#ReadingList2016: Indian Female Writers & Their Kickass Books
I do realise, that it does take a whole lot of brainstorming, to come up with a decent write-up.
Writers are entrusted with a very difficult job of engaging and invoking feelings within their readers, with only words (sometimes pictures) in their kitty.
Might seem like an easy job. Sitting in a corner and contemplating in deep thought, whilst sipping away that garam chai. Trust me, when I say this, it’s frigging challenging!
Also a high pressure job and like all spaces, even the writing scene has been predominantly captured by men.
Don’t worry I won’t launch off in another “patriarchy-is-to-be-blamed-for-this” rant. But, folks, it kills me to say it, we have, muffled the voices of females in past generation. Sadly, even in the field of Arts & Literature.
With all due respect to stalwarts like Rabindranath Tagore, Premchand, Vikram Seth, Khushwant Singh, Amitav Ghosh, Salman Rushdie and so on and so forth.
Contributions of female writers have not been recognised in the past, but the status quo is changing for the good.
We can count names like Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, on our finger tips.
Hands down, 2016 has been the year of Mrs. Funnybones aka Twinkle Khanna, former Bollywood actress. Below we have compiled a list of Indian female writers’ books released this year. Grab a copy of your favourite author and write in to us your views about it.
TWINKLE KHANNA aka Mrs. Funnybones
The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad
The feisty writer took us by surprise with her witty take and caustic comments on patriarchy. Twinkle Khanna gained popularity and respect, by displaying her writing chops in her blog titled Mrs. Funnybones, which went on to become her alter identity.
The book is a collection of four short stories, with the spotlight on Noni Apa’s histrionics.
Check out the review of ‘The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad.’
SANIA MIRZA
Ace Against Odds
Currently Sania Mirza has clinched the No. 1 spot in women’s doubles ranking. Sania grew into a tennis sensation, through her constant hard work and determination to excel.
In her singles lap, Sania has notable wins over world no 1s Martina Hingis, Victoria Azarenka and Dinara Safina. She’s the highest ranked female player ever from India, at world No. 27 in singles in mid-2007. A major wrist injury forced her to retire from the singles, but in the doubles category Sania is killing it. The latest feather in her cap being three Grand Slam titles each in women’s and mixed doubles formats.
Sania’s autobiography chronicles her journey with interesting anecdotes. Penned along with her father, Imran Mirza, Harper Collins has touted the book as an inspirational as well as a compelling story to be read for motivation. Despite the fact that Sania is not a writer.
Check out the review of Ace Against Odds here and gives us your take on it.
MARGARET ALVA
Courage And Commitment
Former governor of Rajasthan, Margaret Alva’s autobiography created ripples during the time of its release. The highlight is an eight-year old letter, featured in the book, which points out exactly what ails the grand old party of India.
The book is Alva’s take on the systematic failures and an honest take on the system of using intermediaries to conduct the business of the party.
Read the review of Courage And Commitment and decide for yourself, how it fares.
PREM AHLUWALIA
India's Most Powerful Women
This book raises toast to many real-life heroines, or as we call them SHEROES. Prem Ahluwalia, Editor, Author and Director of Institute of South Asian Women, in an interview said that she wanted to portray distinguished ladies who have fought stereotypes to claim an equal stake in society — in politics, social work, business, medicine, arts and sports.
Honourable President Pranab Mukherjee received a coffee table book ‘India’s Most Powerful Women.’
Pick your copy to read about the women who have contributed to the society whilst fighting off biases & prejudices.
SUNITA NARAIN
Conflicts Of interests: My Journey Through India’s Green Movement
Sunita Narain, Director General of Centre for Science and Environment, an environmentalist and writer all clubbed in one. She’s an advocate of clean environment and proponent of sustainable developments keeping in mind our environment.
Dr. Narain was included in Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in April 2016, where her profile was written by Amitav Ghosh. Hers’ was a compelling voice in Before the Flood, a feature-length documentary presented and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, released in October 2016.
The book is a personal account of Sunita’s struggles, as part of India’s Green Movement.
Penguin India announced acquisition rights of the book recently.
ARUNDHATI ROY
The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness
I for one, am most excited for this book. 20 years after penning Booker Prize-winning novel-The God Of Small Things , Roy has put a smile on us readers face by announcing her upcoming book--The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness.
Her political writings include The Algebra of Infinite Justice, Listening to Grasshoppers, Broken Republic and Capitalism: A Ghost Story, and most recently Things That Can and Cannot Be Said, co-authored with John Cusack. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness will be published by Hamish Hamilton in June 2017.
Looking forward to this one!
Pick your favourite among the list and boast your bookshelf with these amazing writers.
