Antral | Mohan Rakesh

On the surface, Antral looks like a typical novel looking into the relationship of Kumar and Shyama from a glass prism. Their story begins by giving an outsider’s insider perspective on how they both met and started on this tumultuous journey of developing their bond over the next few weeks. However, when you start reading…

Malibu Rising | Taylor Jenkins Reid

The book opens with enchanting descriptions of Malibu, particularly its picturesque coastline and rugged terrain, and the unpredictable fire incidents that have been a part of its history. The narrative comes full circle, culminating in a fiery climax. It’s a tale that’s not just significant, but truly epic in every sense. The story unfolds within…

Remnants of a Separation: A History of the Partition of India through Material Memory | Aanchal Malhotra

What started as an academic project has eventually become a collective of shared memories for all those who have witnessed one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Poignant. Thoughtful. Lucid. Emotional. Balanced. Historical. Personal. This nonfiction book has succeeded in evoking all these emotions from a reader and how.  Indeed,…

From Words To Views|Baby Reindeer

Technically speaking, Baby Reindeer is not based on a book; instead, it was written as a one-person show by its creator, Richard Gadd, as an autobiographical account. Now, Netflix has successfully adapted it as a limited series based on true events for the silver screen. Still, considering it was a written record of what happened…

The Promise | Damon Galgut

At the heart of this novel lies the history of South Africa. The story of the Swart family, which spread over a significant four-decade period, is intricately woven into the social, political, and cultural changes in their home country, providing a rich context to their narrative. This extensive backdrop is one of the redeeming qualities…

None of This is True | Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer meets Josie Fair in a gastropub on an otherwise ordinary day by mere coincidence, except that it is the day of their forty-fifth birthday. As their birthday guests can see, there is little commonality between Alix and Josie besides their shared birthdate. Alix is a popular podcaster who conceptualizes, produces, and hosts a…

One of Us Is Lying | Karen M. McManus

The novel begins with a backstory about five high schoolers who were punished for behaving uncharacteristically foolish during a class which has led them to their current predicament. It’s neither a smooth starting nor the characters introduced are easygoing. Still, something about the humdrum beginning keeps the readers engaged to deliver a gut punch. The…