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On the reading list this week is a critical examination of street-based visual and performative practices, a memoir about a family and about the unmooring of Punjab, and a volume that traces the long history of monster-making

HT Picks; New Reads

The author of Hazrat Mahal; The Rebel Begam of Awadh on Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s wife who remained overlooked despite her political and military leadership during the 1857 uprising

Rosie Llewellyn-Jones: “She was a woman almost without fear”

This collection of 12 short stories shows how women often have to manipulate the patriarchal institution of marriage to make it meet their own needs

Review: The Way Home by Shanta Gokhale

This book on the tribal experience in Jharkhand’s Singbhum adds significantly to the existing knowledge of tribal history in general

Review: Fractured Communities by Umar Khalid

Class, shame, mental health and connection are explored in the Mike Kenny play that’s been performed in major metros across the country

Report: Bag Dancing by Butai

A visit to a small workshop in Sri Lanka prompts a meditation on the future of the still ubiquitous writing material

Of elephant poop and the future of paper

Featuring lonely elephants, smart fish and a host of other animals, this anthology of 25 stories inspired by Indian folktales carries quiet lessons

Review: Animal Tales from India by Chesta Wadhwani

Careening through generations and continents, the novel uses one Irish family to explore famine, memory and migration

Review: Land by Maggie O’Farrell

The author of Sons of Darkness, a reimagining of the Mahabharata, on moral ambiguity, violence, sexual consent, duty and storytelling

Gourav Mohanty: “When we reimagine epics, we become mythological DJs”

The author of The Sky Husband on the influence of the oral storytelling tradition, cultural memory, and the sense of humour of her people

Easterine Kire: “Joy comes naturally to me as a Naga”

This week’s pick of interesting reads includes a tragicomic tale that’s astute in its understanding of human relationships, an account of Mizoram’s political history with its longest-serving chief minister at its heart, and a volume of classic supernatural stories set in colonial India

The author of the Booker longlisted All Them Dogs on pop culture and exploring the spectrum of masculinities in his novel

Djamel White: “The real pain here isn’t bullet wounds”

Translated from the Urdu by A Naseeb Khan, this collection of short fiction is a haunting and intricately layered meditation on inheritance and memory

Review: The Last Rides by Syed Muhammad Ashraf

A graphic novel that recalls many anti caste figures from the past, including Ravidas, Gail Omvedt and Kausalya Baisantri, takes the reader through a long but non-linear history

Review: The Blue Book by Siddhesh Gautam

Delhi Contemporary Art Week showcases six women-led galleries exploring identity, memory, and belonging through diverse artistic practices until September 5.

Report: Delhi Contemporary Art Week

The graphic novelist Appupen and the publisher Biswadip Chakraborty talk about a forthcoming anthology of graphic short fiction

Drawing stories from the land

The Booker longlisted novel, which follows two friends leaning on each other, is a story of love without romantic ideals or sexual tensions

Review: The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley

The bestselling Japanese novelist’s latest work – her first serious plunge into noir – is unsettling from beginning to end

Review: Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami

The Malayalam novelist on translation, colonial hangovers, and his relationship with his home town and with the national capital where he spent his working life

M Mukundan: “I was born in Mahé, but I’m a product of Delhi”

The author of Good News, Bad News, who has covered every general election since 1989, on the tension between truth and TRPs

Maya Sharma: “TV newsrooms are staffed by people from privileged backgrounds”

On the reading list this week is a poetry collection that features cityscapes and broken husbands, a volume on how disease reshaped colonial policy, and how its politics is present even in contemporary India, and a comprehensive book devoted to the practice  of a defining painter of India’s first post-colonial generation

The author of the Booker-longlisted Helen of Nowhere on the absurd nature of her work and the philosophical questions she was thinking about while writing it

Makenna Goodman: “Love is about finding a place of true relating”

Translated from the Urdu by Kamna Prasad, the poet-administrator’s memoir provides insights into his life in a nation emerging from the shackles of colonialism

Review: A Celebration of Memories by Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi ‘Sahar’

A collection of essays by Jagadish Chandra Bose, translated from the original Bangla by Sumana Roy, takes us on a journey through the scientist’s life

Review: The Man Who Made Plants Write

Poet Adil Jussawalla’s memorabilia that has been made available online provides some fresh details about post-independence Indian poetry in English

A poetic time capsule

A look at a few books that point out that even if greenhouse gases from all other sectors are eliminated, food production alone will increase global temp

Are we devouring the planet?

