NPR's Book of the Day: Exploring Zahed Rafiq’s “The World with Its Mouth Open”

NPR's Book of the Day delves into the poignant and evocative short story collection The World with Its Mouth Open by Zahed Rafiq, a journalist-turned-author residing in the tumultuous region of Kashmir. Hosted by Eric Deggans, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Rafiq’s narratives, drawing deep connections between his unique storytelling approach and the volatile backdrop of Kashmir.

Author Introduction and Collection Overview

The episode opens with host Eric Deggans introducing Zahed Rafiq and his debut collection, The World with Its Mouth Open. Rafiq, a writer and journalist based in Kashmir—a region marred by prolonged conflict involving India, Pakistan, and China—brings to life the precarious yet ordinary lives of its inhabitants through his stories.

Deggans describes the collection as a series of powerful tales set in modern-day Kashmir, featuring characters such as:

• A pregnant woman searching for fresh fish
• An unemployed son seeking work during a downpour
• A shopkeeper attempting to return a mourning-like mannequin
• A work crew uncovering a severed hand while digging a foundation

These narratives collectively paint a vivid picture of life amidst uncertainty and conflict.

The Writing Process: Embracing the Unknown

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Rafiq’s unconventional writing method. At [04:03], Rafiq explains:

“Because I don't know a story when I sit down to write it. That is a necessity for me. I must not know what the story is. That's the only reason I can keep going.”

This approach mirrors the unpredictability of life in Kashmir, where the future remains uncertain. Rafiq emphasizes the importance of allowing characters and plotlines to develop organically, ensuring authenticity and originality in his storytelling.

Excerpts and Descriptive Mastery

To illustrate his descriptive prowess, Rafiq reads a passage from his story "Bare Feet" at [02:17]. He vividly portrays the starkness of Kashmir’s streets through sensory details:

“Packs of angry dogs and littered corners, birds perched on electric wires, a faint stench of rotting meat… Bunkers made of sandbags with loops of barbed wire wound around… dark eyes watch you with pointed barrels. They are everywhere.”

Deggans commends Rafiq’s ability to blend his journalistic eye with his literary talents, capturing both the ordinary and the harrowing aspects of daily life in Kashmir.

Deep Dive: The Story of the Severed Hand

One of the standout stories discussed is “House,” where workers uncover a severed hand while laying a home’s foundation. At [05:23], Rafiq shares the genesis of this story:

“It came out of a single sentence that a man comes running out and says, I found something. And when they look, there is a hand on the spade.”

The narrative explores themes of violence, memory, and the struggle to build a future amidst a violent past. The character Manzoor, an idealistic laborer, contrasts with others who seek to dismiss the discovery, symbolizing differing responses to trauma and loss.

Rafiq elaborates on the metaphor of building a house in a graveyard, reflecting the broader context of Kashmir:

“In a way, it is the building of a future on the... on a terrible, terrible past. And many characters react very differently to that kind of building, to that kind of a construction. And yet we see that life goes on.” ([06:28])

Living in the Moment: Reflections on Kashmir’s Uncertainty

Rafiq discusses how living in Kashmir shapes his philosophy both in life and writing. At [07:24], he remarks:

“Because you live in the moment. The future is very dark, very uncertain. Tomorrow is very dark. So all you have is this today.”

This perspective emphasizes the immediate reality faced by Kashmiris, where planning for the future is often overshadowed by present uncertainties. Rafiq contrasts this with his experiences abroad, noting how the security to plan ahead in places like America starkly differs from his lived reality.

Conclusion: A Mirror to Kashmir's Soul

The episode concludes with Rafiq’s reflections on his storytelling journey and the intrinsic link between his creative process and his environment. By embracing the unknown in his writing, Rafiq not only crafts authentic and compelling narratives but also mirrors the unpredictability and resilience of life in Kashmir.

Eric Deggans thanks Rafiq for his insights, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for the intersection of literature and lived experience in one of the world's most contested regions.

Notable Quotes:

• Zahed Rafiq [04:03]:

  “Because I don't know a story when I sit down to write it. That is a necessity for me. I must not know what the story is.”

• Zahed Rafiq [07:24]:

  “Because you live in the moment. The future is very dark, very uncertain. Tomorrow is very dark. So all you have is this today.”

• Zahed Rafiq [06:28]:

  “In a way, it is the building of a future on the... on a terrible, terrible past. And many characters react very differently to that kind of building, to that kind of a construction. And yet we see that life goes on.”

Zahed Rafiq’s The World with Its Mouth Open offers a window into Kashmir’s soul, blending journalistic precision with literary depth. This NPR episode not only highlights the beauty and pain embedded in his stories but also underscores the universal themes of uncertainty, resilience, and the quest for meaning amidst chaos.