Shazaf Fatima Haider

Shazaf Fatima Haider

Shazaf Fatima Haider is a Pakistani author known for her exploration of cultural and familial themes, particularly around marriage and societal expectations. Born in 1982, she hails from Karachi, Pakistan.

Haider’s literary career began with her debut novel, ’How It Happened’ (2012), published by Penguin Books India. The novel offers a comedic yet insightful look at arranged marriages within a traditional Pakistani family, blending humour with social commentary. Her second novel, ’A Firefly in the Dark’ (2016), delves into magical realism, portraying a young girl’s journey through family trauma with the help of mythical creatures. This book explores themes of empathy and coexistence and was adapted into a TV series. ’A Firefly in the Dark’ won the Children’s Choice Award at the Peek a Book Children’s Literature Festival in Mumbai.

Her third novel, ‘A Woman on a Suitcase’ (2024) has been shortlisted for the Atta Galatta Book prize for Fiction. It centres around the theme of divorce, autonomy and female pleasure.

Currently, Haider lives in St. Albans with her husband and four children. Her compelling narratives resonate with readers both in Pakistan and beyond.