Wit, tenderness and an unsparing eye are evident in these stories about unreliable memory, difficult families and the truths we invent in order to live with ourselves

Review: It Will Come Back to You by Sigrid Nunez

From a family bookstore in Mobile to a nearly 50-yr-old indie landmark in Birmingham, these five bookshops in the US state offer a different way into the place

Sweet bookstores in Alabama

The author of Never Logged Out on writing about the Indian Gen Z Internet experience, identity formation, and online authenticity

Ria Chopra: “While the Internet makes us open, it also makes us overexposed”

Sarah Waheed on Chand Bibi, the Muslim warrior queen from the Deccan sultanates, who triumphed over the formidable Mughal imperial armies in 1595

Sarah Waheed: “Chand Bibi’s legacy unsettles modern nationalisms”

Latest Books - Find the detailed information about Books and their Author name. Also find Most Popular Books in India and the World at Hindustan times.

Indian streets are vibrant visual landscapes, hosting festivals, protests, and art that reflect collective memory and socio-political sentiments. These spaces, shaped by neoliberal forces, facilitate expressions of identity and resistance, blending public and private realms. Such visual culture plays a vital role in civic engagement, challenging narratives of normalcy in urban life and societal structures.

Begum Hazrat Mahal, a key figure in the 1857 uprising against British rule, remains overshadowed due to historical narratives largely shaped by the British. Her leadership and the fragmented opposition she faced highlight complex societal tensions, including class struggles and a significant African presence in Lucknow. Unlike her more celebrated counterparts, Mahal's legacy was eclipsed by her less prominent background.

Shanta Gokhale's *The Way Home* explores marriage from women's perspectives, highlighting their agency within patriarchal structures. Through everyday narratives, characters navigate relationships, societal expectations, and personal desires. Gokhale's empathetic storytelling reveals the complexities of love and commitment, reflecting both women's struggles and men's roles, ultimately offering insights into family dynamics and individual identities entwined in ordinary life.

Umar Khalid’s "Fractured Communities" examines the political history of the Ho tribals in Jharkhand's Singbhum district from colonial to post-colonial times. Adapted from his PhD thesis, the book reveals how colonial powers manipulated tribal leadership for control, highlighting tensions between traditional governance and emerging democratic systems, underscoring the enduring struggles of tribal peoples against state and corporate advances. Khalid critiques the homogenized portrayal of tribal societies, revealing complex dynamics that challenge mainstream narratives.

Mike Kenny's play *Bag Dancing* tells the poignant story of Imelda, a homeless woman, and Neville, a shelter worker, exploring their complex friendship through themes of loss and healing. Produced by Bengaluru's Butai theatre group, the play reflects on war's impact, resonating with audiences across India through its emotional depth and relatable characters. Set against historical backdrop, it highlights the struggles of working-class lives.

A workshop near Sri Lanka's Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage transforms elephant dung into paper products, demonstrating an innovative recycling process. The dung, rich in fiber, undergoes sun drying, boiling, and blending before becoming usable paper. While not a complete replacement for wood, this process offers environmental benefits, addressing waste while generating income through unique products cherished by consumers.

Anthropomorphic animals in children’s literature, as highlighted by Chengcheng You, foster kinship with real creatures and raise environmental awareness. Chesta Wadhwani’s anthology, Animal Tales from India, intertwines adventure and moral lessons, exemplified by tales of cooperation and resilience among animals. The book emphasizes themes of friendship and protection, appealing to contemporary readers while drawing on cultural storytelling traditions.

