This month has been a pleasure to share all the latest literary treasures I’ve discovered in Dhaka in the past 3 years. Not only has it been fun to read the various books but to dig deeper by creating a network of literature lovers. Another bonus for myself is being able to bring local authors … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: Closing
#BangladeshiLitMonth: To Be Read List Part 3
Author Nadia Kabir Barb Lives in the UK Truth or Dare and other stories, Published by Renard Press, ISBN: 9781804470589, Date: 2023 ‘Right now, someone else’s life was in his hands. He couldn’t say whether it was a few seconds or minutes that they both stood staring at each other, but he had never been … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: To Be Read List Part 3
#BangladeshiLitMonth: To Be Read List Part 1
The To Be Read List: Books that I’ve found around Dhaka in English that need recognition but didn’t get a recent review. Authors in this list currently live in Bangladesh. Author: Saad Z. Hossain Saad Z. Hossain writes in a niche genre of fantasy, science fiction and black comedy which, on the balance of it, … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: To Be Read List Part 1
#BangladeshiLitMonth: This Life is Beautiful by Lamia Islam
Review by Erin Wilson Aalinna, a young sociable woman, discovers after the tragic death of her best friend that she has bipolar disorder. The death not only brings out Aalinna’s condition but also causes the families to slowly crumble under the weight of sadness and guilt. Lamia guides the reader through the various challenges in … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: This Life is Beautiful by Lamia Islam
#BangladeshiLitMonth: My Life is a Mess by Lamia Islam
Review by Erin Wilson Meet Arshaan, a teenage boy attending high school in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has his circle of friends, a budding romantic interest, his family, and his cat, Tiger. With his older siblings having moved out with established successful careers, his father especially expects him to follow in their footsteps. "Their accomplishments have … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: My Life is a Mess by Lamia Islam
#BangladeshiLitMonth: The Devil Tainted Us by Shanjida Nusrath Ali
Review by Erin Wilson Dark secrets are hidden from innocent Agath, an ‘angel’, who must suffer for those who need to repent. Her older sister marries and although Agatha is happy for her sister, the brother-in-law is a monster. His dark secrets hurt everyone. Agatha is caught in an unwanted and compromising situation with her … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: The Devil Tainted Us by Shanjida Nusrath Ali
#BangladeshiLitMonth: Broken Voices by Srabonti Narmeen Ali
Review by Erin Wilson Set in modern day Dhaka, we are brought into the perfect married life of Rishal and Amola. Both Bangladeshis, they met in university, married, and moved back to Dhaka to run the family business. Thus, they must maintain the perfect life, a son in boarding school, wealth, and a vibrant social … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: Broken Voices by Srabonti Narmeen Ali
#BangladeshiLitMonth: Beloved Rongomala by Shaheen Akhtar
Review by Erin Wilson “Even before dawn broke, the news that Chanda Bir was approaching the palace with Rongomala’s severed head arrived like a storm.” Explosive and gripping, the very first sentence of this novel begins with the end of what is only the beginning of a calculated and complex story during the 18th century … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: Beloved Rongomala by Shaheen Akhtar
#BangladeshiLitMonth: Pass it to Rizwana by Crystal Pottebaum
Review by Erin Wilson This colorfully illustrated ten-chapter picture book begins with three young girls who stumble upon a peculiar object, which turns out to be a deflated basketball. Eager to learn more, they start researching the game by watching online videos and observing boys playing at the park. However, Rizwana's mother informs her that … Continue reading #BangladeshiLitMonth: Pass it to Rizwana by Crystal Pottebaum
BangladeshiLitMonth: Nobo Opens a Door
Review by Erin Wilson Nobo is so excited to celebrate Nobo Borsho, Bengali New Year, in her class. She has picked a beautiful red and white shari for the occasion too. Her accessories include a velvet red blouse, glass bangles to match and a teep for her forehead. Her outfit is ready to go! Her … Continue reading BangladeshiLitMonth: Nobo Opens a Door
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 