History’s Angel

History’s Angel by Anjum Hasan takes us on a journey through contemporary Delhi, where Alif, a mild-mannered middle-aged history teacher, grapples with the complex realities faced by Muslims in India. Immersed in his passion for teaching history, Alif must navigate the pressing demands of his wife, who seeks a larger house and a better car while striving for success in her MBA exams. Meanwhile, his ambitious teenage son contemplates abandoning education in pursuit of quick wealth. As a Muslim teaching India’s history, Alif faces skepticism and suspicion from his supercilious colleagues. Adding to the mix, Alif’s childhood friend Ganesh reconnects with a former sweetheart, reigniting Alif’s own long-standing infatuation.

In a moment of frustration during a school field trip, Alif succumbs to anger and twists a student’s ear, placing his job in jeopardy and plunging his life into disarray. Amidst his personal turmoil, the city itself grows darker as violence casts a pervasive shadow. Through Hasan’s poignant and witty prose, History’s Angel deftly explores the weight and repercussions of preserving one’s cultural history in an increasingly indifferent world. This darkly humorous yet deeply moving novel immerses readers in Alif’s journey as he confronts the forces that threaten to undermine his sense of self and heritage.