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HT Picks; New Reads
A powerful narrative explores a Dalit journalist's journey from Mumbai's slums to newsrooms, battling poverty and discrimination. Two additional book reviews highlight portrait collection and Delhi's historical urban landscape, showcasing diverse cultural perspectives and personal struggles.
Shloka Shankar: “Nothing is more fulfilling than being a literary midwife”
Yavanika Press, founded in 2018, specializes in publishing chapbooks, particularly focusing on poems under 10 lines. With 85 titles released, it aims to provide a platform for emerging writers and experimental works. The press operates mainly in e-book format due to logistical constraints and promotes a collaborative, innovative environment, fostering literary growth alongside its associated journal, Sonic Boom.
Yuki Tejima: “I miss talking about the books I’m not translating”
Yuki Tejima, a Japanese-American literary translator, discusses her passion for translating works by Japanese women authors, exploring themes of loneliness and isolation while bridging cultural identities through literature and sharing her experiences between LA and Tokyo.
Review: The Extraordinary Life of Max Bulandi by Sidharth Singh
A journalist's quest to uncover the story of Max Bulandi, a mysterious 1970s rock musician, leads him through India's music scene. Exploring generations of musicians, counterculture, and personal journeys, the novel captures the evolving cultural landscape from the '60s to 2019.
Review: Nautch Boy by Manish Gaekwad
A memoir exploring a queer boy's life in Kolkata's kothas, navigating identity, family, and societal expectations. Manish Gaekwad candidly recounts his relationship with his courtesan mother, experiences of marginalization, and journey of self-acceptance through vivid, cinematic storytelling.
Review: Yaadgah; Memories of Srinagar by Arshi Javaid
"Yaadgah: Memories of Srinagar" by Arshi Javaid and a team of women writers revives the rich, multicultural history of Srinagar through personal narratives. This anthology explores the complexities of identity, loss, and resilience in a city marked by conflict, showcasing the experiences of both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of memory and community in shaping cultural identity.
Pushkar Sunil Mahabal: “Envy can be a pretty decent creative trigger”
A filmmaker discusses creating a mockumentary inspired by true crime documentaries, exploring the thin line between reality and fiction. He emphasizes creative freedom, visual storytelling, and his fascination with dark psychological themes, driven by envy and a desire to challenge conventional storytelling.
In Dylan Thomas’s Mousehole, ‘the loveliest village in England’
Dylan Thomas, a prominent 20th-century poet, found solace and inspiration in the quaint fishing village of Mousehole, Cornwall. Despite his tumultuous life, his time there fostered creativity, leading to the development of significant works. Thomas’s marriage to Caitlin Macnamara in 1937 further anchored his connection to the village, which remains a serene destination for visitors today.
Review: Seascraper by Benjamin Wood
Benjamin Wood's novel follows Tom, a young shanker in a 1960s UK coastal town, whose life transforms when a stranger arrives to film. Their sea expedition reveals Tom's confined existence, dreams, and unexpected connection, offering a poignant exploration of youth and aspiration.
Report: The Sacred River Festival
The Sacred River Festival in Maheshwar celebrated diverse musical traditions, featuring folk performers, classical musicians, and experimental artists. The event highlighted local cultural heritage, showcasing traditional art forms like Kabir bhajans, Chitrakathi puppetry, and the historic Maihar band, while promoting younger talent.
