Indian publishing is buzzing with a diverse array of new releases this season. From deeply personal graphic narratives and inspiring tech memoirs to anthologies on solitude and intriguing crime fiction, there's something for every reader. These books, published by major houses like HarperCollins India and Pan Macmillan, explore contemporary themes through unique Indian lenses.
Navigating a Changing World in 'Absolute Jafar'
Acclaimed graphic novelist Sarnath Banerjee returns with a poignant new work titled 'Absolute Jafar'. Published by HarperCollins India, this 272-page graphic novel is priced at ₹799. The story follows Banerjee's alter-ego, Brighu, as he grapples with the complexities of middle age, a broken marriage, and fatherhood in a rapidly transforming world.
As political and personal borders shift, Brighu finds himself in a landscape he struggles to recognize. In an attempt to preserve a fading past, he holds on to the vestiges of memory by recounting stories to his young son, Jafar. The novel promises a rich, visual exploration of personal loss and the search for anchor in tumultuous times.
From Michigan Tech to Silicon Valley: Kanwal Rekhi's Blueprint
In the non-fiction space, a significant memoir arrives from pioneering technologist Kanwal Rekhi. His book, 'The Groundbreaker', also from HarperCollins India (288 pages, ₹799), chronicles an extraordinary journey. Rekhi was part of the first wave of Indian emigres to the US in 1967, arriving as a student at Michigan Tech.
The memoir details how he overcame numerous obstacles to become a Silicon Valley tycoon, moving in circles that included legends like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Larry Page. Rekhi revisits the pivotal moments of his storied career, aiming to provide a valuable blueprint and inspiration for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and professionals.
Reflections on Solitude and a Cozy Crime Caper
Two other notable releases cater to different literary tastes. The anthology 'Writing From the Solitary', edited by Priyanka Sarkar and Semeen Ali and published by Simon & Schuster and Yoda Press (176 pages, ₹399), delves into the universal theme of loneliness. It features essays, poems, and short stories from renowned writers like Geetanjali Shree, Jeet Thayil, and Annie Zaidi.
The collection examines how the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions to confront isolation, while also allowing some to discover a bracing sense of pleasure in reclusion. The contributors reflect on solitude, offering ways to grapple with it and even harness it as a force for creativity.
For fans of lighter, engaging mysteries, Natasha Sharma launches a new cozy crime series with 'The Seventh Swar' (Pan Macmillan, 224 pages, ₹399). The plot features an ex-cop-turned-private investigator whose case into a woman's murder takes unexpected turns through the world of classical music and clues dating back to King Ashoka's reign. The detective's search for connections to seven murders becomes deeply personal as her own life gets entangled in the confounding case.
This season's offerings highlight the vibrant scope of Indian publishing, presenting stories that are introspective, inspirational, and entertaining. They capture the nuances of modern Indian and diasporic experiences, making them compelling additions to any bookshelf.
