longed to meet Him. Have you gone meeting Him alone, without me? Don’t you love me? I’ll never stop looking for Him. I will meet Him one day. Without you, just as you have gone without me.”

The Gods We Cannot Be, p. 11

Tears. None!
Tears need the fuel of longing and Khudesh has no longing as there should be no longing for love. It was always meant to be hurtful, it was he himself who kept hiding the fact under fantasies. He should be strong now. Ruthless.

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