Every once in a while, I enjoy picking up quick reads. When I am short on time, as a palette cleanser, and particularly after reading an emotionally draining tome.
If you follow me on Twitter, you would recently have come across my recommendation post, Shorts Reads That Pack a Punch, a post had written in 2019. Since then, I have garnered quite a list of recommendations across genres. Given the number of books that I want to recommend, I have divided the post into a series.
The first post is a list of books by Indian authors. It does not include the ever-popular books from Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murty, and R. K. Narayan. Or classics from Manto and Premchand. But as always, I am featuring relatively lesser-known books that are a must-read.
Whether you are short on time and are looking for a quick read over the weekend. Or want to get back to reading and looking for a bite-sized book. Or you need to catch up on your 2021 reading goal. These books are perfect to read up in a day.
Dopehri by Pankaj Kapur
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At the top of the list is one of my favorite reads this year, Dopehri by Pankaj Kapur. At its heart, it is a simple story of an elderly widow living in a deserted Lucknow haveli. A lonely woman reclaiming her identity.
What sets the book apart is the writing. I highly recommend you pick the Hindi version. The Hindustani makes it a delightful read. Quite a rarity in contemporary Hindi language books. Barely 80 pages long, this is a must-read. You will not be disappointed.
Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag, Srinath Perur (Translator)
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“It’s not we who control money. It is money that controls us.” The quote perfectly sums up Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag. A lower-middle-class family that comes across wealth and how it changes the dynamics of relationships.
The book is unapologetically Indian and is bound to invoke a memory. A simple story in 119 pages with a deeper meaning. Do pick it up if you haven’t already.
Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges
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Bombay Balchao just grabs you and doesn’t let go. Set in Cavel, a tiny Catholic neighborhood on Bombay’s D’Lima Street, it is a collection of interlinked short stories spanning seven decades. The transformation of Bombay into Mumbai.
It is as much about the history of the city’s Catholic population (East Indians, Goans, and Mangaloreans) as it is about Mumbai. You identify with the existential issues: shared spaces, rent issues, water fights. A brilliant debut novel that is an unforgettable read.
Be My Guest by Priya Basil
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Can food be used as a weapon? A powerful tool that unites and divides. Can hospitality be conditional? Be My Guest: Reflections on Food, Community, and the Meaning of Generosity explores the meaning of hospitality and the role food plays.
A short book of just over 120 pages, the book primarily focuses on food, community, and generosity. At times, nostalgia. Often, a collection of philosophical musings. It is a book that makes you think and introspect.
MOOM by Bani Basu, Arunava Sinha (Translator)
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The last woman in the Agarwal family of Kolkata dies but remains around in spirit. She is audible and helps guide the men in the family. One day, she suddenly falls quiet. And no sooner, Moom, a young tween mysteriously appears in Agarwal House.
“Ladki dushman”. What happens when all women of the family die or are killed? That is the underlying theme of Moom by Bani Basu. At its heart, it is about the absence of women. But also about them being invisible, why their voices are quelled. A brilliant book of barely over 200 pages deserves more love.
Bhaunri by Anukrti Upadhyay
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Set in rural Rajasthan, Bhaunri by Anukrti Upadhyay is a story of obsessive love and the destructive power of desire. A tale about a fiercely independent woman that perfectly balances the contemporary with the traditional.
There is something atmospheric about the author’s writing. This was the first book I read and she has been one of my favorites since. In fact, I would recommend all her books since they are short reads. Daura, Kintsugi, and Neena Aunty (in Hindi).
Undertow by Jahnavi Barua
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In 1985, Rukmini marries out of caste and is subsequently banished by her family. Decades later, her twenty-five-year-old daughter, Loya, returns to Assam looking for answers.
Undertow by Jahnavi Barua is a poignant story of a dysfunctional family intricately woven with the socio-political history of Assam. A little under 200 pages, it explores the dynamics of an estranged family. A book where the river Brahmaputra can be considered a character too. The ending was unexpected, but it is a must-read nonetheless.
The Strange Death of Anindyasundar by Anish Deb
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Mystery author Anindyasundar wakes up at a registration office to realize he is at the gateway to heaven. He manages to wrangle out 24 hours from the registrar to uncover who murdered him. A recap of the previous day. What follows is a series of comic tragic affairs. And Anindyasundar trying to flout the rules to escape his death.
I read the audiobook by Rahul Bose and it was a treat! Highly recommended.
Have you read the books I recommended. What are your favorite quick reads? I would love to hear your thoughts. Stay tuned as I would be sharing books from international authors soon.
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Image by Volker Glätsch from Pixabay
October 5, 2021 @ 12:59 pm
I have heard people say that I don’t read indian authors. They haven’t read the right authors perhaps. Thanks for the recommendation
October 8, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
Exactly. And it is not that all international authors are great writers.
October 5, 2021 @ 1:16 pm
Very very interesting list! Sadly, I haven’t read any of them. Some of them are on my TBR list, some I haven’t heard of. Adding them to my TBR list. Thanks.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:27 pm
Thank you Tarang. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
October 5, 2021 @ 2:02 pm
Seems like a great books, surely going to give it a read to some of them.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:27 pm
They indeed are. 😊
October 5, 2021 @ 2:55 pm
Picking Dophari for mom, she will be so happy. Quick books are her favorite reads
October 8, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
Dopehri is such a delightful read. I hope she enjoys it. 😊
October 5, 2021 @ 5:27 pm
I have read most of them and want to read the audio book next. I really liked Dopehri.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
And I am going to bug you till you do 😁
October 5, 2021 @ 6:15 pm
Discovered Undertow by Jahnavi Barua through this post. Definitely adding it to my TBR as I loved the others in the list.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
I am so glad to read that. Thanks. 😊
October 8, 2021 @ 10:11 pm
A great list. I haven’t read any from the list and your review makes them all sound interesting. Lets see which one I’ll pick first
October 16, 2021 @ 5:49 pm
Thank you Deepika 😊
October 5, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
Now that is a kind of post.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
😊
October 5, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Inside my head, I kept thinking Ghachar Ghochar is a lengthy book and will require an immense amount of commitment but you cleared that misconception. So definitely taking this as my next read.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
I hear you. 😊 Do pick it up.
