A Case of Exploding Mangoes

A Case of Exploding Mangoes is a 2008 novel by Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif. In the final months before his suspicious death by plane crash, Pakistani dictator General Zia ul-Haq grows increasingly paranoid. Ali Shigri, a Pakistan Air Force junior officer, meanwhile finds himself being interrogated after his close friend Obaid dies while stealing a plane from the base at which both are training. Features a very short cameo by Osama Bin Laden.


 * Blind Seer: Blind Zainab, despite nobody - including here - realizing that she's coincidently done this.
 * Body Horror: Plenty to spare.
 * Chekhov's Gun:
 * Colonel Badass: Colonel Shigri, Ali Shigri's father, is a highly recognized character who kills himself before the beginning of the book. Several characters mention him.
 * Cruel and Unusual Death: General Zia's bodyguard . It is also implied that Blind Zainab will be stoned to death, but this does not happen in the course of the book.
 * Deadly Gas:
 * Death Is Dramatic: Holds true completely, unusual in that the book is written realistically.
 * Disgusting Public Toilet: Shigri has an aversion to unclean toilets.
 * Flashback Cut: Shigri's memories of his father and Obaid.
 * Hellhole Prison: Constructed under the Lahore Fort (ironically, by Ali Shigri's father). It's particular brand of hell is having the prisoners kept in large, roomy, but completely dark rooms.
 * How We Got Here: A good portion of the book describes in flashbacks the scheme which resulted in Obaid's failed aircraft heist.
 * Ho Yay: Many of the insults bandied about - particularly involving the relationship between Ali Shigri and his roommate Obaid - involve accusations of homosexuality.
 * Kick the Dog: Major Kilani gets to do this with.
 * Midair Repair: Attempted by General Zia's bodyguard.
 * Never Suicide: Ali Shigri's father died under suspicious conditions; we very quickly learn that Shigri believes his father was killed.
 * Plausible Deniability: Since actual information about General Zia's death is scant, this novel has considerable room to guess at the cause of his death.
 * Poisoned Weapons:.
 * The Chessmaster: General Akhtar (an actual spymaster) attempts this.
 * The Starscream: Atleast General Akhtar and General Beg seem to be spoiling to replace General Zia as President by the end of the book.
 * Torture Cellar: Under the Lahore fort.
 * You Can't Fight Fate: The book opens with General Zia having a premonition of his death. It ends with his death.
 * You Killed My Father: Ali Shigri's entire motivation