Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai Book Review
Mixed-race children, women forced into prostitution, and soldiers on all sides. Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a nuanced narrative of people affected by the Vietnam war and its aftermath. A book that is relevant now more than ever before.
Not Quite a Disaster After All by Buku Sarkar Book Review
Two women. Strong yet fragile. Two women who couldn’t be more different from each other. Two women in search of their identity. Interweaved with two cities, Calcutta and New York. Calcutta felt claustrophobic for one. New York represented freedom for both.
Incredible Women Indian History Forgot: Must-Read Books
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th and Women’s History Month all through March, I share with you books to read on incredible women Indian history forgot. Warriors, queens, freedom fighters, social reformers, thinkers, and doctors. The history of women beyond the male gaze.
February 2023 Reading Wrap-Up: Of Language and Translation
It’s almost Spring time! February has been an interesting reading month with a bit more variety. A month that has been more about quality than quantity with work taking priority.
Fiction Treasure Trove and Himachal Ke Rang – Anthologies by Keekli Charitable Trust
On 13 November 2022, Keekli Charitable Trust released two anthologies, Fiction Treasure Trove and Himachal Ke Rang. Books that could not have been more different whether it is the range of topics or the authors’ age. Books that are a must-read.
January 2023 Reading Wrap-Up: Of Women, By Women
Happy February! Although it was not a conscious decision, most of my picks this January have been about women. It could well have been “femme January”. There have been quite a few 5-star reads as well.
Hyderabad: Book 2 of The Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar Book Review
Set in the months right after the partition, Hyderabad is the second book in the Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. It is a well-researched fictionalized account of historical events leading up to Operation Polo or the annexation of Hyderabad in 1948.
Empowering Indian Literature That Inspires: My Favorite Picks From 2022
Unapologetic women. Inspiring women. Women who question societal norms. Women who lead from the front. Historical figures who have shaped the modern Indian woman of today who challenges patriarchy on a daily basis.
LockTheBox in Bengaluru: A Book Fair More Like A Literary Festival
With the dawn of an early winter already upon it, Bengaluru braces itself for festivities that will extend beyond the New Year celebrations. The garden city which has proudly boasted everything for everyone’s taste will be host to a 17-day-long literary festival in LockTheBox–Reloaded, from the 16th of December 2022 to the 1st of January, 2023.
Fatty Fatty Boom Boom by Rabia Chaudry Book Review
Fatty Fatty Boom Boom by Rabia Chaudry is a memoir not just about food but also about fat shaming, body image, and the author’s lifelong struggle with it. A book about family, loving yet oppressive, with their subtle and not-so-subtle jabs about her weight and color. A public figure who struggled with body image before finally coming to accept her body.