Rebel English Academy: A Journey Through 1970s Pakistan

Penguin Random House India has acquired 'Rebel English Academy', the fourth novel by Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif. Set in the politically charged 1970s Pakistan, it features characters grappling with power and identity. The book explores themes of faith and resistance with Hanif's signature dark humor and satire.

Penguin Random House India announced on Thursday that it has acquired the rights to 'Rebel English Academy', the newly awaited novel by acclaimed Pakistani author and journalist Mohammed Hanif. The book is poised to hit shelves in the latter half of 2025 under the 'Hamish Hamilton' imprint.

Set against the tumultuous political landscape of 1970s Pakistan, the narrative takes flight from the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The novel weaves the experiences of a military captain, a local athlete, an ex-revolutionary, and a progressive imam within a small-town mosque, offering a critical lens on authoritarianism.

Editor-in-Chief Manasi Subramaniam praised the book as a darkly comedic exploration of love, language, and rebellion amidst political strife. With a reputation for incisive wit and compelling narratives, Hanif continues to scrutinize society’s contradictions, following his previous successes like 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes'.