Maggie O’Farrell’s ambitious novel *Land* explores the complexities of mapping Ireland post-Great Famine through Tomás, a surveyor grappling with his role in a colonial endeavor while trying to preserve a fragmented history. The narrative unfolds across generations, revealing the family’s struggles with loss, migration, and identity, illustrating how maps obscure the lived experiences that define them.

"Sons of Darkness" reinterprets the Mahabharata, emphasizing moral ambiguity and flawed characters rather than conventional heroes and villains, as the author,Rutvik Bhandari, explores perspectives of traditionally vilified figures like Shakuni. This novel blends Indian epic narratives with global epic fantasy influences, challenging readers to question established morals and societal issues like consent and duty.

At The White Owl Literature and Book Fair, a Naga writer emphasized the importance of joy, even in pain, using humor as a survival tool. Rooted in oral traditions, storytelling reflects collective wisdom and cultural memory. They encourage the younger generation to listen and enjoy stories to preserve their legacy without feeling burdened by duty.

Joachim Coutinho leaves Mangalore for a challenging life in Bahrain, hoping to escape poverty and pursue his dreams of acting, but faces loneliness and inadequacy instead. His nephew, Darrel Serrao, envies his uncle’s seemingly successful life abroad. This narrative of family, ambition, and disillusionment reflects the deeper themes of migration and human relationships.

**All Them Dogs** explores gang violence and familial relationships through Tony, who seeks acceptance and navigates shame and identity. His struggles resonate with readers as they reveal deeper themes of belonging. Inspired by pop culture, the author emphasizes character complexity and emotional realism while challenging the glorification of violence and presenting a nuanced portrayal of masculinity.

Syed Muhammad Ashraf, a contemporary Urdu novelist, transcends social realism with his unique blend of memory, history, and metaphysics in works like *The Last Rides*. This novel, rich in emotional depth, explores themes of inheritance and loss while resisting simplistic oppositions. Ashraf's synthesis of narrative artistry and philosophical reflection ensures his significant place in Urdu literature.

Siddesh Gautam's graphic novel, *The Blue Book*, revitalizes Shraman-Bahujan history through poetic storytelling, presenting figures like Ambedkar and Meerabai. The narrative tackles identity and loneliness, showcasing the struggle for connection across lives. While critiquing gender roles, some viewpoints may oversimplify complex issues. Gautam's work resonates with a generation seeking roots amidst modern existential challenges.

Delhi Contemporary Art Week, ongoing until September 5, features six women-led galleries at Bikaner House showcasing diverse artistic practices addressing urgent themes like memory, belonging, and climate change impacts. The event fosters intimate dialogues among artists and audiences, highlighting both individual experiences and broader social contexts. This year's edition prioritizes closer connections over scale, enhancing the art experience.

Antonym Collections is developing an anthology of graphic short fiction, focusing on transforming regional literary texts into graphic form to reach a broader audience. Featuring local Indian stories like Poonachi, the project fosters collaboration between emerging creators and established mentor Appupen through a residency program. This initiative responds to growing global interest in translated literature and aims to highlight diverse cultural narratives.

Gwendoline Riley’s *The Palm House*, part of the 2026 Booker longlist, explores the complexities of friendship between freelance writers Edmund and Laura. Set against contemporary challenges, the narrative unfolds through dialogue, revealing their intertwined lives and pasts. With echoes of late 20th-century prose, Riley artfully examines companionship, assault's normalization, and the quiet turbulence of everyday existence.

Mieko Kawakami's **Sisters in Yellow** evokes a persistent unease through Hana's journey from a troubled youth to adulthood marked by crime and betrayal. The novel explores themes of abandonment, illustrating how societal failures affect vulnerable women. Kawakami masterfully crafts complex characters, like Kimiko, who embody both warmth and self-interest, offering a nuanced look at difficult choices.

