Nothing beats the charm of a good book. However, it can be quite confusing to navigate the labyrinth of new books across fiction
- How India Loves: Love Stories from the World’s Largest Democracy by Rituparna Chatterjee
When Rituparna Chatterjee published her memoir of healing from childhood abuse, she didn’t expect to receive an outpouring of stories of intimate partner violence from others. These were untold stories of lust, secret laughs, knife wounds and tears and love. It was a deluge of stories of Indians across the board, exploring emotions like rage, abandonment, loss and broken hearts. This book explores these love stories and people’s loneliness within them from across the country.
Published by: Bloomsbury; Price Rs 699; Pages: 288
- Lal Ded: I, a pot, desire home – Songs of the Naked Poet – An interpretation by Arvind Gigoo
Battling with his inner turmoil upon the forced exile from his homeland of Kashmir, author, translator and scholar Arvind Gigoo, took on an immensely tough task. He decided to translate the poetry of Lal Ded – a 14th century poet-saint from this region. In his words, ‘Lal Ded’s philosophy is eternal. It can take a lifetime, and more, to understand it. My translation will always remain unfinished…” This book containing translations of 161 vaakhs of Lalleshwari (which was her other name), shares a glimpse of her greatness, mystique and simplicity. Gigoo brings decades of scholarship and his lived experience to the work, to present Lal Ded in a unique manner.
Published by Om Books International; Price: Rs 295; Pages: 184
3. Sustainable Management of Historic Settlements in Asia: Role of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Edited by Niyati Jigyasu and Anjali Krishan Sharma
This seminal work is a selection of essays by 23 authors with case studies from eight countries in Asia. It delves into the pivotal role played by intangible cultural heritage in the sustainable management of historic cities and towns, with an emphasis on the traditions, customs and living practices that aid in the continuity of these culturally rich environments. After all, it is these cultural elements that shape the identity, functionality, and sustainability of historic urban landscapes. A must-read for people interested in built heritage, intangible cultural heritage, urban development, community inclusion and empowerment as well as sustainable development.
Published by: Springer; Price: Rs. 13,992; Pages: 306
4. Sacred: The Mysticism, Science, Recipes and Rituals around the plants we worship by Vasudha Rai
In this book, Rai delves into the healing properties of nature by sharing insights on 52 plant species and how they can be used in a variety of useful ways. Details include the importance of trees, the role played by wood, as well as the mysticism and divinity surrounding plants and the forest. It is a reminder for us to reconnect with nature by taking a moment from our busy lives in order to grow both intellectually and spiritually.
Published by: Penguin Random House; to be released in April 2025.
5. I Am A Soldier’s Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder by Geetika Lidder
A heartfelt yet very real outlook by a military wife. Geetika Lidder was married to Tony Lidder, a decorated officer of 2 JAK RIF with a ‘sharp military intellect’, whose life was cut short at age 52. In this book, Geetika expounds on the experience of being a soldier’s wife which is a role wrought with emotion, courage and integrity.
Published by: Roli Books; Price: Rs 550; Pages: 224
- Dance of Shadows by Gourav Mohanty
The second book in the series known as the ‘Raag of Rta’, this book focuses on the Mathuran Republic and the Magadhan Empire which are locked in mortal struggle, but they are not the only pieces on the board. Over the Eastern horizon, storm clouds gather. The Rakshasan Tree Cities have opened their borders for the first time in centuries, gathering kings, clerics, matriarchs and merchant lords to a Conclave of Peace… but is there an ulterior motive? Three women emerge, each the spark that might light the fire, to take charge. There is a pirate queen, a temple courtesan and a librarian princess, each dealing with problems of her own. As smouldering conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals unwind and ancient evils awake, this cast of spoilt heroes and lovesick princes, immortal assassins and their apprentices, deaf swordswomen and exiled snakelings will find no sun to light their path. For the Son of Darkness rises, boiling over with a wrath that all the oracles in the world cannot appease. Seeing the future is one thing, changing it is quite another… Unless it is through a heist.
Published by: Bloomsbury; Price: Rs 899; Pages: 832
7. For My Sister: A Novel by Puja Shah
Amla and Asya are sixteen-year-old twins living with their family in a small village outside Mumbai. While Asya is known for her quiet grace and understanding, Amla questions authority and breaks rules. Their lives change overnight when their mother becomes ill with cancer, and their father succumbs to the massive financial strain of her care and eventually abandons his children. As a solution, their grandparents arrange their marriages to older men. When they decide to run away hoping for a new life, the girls discover that the world is not what they thought.
Published by: Om Books International; Price: Rs 395; Pages: 312
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.