Fatima Bhutto’s forthcoming memoir, The Hour of the Wolf, began as an unexpected project. Initially, Bhutto found herself able to write only about her dog, Coco, a creative path derailed by the pandemic. After abandoning a second draft, she ultimately decided to reveal a decade-long abusive relationship she had kept secret, a story that “fell out” of her in just three weeks.
A Decade of Silence
The memoir details Bhutto’s experience in a manipulative relationship with a man she refers to only as “The Man,” whom she describes as “uninhibited, blazingly sure of himself…beautiful, rugged, old-school masculine…a free spirit.” The relationship began in 2011 in New York while Bhutto was promoting her family memoir, Songs of Blood and Sword, a book that re-examined the Bhutto political dynasty and the circumstances surrounding her father’s death.
Over eleven years, the relationship unfolded largely at a distance, with Bhutto meeting “The Man” approximately once a month while traveling for work and literary engagements. Despite her professional success – including a nomination for the Women’s Prize for Fiction – Bhutto describes how he became controlling, oscillating between displays of affection and rage, and isolating her from friends.
The Weight of Family History
Bhutto’s family history is deeply intertwined with the political landscape of Pakistan. Her grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was overthrown and executed in 1979. Her uncle, Shahnawaz Bhutto, died in 1985, and her father, Murtaza Bhutto, was killed in 1996. This legacy of political turmoil and violence, she suggests, contributed to her ability to endure the abusive relationship, creating a familiarity with secrecy and danger.
Bhutto ultimately ended the relationship in 2021, realizing “The Man” would never provide the family and stability she desired. She married Graham in 2022 and has since had two children. The memoir, she states, is a testament to the fact that strength, accomplishment, and intelligence offer no immunity to psychological abuse.
Looking Ahead
The publication of The Hour of the Wolf could encourage further conversations about the complexities of abusive relationships and the challenges faced by high-profile individuals. It is possible that Bhutto’s openness will inspire others to share their own stories. Bhutto continues to focus on political issues, most recently dedicating her work to raising awareness about the situation in Gaza, and may continue to use her platform to advocate for social justice. Further public appearances and interviews are likely to follow the book’s release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Fatima Bhutto to write this memoir?
Initially, Bhutto struggled to find a subject for her memoir, focusing instead on her dog, Coco. She ultimately decided to write about a decade-long abusive relationship after realizing that sharing her story might help others.
Who is “The Man” in the memoir?
“The Man” is a former partner of Fatima Bhutto’s, whose identity she has chosen to protect. She describes him as charismatic and controlling, and details the manipulative tactics he used throughout their eleven-year relationship.
How did Bhutto’s family history influence her experience?
Bhutto suggests that her upbringing, marked by political turmoil and loss, contributed to her tolerance for secrecy and danger, potentially making her more vulnerable to the abusive relationship.
What compels individuals to remain in relationships that are ultimately harmful to their well-being?
