QUICKREADS

Kiran Desai: “There’s an artistic hunger that lends itself to betrayal”

Kiran Desai explores storytelling, family dynamics, and truth-telling through interconnected characters. The novel delves into personal and national narratives, examining how individual stories relate to broader historical contexts, identity formation, and the complex nature of artistic expression.

Kripa: “Children are victims to a system that limits their imagination”

The article discusses the book "Art is a Voice," which explores art's socio-political role, highlighting artists engaged in activism. The author reflects on personal experiences that shifted their perspective on art, emphasizing the need for critical engagement in education. The book's design and accessibility challenges are addressed, alongside aspirations for future editions featuring international artists.

Book Box: Your phone, privilege, govt: The unseen walls around you

In her reflective journey, journalist Sonya Dutta Choudhury explores themes of identity and confinement through three books: "Julie Chan is Dead," "Lulu in Marrakech," and "The Punishment." Each narrative reveals different forms of entrapment—digital, social, and political—while she navigates her travels in India. Choudhury prompts readers to consider their own walls and the systems that shape their identities.

HT Picks; New Reads

In "Invisible in Plain Sight," Swati Pandey explores Kamathipura, Mumbai's notorious red-light district, through the eyes of the Postmaster General. Her encounters reveal women’s resilience amid systemic exploitation. This poignant narrative highlights empathy and the human spirit's strength, challenging perceptions of sex work and dignity. It’s a compelling testament to sisterhood and survival in harsh realities.

Review: Caste; A Global Story by Suraj Milind Yengde

The article discusses Indira Gandhi's 1982 US visit, highlighting protests from Dalit advocacy groups regarding caste atrocities in India. It reviews Suraj Yengde's book, "Caste: A Global Story," which examines caste's global impact and connections between Dalit and Black experiences. The book, while dense and academic, uncovers lesser-known historical figures and emphasizes Dalit activism, particularly in diaspora communities.

Daisy Rockwell: “I have always known that ghosts are among us”

The article discusses a writer's journey in translating novels and their creative process in revisiting their own fiction, "Alice Sees Ghosts." It explores themes of ghosts, caregiving, and cultural identity while reflecting on personal experiences and relationships. The writer also shares insights into their upcoming memoir, addressing family legacies and the impact of their mother's life and artistry.

Review: Giants by Huthuka Sumi

Huthuka Sumi's debut novel captures the essence of Nagaland through the story of Kato, a mute boy, who becomes a keeper of tales. Blending magical realism with oral traditions, Sumi highlights the importance of storytelling amidst cultural change. The narrative challenges colonial perspectives and emphasizes the connection to land and community, while also addressing themes of disability and belonging.

Insights into the Iron Man

The article reflects on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's evolution from a successful barrister dismissive of Mohandas Gandhi to a devoted follower and leader of India. Even in illness, Patel's commitment to duty and respect for positions of authority shone through, exemplified by a meeting with the Maharaja of Patiala. It highlights his transformation into the “Iron Man of India,” marked by humility and purpose.

Reading Alejandro Zambra: adventures in parenthood

Alejandro Zambra's "Childish Literature" explores fatherhood through personal essays reflecting on his experiences as a biological father and stepfather. He contrasts the preparedness of mothers with the challenges men face in fatherhood, emphasizing the emotional depth of these relationships. Zambra argues that all literature is inherently childish, highlighting the joy and learning that comes with parenthood.

Laszlo Krasznahorkai: The master of the apocalypse

The article explores the themes of suffering and despair in Laszlo Krasznahorkai's novel *Satantango*, highlighting its bleak Hungarian setting and unique narrative structure. Through rich, detailed prose, Krasznahorkai presents a world devoid of hope and divine order, where characters grapple with existential futility. His writing style, marked by long sentences and ritualistic patterns, evokes a sense of relentless waiting and decay.

Keats at 230: A short life, an endless legacy

John Keats, who died at 25, left a lasting impact on English literature with works like "Ode to a Nightingale." His 230th birthday on October 31, 2025, is marked by exhibitions at Keats House in London and the Keats-Shelley House in Rome, celebrating his legacy and exploring how his themes of beauty and transience resonate today.