Why did a Hercules C130, the world's sturdiest plane, carrying Pakistan's military dictator General Zia ul Haq, go down on 17 August, 1988? Was it because of: mechanical failure, human error, the CIA's impatience, a blind woman's curse or Generals not happy with their pension plans. This novel takes one of the subcontinent's enduring mysteries.

**LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE**

'Exuberant and satirical: this is an angry comedy about Zia's brutal legacy to Pakistan' Observer

There is an old saying that when lovers fall out, a plane goes down. This is the story of one such plane.

Why did a Hercules C130, the world's sturdiest plane, carrying Pakistan's military dictator General Zia ul Haq, go down on 17 August, 1988? Was it because of:

1.Mechanical failure
2.Human error
3.The CIA's impatience
4.A blind woman's curse
5.Generals not happy with their pension plans
6.The mango season

Or could it be your narrator, Ali Shigri?

A Case of Exploding Mangoes is sharp, dark, inventive and utterly gripping.