A Chip of Glass Ruby is a novel by Zulfikar Ghose, published in 1966. It tells the story of a young man named Raza Hyder, who is torn between his love for his family and his desire for independence and self-expression.
The novel is set in Lahore, Pakistan, in the 1950s and 60s, a time of great political and social upheaval in the country. Raza is the son of a wealthy businessman, and is expected to follow in his father's footsteps and become a successful businessman himself. However, Raza has other aspirations and dreams, and is drawn to the world of literature and the arts.
Raza's desire to forge his own path and break free from the expectations placed upon him by his family and society causes him to struggle with feelings of guilt and conflict. He is torn between his love for his family and his need to be true to himself. This internal conflict is mirrored in the broader social and political struggles of the time, as Pakistan grapples with issues of independence and self-determination.
Throughout the novel, Raza grapples with these conflicts, seeking to find a way to reconcile his love for his family with his desire for personal freedom and self-expression. He ultimately comes to realize that he cannot fully fulfill one without the other, and must find a way to balance the two in order to be truly happy and fulfilled.
Overall, A Chip of Glass Ruby is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of family, identity, and self-expression in the context of a rapidly changing and tumultuous society. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will resonate with readers of all ages.