Book rack

Ummath

Sharmila Seyyid, translated by Gita Subramanian

Harper Collins, 2018, Rs 499, pp 352

Through the lives of three women, Thawakkul, Yoga and Theivanai — one is a social activist, the other a Tamil Tiger, and third, a disillusioned fighter for the Eelam — the novel lays bare the questions that plagued the Sri Lankan society during and in the aftermath of the civil war.

Manto saheb

Translated by Vibha S Chauhan and Khalid Alvi

Speaking Tiger, 2018, Rs 499, pp 284

An anthology comprising accounts of friendships, quarrels and drinking bouts amidst cut-throat competition and turbulent issues of the time. It also offers a peek into the life of the prominent Urdu writer, Sadat Hassan Manto, and his family.

The Peshwa

Ram Sivasankaran

Westland, 2018, Rs 599, pp 474

Seven years have passed since Peshwa Bajirao Bhat annihilated the Nizam’s armies at Fort Mandu. The two forces have been engaged in attacks and
skirmishes ever since. The Peshwa now sets about
laying a trap to break the might of the Mughals.

The Last Englishmen

Deborah Baker

Penguin, 2018, Rs 599, pp 358

An engrossing tale that traces the end of an empire and the stirring new world order. It is set in three
locations, Calcutta, London and the Karakoram. Dense with romance and intrigue, it talks of the
colonial culture.

Ballad of Kaziranga

Dileep Chandan, translated by Parbina Rashid

Niyogi Books, 2018, Rs 450, pp 298

It’s through the lives of three men, their dreams, aspirations and sometimes frustration that the Kaziranga National Park unfolds itself. A riveting story that also throws light on the current state of affairs in the national park and its problems.

The Man Who Saved India

Hindol Sengupta

Penguin, 2018, Rs 799, pp 437

This book is a retelling of Sardar Patel’s story. With detailed anecdotes, the author brings to life Patel’s determined struggle and commitment to keep India safe. He also puts forth the arguments and difference of opinion among the statesmen of the time.

 
Jwala Kumar

Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Talking Club, 2018, Rs 299, pp 121

Is Jwala Kumar a bird? A bat? A chameleon? Or is he something no has ever seen before? And did he really just fall out of the sky into Champakbagh? A strange animal, Jwala is taken in by a poor peasant couple. He brings in joy and light into their lives. But, will he stay on for long? This is a captivating story of innocence, friendship, and of magic.

KAMA: the Riddle of Desire

Gurcharan Das

Penguin, 2018, Rs 799, pp 548

In this book, the author shows that kama is a product of culture and its history is the struggle between kama pessimists and optimists. The yogis and renouncers regarded kama as an enemy of their spiritual project, while the realists confined it to marriage. The narrative here deals with the riddles of kama and puts forth the concept and its many perspectives.