Rebel English Academy

When Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is executed, the residents of OK Town refuse to accept his death and strive to resurrect him.

In the bustling city, Sir Baghi is startled by a knock at the door of the Rebel English Academy, his affordable English tuition center. An unexpected visitor, Sabiha, seeks refuge at the Academy—her husband has just perished in a house fire, and she insists she only escaped from the flames. Baghi encourages Sabiha to write, and a lifetime of secrets begins to unravel on the page.

Meanwhile, Captain Gul, who mishandled his execution duty, has been exiled to OK Town, where he aims to suppress the protestors trying to revive Bhutto. However, his responsibilities and romantic interests begin to intertwine, threatening his already questionable authority.

Within Rebel English Academy, Pakistan grapples with martial law following the execution of its former leader. Mohammed Hanif has crafted a vibrant cast of interconnected characters who confront this evolving landscape with violence, passion, and sharp humor. Wry, searing, and profoundly relevant, Rebel English Academy is a triumphant new novel about political power, religion, education, sexuality, and perpetual dissent.