Nasheed to publish collection of short stories written in the 1990s

Former President Mohamed Nasheed is set to publish a collection of short stories he wrote in the 1990s, with the book now available for pre-order.

Ocean Publishers, Nasheed’s publisher, announced the book on Thursday under the title “Kuruvaahaka – 80 ge Fahukolhu”, which translates as “Short Stories – The Late 80s”.

According to promotional material released by the publisher, Nasheed decided to publish the collection as a means of earning additional income amid rising living costs and reductions to the allowances received by former presidents.

“The position of chairman does not carry a salary. A large part of the pension for former presidents has also been cut. Much of the money I had saved has been exhausted trying to build a house on a plot in Laamu Atoll. I am publishing this book because I am short of money,” Ocean Publishers quoted Nasheed as saying.

The publisher said the book is expected to be released next month, although a specific publication date has not yet been announced.

Pre-orders have opened at a price of MVR 250. According to an official from Ocean Publishers, more than 100 people have already expressed interest in purchasing the book.

“The response to the book since the announcement has been very good,” the official said.

The collection includes stories written by Nasheed during the 1990s. Ocean Publishers has released brief descriptions of several works included in the book.

Among them is “Chaalaa Zamaan”, a story that was at one time also known as “Beys Fihaaraige Manager”, or “The Pharmacy Manager”. The publisher’s synopsis refers to a government announcement concluding that the death of Aminath Yoola was by suicide.

Another story, “Hithaa Hithuge Gulhun”, a phrase that has also been used as a slogan in Maldivian politics, follows characters Aminath Yoola and Hassan Kurusee and centres on their relationship.

“Gaumee Mashroou”, or “National Project”, is set during the period when the character Kurusee was imprisoned and depicts aspects of his time in government.

The collection also includes “Reethi Hadhiyaeh”, which portrays aspects of life during the 1980s, and “Moosabaru”, a story connected to the period of British colonial influence in the Maldives.

Ocean Publishers also clarified that Hassan Kurusee, a character appearing in Nasheed’s stories, is not the person behind an anonymous social media account currently operating under the same name.

“The character in these stories is certainly not the Hassan Kurusee active on X, Facebook and Instagram. Their personalities and characteristics are very different,” the publisher said.

The publisher described Nasheed’s fictional Hassan Kurusee as a thin man approaching his 30s, with a full head of hair and a different physical appearance from the online persona.