#Review: Seat 1C by Zafar Masud

Seat 1C is a moving and deeply personal account of survival that transcends the sheer shock of a plane crash to offer a layered narrative of introspection, recovery, and second chances. Zafar Masud, one of only two survivors of the tragic PIA Flight 8303 crash, uses his voice not to sensationalize the horror but to process and understand it—an effort that gives the book its emotional and narrative depth.
Structurally, the book blends Masud’s first-person recollections with testimonials from the other survivor, rescue workers, and witnesses. This mosaic approach adds authenticity and a range of perspectives, though at times the transitions between voices can feel abrupt. The nonlinear format—moving between the day of the crash, moments from the hospital, and reflections on life—mirrors the disorientation of trauma, but might challenge readers seeking a straightforward chronology.

Masud’s prose is generally crisp and candid, marked by an executive’s clarity and a survivor’s vulnerability. There are moments where the language borders on corporate or overly formal, especially when he steps into investigative or analytical territory, discussing aviation protocols and institutional failure. These passages, while important, occasionally feel dense and might benefit from tighter editing or clearer segmentation within the chapters.

Where the book shines is in its emotional honesty. Masud doesn’t glorify his survival; instead, he wrestles with guilt, purpose, and physical recovery in a way that feels grounded and relatable. His reflections on faith, family, and resilience are likely to resonate with a wide audience, particularly those who’ve faced unexpected upheaval in their lives.

The final chapters strike a hopeful, almost meditative tone, as Masud steers the narrative from personal pain to broader life lessons. It’s in this pivot—from a story of survival to one of renewal—that Seat 1C finds its most enduring message.

Not without its imperfections in pacing and tone, the book remains an important contribution to survivor literature. It invites the reader not only into the moment of catastrophe, but also into the long, uneven road that follows.

Find this book here.