Latest news with #PenguinIndia
NDTV
06-08-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"False Narrative": Books By AG Noorani, Arundhati Roy Among 25 Banned By J&K
Srinagar: Books by Booker winner Arundhati Roy, constitutional expert AG Noorani are among the 25 titles banned by the Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's administration for allegedly propagating "false narrative" and "secessionism" in the Union Territory. The government has also ordered the forfeiture of these books. In an order issued by the J&K Home Secretary, the government said that the books have been banned following an investigation and credible intelligence about a "systemic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature" disguised as historical or political commentary. Among the authors whose books have been banned are AG Noorani, Arundhati Roy, Victoria Schofield, Sumantra Bose and Christopher Snedden. AG Noorani, who was India's leading constitutional expert, has extensively written on Kashmir and its constitutional arrangement with the Union of India after accession of the former state. His book "The Kashmir Dispute 1947-2012" has been banned and forfeited. British author and historian Victoria Schofield's book "Kashmir in Conflict - India, Pakistan and the unending War" has also been banned. Two books "Contested Lands" and "Kashmir At The Crossroads", written by Sumantra Bose are among the banned and forfeited publications. Mr Bose, who is a professor of international and comparative politics at the London School of Economics, has extensively written on Kashmir. Arundhati Roy's "Azadi", published by Penguin India, is also now among the banned books in J&K. "Law & Conflict Resolution" written co-authored by Piotr Balcerowicz and Agnieszka Kuszewska is another book in the banned list. Journalist and Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin's book "The Dismantled State, The Untold Story of Kashmir After 370" is also banned. The Government order says all the 25 books propagate false narrative and secessionism in J&K and need to be declared as 'forfeited' in terms of Section 98 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanita 2023. "Whereas, the identified 25 books have been found to excite secessionism and endangering sovereignty and integrity of India, thereby, attracting the provisions of sections 152, 196 & 197 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023," reads the order.
The Hindu
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Of true crime and bestsellers
Not every book needs to change your life. Some (at least the good ones) can simply hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. These are the books that remind you why stories matter, or the ones that pull you out of a reading slump. This column is about the thrillers that don't cheat, the romances that actually charm, whodunits that surprise, and more. Great Big Beautiful Life | Emily Henry (Penguin India; ₹899) The bestselling romance author and TikTok sensation (who's not on TikTok) has produced five hit novels, all of which have been optioned for the screen. Her latest is about two writers, Alice and Hayden, vying for the book coup of the century — by telling the story of an elusive socialite called Margaret Ives. This slow-burn romance brings to mind early Marian Keyes and Jojo Moyes, and like them, Henry explores big themes and ideas woven around love. And to write the character of Ives, Henry drew from several sources, including the real-life socialite Rebekah Harkness, who inspired Taylor Swift's 2020 song 'The Last Great American Dynasty'. The Artful Murders | Feisal Alkazi (Speaking Tiger; ₹499) A missing M.F. Husain is already a compelling plot. Add a few murders, and you're hooked. This is a dramatic book, and its amateur sleuth — 'housewife-turned-Sherlock Holmes' Ragini Malhotra — is suitably dramatic too. Theatrical energy runs through the thriller, and Alkazi, who wrote it during the pandemic lockdown, draws on his stage background with good effect. The plot echoes yesteryear mysteries — Murder, She Wrote, Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin... Expect dry humour, intrigue, and plenty of red herrings but mind you, this is no psychological thriller. Nevertheless, the cosy mystery will keep you engaged. Atmosphere | Taylor Jenkins Reid (Hutchinson Heinemann; ₹899) This might be Reid's most ambitious book yet: a sweeping story set amid NASA's shuttle programme in the 1980s. We meet astronomer Joan Goodwin, selected to train a new batch of astronauts, and with her, we embark on a heartwarming and eventually heartbreaking journey. Reid excels at building flawed, layered characters and finding emotional truth in extraordinary moments. We might soon see this sweeping, cinematic canvas on screen — Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the filmmakers behind Captain Marvel, are adapting Atmosphere for theatrical release. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil | V.E. Schwab (Tor Books; ₹999) For long-time fans of Schwab, here's a fun detail: her new book is set in the same universe — which Schwab calls 'the garden' — as her last book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Calling it a vampire novel feels limiting, although we've seen how the genre can get a new lease of life in the hands of a skiller writer — think Sinners, or Interview with the Vampire and its latest, beautiful, rage-filled adaptation. A sapphic, immersive story about three women told through the lashes of time, this is a story about more than just blood. When the Wolf Comes Home | Nat Cassidy (Titan Books; ₹1,351) This is how horror transforms when it breaks free of ghosts and jump scares. And Cassidy has long been a master of the form. With Mary and Nestlings, he gave us genre-defining stories. But When the Wolf Comes Home may be his best yet, with Cassidy's attempts at creating a literary universe, not unlike the author he feels a deep kinship with — Stephen King. In the novel, a boy, running from monsters both real and imagined, is rescued by Jess, an out-of-work actor barely holding herself together. Every scene tightens the noose, and what's more, the novel has a landing that truly sticks. The writer is an independent journalist, editor, and literary curator.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Even if a gun is pointed at me, I have to write': Banu Mushtaq opens up about mental health struggles, next literary piece
Speaking about her mental health struggles over the last two years, Banu Mushtaq, who won the International Booker Prize 2025 for Heart Lamp in May, said her next literary piece, an autobiography, would be published towards the end of the year. 'There was a lot of backlash for what I wrote and my views. I had to face a lot of testing times. So many people tried to prevent me from writing even a single word, and I faced it all. Also, within the last two years, I suffered so much – a huge loss, about which I cannot tell you right now because all of it is written in my autobiography that is about to be published in December,' she said at a panel discussion on Heart Lamp at Kiran Nadar Museum in New Delhi on Monday. 'After these two years – with the help of a psychiatrist – I regained my mental health, came out of my fears, got a lot of courage, and started writing once again,' Mushtaq said. The panel, chaired by Penguin India editor Moutushi Mukherjee, also included Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the book from Kannada. Banu Mushtaq, who delved deep into the socio-political realities of Muslim communities in southern India, used melodrama, simple language, and culturally significant Urdu terms, concepts and beliefs in her stories, to outline the plight of oppressed women, marginalised communities and question the deeply ingrained patriarchal hegemony in society. By detailing the subtle power structures working within domestic spaces and scrutinising the gaping emotional scars inflicted on the downtrodden by patriarchy, lack of education and empathy, Mushtaq's stories provide a cathartic realisation to readers. But Mushtaq, being a lawyer and activist, is also deeply aware of the discontent and disagreements that may arise from different sections of the country due to her writings and fight for justice. She said: 'It is India wherein communal tensions are prevailing. With my writings, I might offend a Muslim or a Hindu. To both of them, I am responsible for all the backlash that they can cast against me. I am 77 now, my children are all settled and I am in such a state of mind that if at all they point a knife or gun at me, even then, I have to write. I have to be the voice of the marginalised; I have to tell the truth to this society.' Mushtaq believes that justice is served in two tiers in India. One is through the courts of law and the other through social justice. As society is ruled by patriarchy, women don't get any relief from social justice. She pointed out examples such as the jama'at, gram panchayat and even homes where justice is not given. However, women receive justice in courts. She said: 'There is a big difference between our social norms and constitutional values. Constitutional values guarantee equal rights, liberty and a right to be heard, whereas social justice denies all these things to a woman.' Deepa Bhasthi said that even though Heart Lamp contains a lot of references to Islamic laws, Ramayana and so forth, not adding footnotes or glossary was a conscious decision while translating: 'The whole point is to not cater to the Western audience. I don't see why we have to do that. We have never been catered to. When we read Western books, whether it is in translation or written in English, we have had to learn their references and popular culture elements. Now that there is Google, they can learn too.' Mehrun, who attempts suicide but finds the will to live again for the sake of her children in the story 'Heart Lamp'; Ashraf, who suffers grave injustice not only from