October 6, 2021 @ 9:21 am
Sadly, I haven’t read any of these books. Thanks for sharing this. This makes me think I don’t read Indian authors much. Got to rectify this situation.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
My pleasure. 😊 There are so many underrated Indian books and authors.
October 6, 2021 @ 9:51 am
Interesting titles. Will check all of these!
October 8, 2021 @ 7:31 pm
😊
October 6, 2021 @ 12:22 pm
Ive read Ghachar Ghochar and Bombay Balchao from the above list and liked them both. In fact I’ve reviewed them both on my blog too.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:32 pm
That is great. Looking forward to reading your thoughts 😊
October 5, 2023 @ 1:34 pm
Adding Moom to my TBR list right away as I love Arunava Sinha’s writing. Also, Bhaunri. I have read Anukrti’s Hindi book Neena Aunty and liked it. I have Bombay Balchao. I really wanted to read and like it but I read 2-3 chapters and it seemed slow and monotonous to me so left it unfinished (I am a very impatient reader and I don’t like it).
October 6, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
You are a voracious reader, Ritu. 8 in a day? Wow! I have not read any of them but will surely add them to my pending list. Would like to listen to Rahul Bose narrating though.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:33 pm
Naaah. 😮 These days, I could barely manage one. Rahul Bose’s narration was such a treat.
October 6, 2021 @ 3:54 pm
This is a great list!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
October 8, 2021 @ 7:33 pm
Thank you Ruchi 😊
October 6, 2021 @ 4:02 pm
Reading 8 books in a day!
October 8, 2021 @ 7:34 pm
That will be quite a task. You are the second person who said that. Need to check my post title again.
October 6, 2021 @ 6:02 pm
excellent list of books though from gone are the times when I could read and finish such short books in a day
October 8, 2021 @ 7:35 pm
Thank you Samarpita. Means a lot coming from you. 😊 I can totally relate to the lack of time.
October 6, 2021 @ 6:20 pm
I will try from this list, Thanks for sharing
October 8, 2021 @ 7:35 pm
Thank you 😊
October 6, 2021 @ 6:59 pm
After reading this I think my shelf need some more books… Fantastic list.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:36 pm
I am so glad to read that. Thanks 😊
October 6, 2021 @ 10:27 pm
I badly needed this list not bcoz I don’t like novels but with twins parenting it’s a bit challenging. This list will help me to complete my reading challenge for sure. Thanks, Ritu for sharing.
October 8, 2021 @ 8:19 am
I was just lamenting to Sona that this year I haven’t read many Indian books. Thank you for this list! Now I’m sorted. I have read Bombay Balchao (loved it) and Ghachar Ghochar (ending was meh).
October 8, 2021 @ 7:38 pm
I am glad to know that. 😊 Ghachar Ghochar is the kind that either works for you or doesn’t. That is what reading is all about.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:37 pm
I am glad to read that. 😊 I will be sharing some more quick reads recommendations next week.
October 7, 2021 @ 12:06 am
Wow these are really some great recommendations. I m surely reading these books asap
October 8, 2021 @ 7:38 pm
Thank you 😊
October 7, 2021 @ 5:32 pm
Thanks. I relate better with Indian authors.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:39 pm
I totally get that. I wish readers give Indian authors a chance.
October 7, 2021 @ 11:55 pm
Thank you for this lovely list of short books. I have been searching for some light reads but in vain. I like the idea of giving Amazon link and GoodReads to the readers. Have marked 2 from your list.
October 8, 2021 @ 7:54 pm
My pleasure Geethica. So glad to read that. 😊
I always find it a task to search the book on Goodreads when I finish reading a review. Just implemented something I find convenient myself.
October 8, 2021 @ 8:02 pm
Very interesting list Ritu. I want to read all of them. Added them to my read list.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:50 pm
Thank you Abha 😊
October 8, 2021 @ 8:46 pm
Wonderful collection put together and exactly what I needed. Thanks for sharing.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:50 pm
Thank you Seema 😊
October 9, 2021 @ 5:49 pm
This is a beautiful list, Ritu. Dopehri was one of my favorite reads from last year! I have quite a few from this list but never got around to reading it. I should. Soon (ish!) 🙂
October 16, 2021 @ 5:52 pm
Thank you, Shalini 😊. Dopehri was such a delightful read.
October 10, 2021 @ 11:39 am
Nice list! I read most of them and I agree with you that they are very interesting and can be completed in one go.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:42 pm
Thank you, Kiranmayi 😊
October 11, 2021 @ 1:29 am
Wow! This is an amazing list. I will definitely need some help in completing my Goodreads challenge. 🙂 #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks
October 16, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Thank you Tina 😊 I’m sure you are going to ace the challenge in no time.
October 11, 2021 @ 2:46 am
This is the kind of book recommendation I was looking for. A very informative article. Thank you! #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks
October 11, 2021 @ 6:20 am
That’s some nice recommendations. I would like to read the first two.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Thank you 😊
October 12, 2021 @ 4:26 pm
Interesting reviews. I want to get the Rahul Bose one and Undertow.
October 16, 2021 @ 5:44 pm
Rahul Bose’s narration was so good. Great picks, Cindy 😊
February 9, 2022 @ 11:40 am
Great List Ritu. thankyou for sharing the list already added them in my reading list.