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Ahead of the release of her latest novel, The Runaways, Fatima Bhutto talks about people on the sidelines, having faith in kindness, and why Instagram is the curation of a lie

- Esha Mahajan

Relationships can alter the course of a life, permanently. In Fatima Bhutto’s engaging new novel, The Runaways, that thought takes centre stage. Anita Rose, a slumdweller in Karachi and daughter of a maalish wali, forms an unlikely friendship with her elderly neighbour Osama. On the other side of the city, Monty, heir to his father’s large fortune, finds himself wanting more when a rebellious young girl joins his private school. And Sunny, a second-generation immigrant in England confused about his faith, discovers his purpose when his cousin comes back into his life. Their paths cross in the deserts of Mosul, revealing guarded secrets and calling into question modern Muslim identity.

The three protagonists in The Runaways eventually find themselves in the same desert, guided by their individual beliefs. What is it that gives you faith?

I’m a hopeful person. Even having lived through difficult times, indifferent countries, I have always seen the good in people. The side of people that wants to survive and wants to help others and wants to be a part of something. I have faith that ultimately there is a sense of justice and kindness inmost people, and that’s always gotten me through moments when I feel lost.

As someone living between different countries, what does being Muslim mean to you today?