the community but also from the jama'at, and loses her daughter Munni as a result of her husband Yakub's cruelty in 'Black Cobra'; and the mutawalli saheb in 'Fire Rain', who denies his sisters their property rights and kicks his wife Arifa for sleeping in the hall. These are all testimonies of Mushtaq's consciousness that is profoundly sensitive to the unjust treatment received by women, and also her attempts to awaken humanity to the dark realities around them. While concluding the discussion, Mushtaq compared the condition of Indian society in her teenage years and the present, saying, 'The present situation is far worse than my younger days. Now patriarchy is getting institutionalised. Even though women are allowed to read, go for higher studies, get jobs and are having good earnings, the society which dictates and directs them, which subjugates them, is highly patriarchal. The khap panchayat, jama'at, and even the entire society says, 'You should be an obedient servant. Nothing should go out of your home. Keep the secrecy.' Patriarchy is even more powerful today, and it must be properly addressed with the help of civil society.' Aishwarya Khosla is a journalist currently serving as Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express. Her writings examine the interplay of culture, identity, and politics. She began her career at the Hindustan Times, where she covered books, theatre, culture, and the Punjabi diaspora. Her editorial expertise spans the Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Online desks. She was the recipient of the The Nehru Fellowship in Politics and Elections, where she studied political campaigns, policy research, political strategy and communications for a year. She pens The Indian Express newsletter, Meanwhile, Back Home. Write to her at or You can follow her on Instagram: @ink_and_ideology, and X: @KhoslaAishwarya. ... Read More
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Motherhood, minus the filter: 4 candid books by Bollywood moms
(Written by Kaashvi Khubyani) In a world where motherhood is idealised, Bollywood moms are turning the pages. These celebrity authors have exchanged the red carpets with real talk, narrating their parenting journeys with honesty, wit and wisdom. From pregnancy cravings to postpartum transitions, their books offer a refreshing take on what it means to raise a child in the limelight while keeping it deeply personal. Here are some must-read books by Bollywood moms that go beyond the glamour and bring you closer to the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster of motherhood. By Kareena Kapoor Khan with Aditi Shah Bhimjyani Publication: Juggernaut Publication Available in: Paperback (392 pages)- Rs. 699 Kareena Kapoor's book is a trimester-by-trimester pregnancy guide co-authored with doctors and experts. From swollen feet to cravings and body image struggles, she keeps it real. With chapters on fitness, mental health, self-care, and mom guilt, Kareena makes space for both vulnerability and strength. In her work she discusses postpartum struggles- body changes, lack of sleep and breastfeeding. Backed by nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, she shared easy-to-follow diet tips emphasizing the importance of home cooked food. She also offered maternity style tips for moms-to-be while giving her own insights on how she styled her bump and stayed confident. With all the warmth and wit, this book encourages women to own their pregnancy their way. By Soha Ali Khan Publication: Penguin India (Penguin Random House India) Available in: Paperback (256 pages)- Rs. 299 Soha's essays offer glimpses into her life as a mother to daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. Her reflections on balancing Nawabi legacy with modern-day parenting are subtle yet sharp. Her writing style is part sarcastic and part soulful which makes you laugh even as she gives gentle insights about motherhood. She touches on navigating 'new mom' insecurities- what to feed the baby, when to travel, what products to use- acknowledging how confusing motherhood can be. In her work, she appreciates how her husband Kunal Kemmu has been a hands- on father and highlights the importance of shared parenting responsibilities. The tone of the chapters is light-hearted yet insightful, filled with relatable anecdotes. By Tahira Kashyap Khurrana Publication: Juggernaut Publication Available in: Paperback (168 pages)- Rs. 299 Tahira, writer-filmmaker and wife of Ayushmann Khurrana, serves up a hilarious ride through the chaotic mess that is motherhood. Her book busts the myth of the 'perfect mom.' It's filled with deeply personal anecdotes that normalize mommy meltdowns, making you feel seen and safe. The book unpacks seven deadly sins- guilt, anger, envy, lust, pride, gluttony, sloth as candid chapters. She highlights the importance of self-love and individuality due to postpartum societal obsession like the pressure to shed baby weight. Sharing anecdotes, Tahira embraces her