The following extended review essay was written by Ritwika Roy. At first glance, the three books in Devika Rangachari’s Queen Series – Queen of Ice (2014), Queen of Earth (2020) and Queen of Fire (2021) – might seem like a relative of the hit Korean drama Queen of Tears. In Queen of Tears, Hong Haein, … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth Review Essay: The Queen Series
#WORLDKIDLITWEEKEND: Following My Paint Brush
Dulari Devi didn’t know how to read the printed word, but she always had a rich visual lexicon built into her consciousness, a legacy that stemmed from being part of a rural community in Bihar that created stunning wall murals in the Mithila art style, also known as Madhubani painting. Her story is one of … Continue reading #WORLDKIDLITWEEKEND: Following My Paint Brush
#Translationthurs: Tomb of Sand, by Geertanjali Shree
I moved on to Booker International in 2022; this is a book I struggle to review, as it is just so rich in its language and poetic voice. I finally tackled it after we, with the Booker shadow panel, just chatted with Daisy Rockwell, the translator of Tomb of Sand. She brought her process in … Continue reading #Translationthurs: Tomb of Sand, by Geertanjali Shree
#translationthurs Rebirth by Jahnavi Barua
I opted for my second review for this month, a book from India that was on the Man Asian prize a prize that disappeared ten years ago but for the few years it ran highlighted great Indian literature and from the rest of Asia . This book about mother and a child stuck with me. … Continue reading #translationthurs Rebirth by Jahnavi Barua
#WORLDKIDLITWEDNESDAY: Alone in the Forest
Stunningly illustrated in Bhajju Shyam's trademark Gond Art style, this book narrates the story of Musa, a young tribal boy, who leaves home for the forest one morning, little knowing that this will be the day when he's pushed to face his fears. When his mother falls sick, Musa offers to collect the firewood for … Continue reading #WORLDKIDLITWEDNESDAY: Alone in the Forest
#Veganuary: Mother Cow, Mother India
A Multispecies Politics of Dairy in India, by Yamini Narayanan India has the largest vegan and vegetarian population in the world; they are known for their respect for cows and the sacred position of cows in Hindu society. But is this really true? Muslims are frequently targets of hate crimes, and accusations of cow slaughter … Continue reading #Veganuary: Mother Cow, Mother India
#DegrowthLitMonth: The Nutmeg’s Curse
The Nutmeg's Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis, by Amitav Ghosh Publication date: 12th October 2021 352 pages Publisher: University of Chicago Press ISBN: 978-0226815459 Publisher: John Murray ISBN: 978-1529369458 By no means an easy read in terms of its subject and content (the writing is beautiful), The Nutmeg's Curse is a really important … Continue reading #DegrowthLitMonth: The Nutmeg’s Curse
#WORLDKIDLITWEDNESDAY: NIDA FINDS A WAY
Freedoms, both personal and collective, are explored in the endearingly crafted Nida Finds A Way, written by Samina Mishra and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Aimed at younger readers as a part of the hOle books series—Duckbill’s line of books with a hole cut into the top right corner to do with as you please—the story … Continue reading #WORLDKIDLITWEDNESDAY: NIDA FINDS A WAY
#WorldKidLitWednesday: Amma’s Sari
With its pages encased in generous swirls of gentle blue and pink, this is a book that tells Shreya—a second-generation migrant's story. At home, she delights in her mother's touch, and sees her sari fan out like a "magic carpet" around her mother. Shreya comes across as confident, safe, and snug in contentment, within the … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Amma’s Sari
#WorldKidLitWednesday: Terminal 3
Set against the backdrop of the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, this young adult graphic novel captures the aspirations of sportspersons from the region and what it costs to pursue their dreams. Dominantly rendered in hues of pastel reds and greens, Terminal 3 tells the story of 17-year-old Khwab Nazir, a young jiu-jitsu player. The book opens … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Terminal 3
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 