M Mukundan's novel *On the Banks of Mayyazhi*, inspired by his experiences as cultural attaché at the French embassy in Delhi, explores Mahé's unique colonial past, where French rule coexisted with the Indian independence struggle. Despite criticisms of being "pro-colonial," the narrative reflects diverse perspectives on colonialism while intertwining myth and history. Mukundan emphasizes that fiction reveals deeper truths about cultural legacies and migration.

**Poetry Pick: Absurd Theatre** is a powerful collection by Parikh-Mundul that explores diverse themes, including the complexities of corporate life and personal struggles, using bold, experimental language. The poems merge intimate emotions with civic issues, creating a sharp, feminist voice. This collection reflects contemporary existential dilemmas against a backdrop of societal expectations and realities.

In *Helen of Nowhere*, the protagonist reflects on her life of self-sufficiency and connection to the land, embodying themes of love, power, and identity. The author breaks conventional storytelling, treating the narrative like a play to foster deeper engagement. The book also explores philosophical questions about life and relationships, inviting readers to reevaluate their perceptions of storytelling and meaning.

Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi 'Sahar's memoir, *A Celebration of Memories*, offers a unique glimpse into a life intertwined with India's significant historical moments, revealing his staunch secularism and honesty as a bureaucrat during turbulent times. His journey underscores the importance of integrity and communal harmony in pre- and post-Independence India, making his experiences resonate deeply today.

In "The Man Who Made Plants Write," Sumana Roy recounts Jagadish Chandra Bose's fascination with the touch-me-not plant, linking it to his exploration of plant communication. Her lyrical translation of Bose's essays showcases his dual identity as a scientist and poet, emphasizing his belief in nature's interconnectedness while addressing his patriotism and advocacy for accessible science. Bose, a pioneer with a profound love for nature, inspires awe for the natural world.

Poet Adil Jussawalla's memorabilia, spanning the 1960s to the millennium, has been digitised and made accessible online at www.thebombaypoetrycrawl.com, showcasing significant letters and photographs that illuminate the history of Indian poetry in English, including his relationship with Nissim Ezekiel. This initiative supports scholarly exploration of Indian literature and its evolution.

The food production sector significantly hinders climate progress, contributing enough emissions to raise global temperatures by 2°C by 2100, despite net-zero commitments. With demands for farmland surging, the balance between food cultivation and carbon storage is jeopardized. Effective solutions require systemic change, prioritizing sustainable practices to feed a growing population while restoring ecosystems and mitigating impacts.

Sigrid Nunez's *It Will Come Back to You* explores how memories resurface unexpectedly, impacting relationships and self-perception. Through 13 interconnected stories, Nunez examines the blurred lines between truth and imagination, revealing the complexities of human connection, regret, and identity. Characters grapple with their pasts, embodying Nunez's nuanced portrayal of memory's unruly nature in life and storytelling.

Independent bookstores in Alabama serve as vital community spaces and cultural hubs. The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, originating in 1941, and Page & Palette in Fairhope, founded in 1966, exemplify rich local histories. Other notable shops, like Little Professor and Sweet Home Books, offer diverse programming, creating intimate spaces for readers to connect and explore literature, reflecting local identity.

"Never Logged Out" by Ria Chopra explores the complexities of Internet culture, particularly within India, highlighting its unique generational experiences. The book emerges as a response to personal reflections on identity and societal shifts post-2016 Internet access revolution. Chopra grapples with authenticity and vulnerability in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the nostalgia for a simpler, less tech-dependent past.

Chand Bibi's legacy as a powerful queen challenges traditional views of female authority in early modern South Asia, showcasing how Muslim women historically exercised sovereignty in the Deccan. Her strategic diplomacy, military leadership, and enduring impact reveal deeper narratives beyond patriarchal constructs. The neglect of her memorials reflects broader issues in preserving Deccan history amidst dominant imperial narratives.