flaws with humor and warmth making the chapters feel relatable. With all the sarcasm and sass in her work, she provides a handbook for real motherhood. By Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Luke Coutinho Publication: Ebury Press Available in: Paperback (288 pages)- Rs. 350 Though not strictly a parenting book, Shilpa's co-authored work speaks to moms trying to maintain balance- for themselves and their children. With tips on Indian superfoods and natural eating, this book is about maintaining well-being. It also reflects how motherhood reshaped her own approach to diet, fitness and family health. Her book points at inculcating healthy food choices at a young age in so as they can stay for a lifetime. She advocates eating unprocessed foods- brown rice instead of white, homemade ghee and fresh juices. Shilpa's voice sound as relatable and grounded as she shares what she cooks at home, what her son eats and how food is an emotion in Indian households.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
From The Namesake to Vanity Fair: 6 books that inspired Mira Nair's films and series
Filmmaker Mira Nair has long brought stories of identity and migration to the screen, some adapted from renowned literary works. As her son, Zohran Mamdani, makes headlines after defeating Andrew Cuomo in New York City's mayoral primary, it is worth revisiting the books that shaped Nair's cinematic legacy. From postcolonial satire to diaspora, these six books explore themes of belongingness. They continue to resonate with readers across generations—a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of identity and culture. From Calcutta to Cambridge, The Namesake follows the life of the Ganguli family. Ashoke Ganguli, an engineer, adapts to his new life. While, his wife Ashima remains emotionally attached to home. Their son is named Gogol, after a Russian writer. Gogol's name, much like himself, is an identity in limbo, never fully American, never truly Indian. Adapted into a film by Mira Nair of the same title, this novel shows the discomfort of belonging nowhere and the slow, aching journey toward becoming your own person. A biting portrait of ambition and hypocrisy of British society. Vanity Fair (Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 720 pages, Rs 435) shows two women on opposite ends of the moral scale. Becky Sharp, an orphan, with wit and ambition. And, Amelia Sedley, her sheltered, sentimental schoolmate. This book lays bare a society obsessed with status, exposing its vanity through the rise and fall of its unforgettable characters. Vanity Fair is a perfect portrayal of a world so obsessed with status that ambition is the only way up. No wonder Mira Nair chose to bring this book to screen. The true-story Disney film The Queen of Katwe (Scribner, 245 pages, Rs 1,324), directed by Mira Nair, is based on a book by Tim Cothers. In the slums of Katwe, Uganda, where finding food is a daily struggle, Phiona Mutesi discovers an unexpected lifeline- chess. She is taught by a war refugee turned coach. Our protagonist learns the game barefoot on a dirt floor. And she rises to become a national champion by age fifteen. The Queen of Katwe is the powerful true story of a girl who defies every odd stacked against her, proving that greatness can come from the unlikeliest places. Told as a monologue in a Lahore cafe. This novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Penguin India, 168 pages, Rs 250) shows the life of Changez, a Pakistani man who once chased the American dream. Then he begins to question everything after the 9/11 attacks. Changez begins to feel the slow erosion of identity and belongingness in a post-9/11 world. Adapted into a thriller by Mira Nair, it is a sharp and deliberately unsettling book. It poses a serious question- What happens when the world no longer sees you as one of its own? Set in the newly independent India of the 1950s, A Suitable Boy (Aleph Book Company, 1,552 pages, Rs 1999) is part love story, part political story. Lata Mehra, a young woman navigating family pressure and personal desire as her mother, Rupa Mehra, searches for a suitable husband for her. Sprawling across four interconnected families, the novel weaves together love, caste, religion and politics. It's a story of ordinary lives caught between tradition and change. Mira Nair adapted this into her BBC series of the same title. A mysterious royal claim, a crumbling palace and a reporter drawn into the story. The New York Times article The Jungle Prince of Delhi by Ellen Barry, follows the strange story of Begum Wilayat Mahal, who declared herself the queen of Oudh in the 1970s. She demanded lands from a kingdom that no longer existed. Barry's bond with Wilayat's son, Cyrus, leads her deep into the family's world. Through interviews and investigation, Barry reveals a tale shaped by Partition and a desperate need to belong. A haunting true story, which is now being adapted into Mira Nair's new series. (The writer is an intern with
