I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Noman Said’s debut novel, The Heart’s Compass: Navigating Dreams — a bildungsroman about a young man who, after many trials and tribulations, succeeds in establishing an eminently successful Information and Communications Technology business.
The protagonist, Ali, was born in his family home, Said Manzil, and it is not too much of a stretch to imagine that he is an alter ego of the author (whose main job, in actuality, is to run the respected firm SI Global Solutions).
We are told that Ali’s mother’s influence “dissipated” when he was a year old, and he was raised by his father and a beloved aunt. Later, we are informed that he was in touch with his mother until the age of seven, but his father was quite harsh with her. Regardless of these psychological tensions, Ali develops close and positive friendships during his coming-of-age period. These friends share his passion for cricket, and the first quarter of the book gives a delightful account of Karachi’s Tariq Road cricket matches and the team spirit they fostered.
Ali’s Journey into Adulthood and Business
As he enters adulthood, Ali loses his father and decides to enter the field of business. Even as a teenager, Ali and his friends showed entrepreneurial potential. The protagonist was always ethical and principled, so he is shocked and disillusioned to discover the corruption and greed prevalent in large business conglomerates.
A Technopreneur’s Tale
A technopreneur pens a debut novel that stands in for his own story of challenges and business success, offering guidance to young entrepreneurs navigating corporate storms.
Idealism vs. Corporate Reality
Ali’s idealism gives the story sincerity and moral depth. He grows frustrated with the fact that large businesses in Pakistan prioritize short-term profits over sustainable growth. This results in frequent job changes, a point of tension with his girlfriend’s father.
Love and Resilience
Ali’s significant other, Zartasha, truly loves him. While he is a workaholic, he is also a gentleman of integrity and kindness. Their relationship faces challenges, but ultimately, Ali wins her trust against all odds.
He gains valuable experience in Pakistan and the UAE, and though he ends up wiser and more mature, readers celebrate his ultimate triumph as a technopreneur.
Writing Style and Themes
The book is fast-paced and written in an engaging, accessible style. Dr. Noman Said strikes a balance between concise storytelling and meaningful moral lessons.
What makes the novel stand out is Ali’s selflessness: he doesn’t aim to be a billionaire but rather to promote ethical business for the greater good of humanity. His goal is societal improvement, not personal fame or wealth.
Integrity and Moral Compass
Even as a boy, crime and injustice disturb Ali. He works to correct wrongs, from catching cricket trophy thieves to using sports like squash as healthy outlets for stress.
“He knew it wouldn’t be easy… For Ali, this wasn’t just about business. It was about setting an example, creating a legacy, and standing for something larger than himself… making an honest living wasn’t just a goal — it was his mission.”
A Role Model for Young Entrepreneurs
Ali is emotionally intelligent and self-aware, open to improving his weaknesses. Above all, he is a problem-solver who refuses to compromise his integrity — even when it costs him jobs. His determination and ethics make him an inspirational figure.
Eventually, his hard work pays off — his app becomes a major success and fulfills his dreams.
Why the Novel Matters
The novel serves as a blueprint for young entrepreneurs, teaching them that success and integrity can coexist. Instead of a business manual, Dr. Noman Said chose the creative path of fictional storytelling to deliver his message.
The Heart’s Compass as a Beacon
The book’s title and cover — with its lighthouse imagery — symbolize guidance, resilience, and clarity. Just as Ali becomes a guiding light for young business minds, Dr. Noman Said himself stands as a literary lighthouse for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the storms of the corporate world.
About the Reviewer
The reviewer is an Associate Professor of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts at IBA. She has authored two short story collections, Timeless College Tales and Perennial College Tales, as well as a play, The Political Chess King.
”Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, August 3rd, 2025”
