The Case of Exploding Mangoes

The Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif is a strikingly original, darkly humorous, and sharply satirical novel that delves into the murky world of political intrigue, corruption, and military dictatorship. Set in Pakistan during the final days of General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime in the 1980s, this fictionalized account of the mysterious plane crash that killed the General in 1988 offers readers an imaginative, compelling, and often hilarious narrative. Through a blend of fact and fiction, Hanif skillfully examines the nature of power, paranoia, and the absurdity of authoritarian rule.

The novel centers around the events leading up to and surrounding the death of General Zia-ul-Haq, the then-President of Pakistan, whose plane crashed under mysterious circumstances on August 17, 1988, killing him and several high-ranking Pakistani military officials, along with the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Arnold Raphel. Hanif’s story takes place in the days preceding the crash, exploring various perspectives and delving into the lives of characters who were close to Zia or were somehow affected by his regime.

The story is narrated from multiple viewpoints, including that of a young Pakistani air force officer named Ali Shigri, who is a member of the military and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy. Shigri’s character serves as a poignant figure, representing the disillusioned and powerless youth of Pakistan. As the plot unfolds, the reader is introduced to a variety of characters, from corrupt military officials to underhanded politicians, and ultimately to the enigmatic figure of General Zia himself. The central mystery of the novel is the plane crash that takes Zia’s life. Was it an accident, or was it a deliberate assassination orchestrated by Zia’s enemies? Hanif plays with the concept of conspiracy theories, drawing on the real-life uncertainty surrounding the event. Was it a botched assassination plot by disgruntled officers? Or did the United States, disillusioned with Zia’s policies, have a hand in his demise? The book doesn’t provide definitive answers but rather leaves the reader with open-ended interpretations

One of the most prominent themes of The Case of Exploding Mangoes is the paranoia inherent in authoritarian regimes. General Zia, who ruled Pakistan for over a decade,  is obsessed with his own survival and constantly fearing betrayal. Hanif presents Zia as a man whose sense of self-importance blinds him to the growing dissatisfaction around him. His mismanagement of Pakistan’s political and social fabric, particularly his relationship with the United States and his treatment of opposition figures, forms a critical part of the story.

Another central theme is the concept of power and how it corrupts individuals. Zia’s military regime is characterized by brutality, censorship, and a constant need to control every aspect of the nation’s life. Hanif’s portrayal of this world is sharp and satirical, exposing the absurdity of the power structures that dominate the lives of the people. The army officers, political leaders, and even Zia’s close allies are depicted as selfish, paranoid, and often incompetent. In this way, Hanif critiques the entire system of military dictatorship, showing how power creates a culture of fear, backstabbing, and chaos. The title itself, The Case of Exploding Mangoes, is a brilliant metaphor for the unpredictability and danger of power. Mangoes, the tropical fruit beloved in Pakistan, become a symbol of both indulgence and destruction. The novel also uses this metaphor to explore the randomness of fate and the sense of impending doom that surrounds Zia’s rule. Mangoes, like the regime, are sweet and tempting on the surface but, as the plot develops, they become a dangerous symbol of what happens when power is left unchecked.

The novel’s structure is also a fascinating aspect of Hanif’s storytelling. Through the use of multiple perspectives, Hanif gives readers a multifaceted view of events, showing the complex interplay of politics, military strategy, and personal ambition that led to the fateful plane crash. The shifting narrative voices—ranging from Shigri’s first-person account to third-person narration from other characters—creates a dynamic and engaging reading experience.

While The Case of Exploding Mangoes is primarily a work of fiction, its exploration of the political and historical context of Pakistan in the 1980s adds an additional layer of depth. The novel is rooted in real events—the death of General Zia, the US-Pakistan relationship, and the military’s role in Pakistani politics—but it uses these as a backdrop for its imaginative tale. Hanif captures the atmosphere of military rule and the paranoia that characterized Zia’s regime, as well as the complexities of the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era. The portrayal of Zia-ul-Haq in the novel is critical but not overtly vilifying. Hanif’s approach allows for a nuanced view of Zia’s rule, showing how his policies had both  negative and  positive impacts on Pakistan, especially in terms of his relationship with the United States and his support for the Afghan mujahideen. At the same time, the novel critiques the authoritarian nature of Zia’s leadership, drawing attention to the many contradictions in his rule.

In The Case of Exploding Mangoes, Mohammed Hanif has crafted a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. The novel’s unique blend of historical events, political satire, and dark humor makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in South Asian history, political fiction, or simply a well-written story. Hanif’s ability to create complex characters and intricate plotlines, all while engaging in a profound critique of power and authority, sets this novel apart as a significant literary work. It is a must-read for those interested in understanding the intricacies of military dictatorship and the legacy of Zia-ul-Haq’s rule in Pakistan, all while enjoying a good laugh at the absurdity of it all.

The Case of Exploading Mangoes, 2008

Mohammed Hanif

Alfred A. Knopf (U.S.) and Penguin India (India).

The book has 384 pages.(INR -600)

Referenes

.BBC(2020)A Case of Exploding Mangoes: Urdu edition novel seized in Pakistan raids,

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51022637

Qantra de(2008),A Tangled tale, https://qantara.de/en/article/mohammed-hanifs-case-exploding-mangoes-tangled-tale

Aishah Nafis

Intern, Asia in Global Affiars

The views and opinions expressed in this book review are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Asia in Global Affairs. The review is intended for academic and informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any particular viewpoint, nor is it intended to malign any individual, group, organization, company, or government.