We fall, into the abyss. Into the pit, dug by our Actions, our Inactions, formed of our Misdeeds. Yet, blame, we shall, our Misfortune. The Tides- they rise. They fall. The Virtues we thought we held dear; the Promises…
‘Hope Falls’ by Ranju Dodum
Book Review: Curried Cultures by Krishnendu Ray, Tulasi Srinivas
Book Name: Curried Cultures Authors: Krishnendu Ray, Tulasi Srinivas Publisher: Aleph Rating: 4.7/5 Book Blurb: Indian food is one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Even as it has transformed the contemporary urban foodscape in this age of globalization, social scientists have…
Bucket of Cherries by Rajni Mala Khelawan (New Asian Writing Short Story Competition 2017 Prize Winning Entry)
“Bucket of Cherries is a story about Mira, a South Asian woman living in Vancouver, Canada, who attempts to redefine her identity after her husband of thirty years, passes away. She forms a relationship with Amir, a young Indian single…
Home by Selma Carvalho (New Asian Writing Short Story Competition 2017 Prize Winning Entry)
“Anna returns home to face the ghosts of male patriarchy, a long-lost love, and a dour, unaffectionate mother. An afternoon spent in the happy company of family and friends, in the pink-hued bubble of nostalgia, reminds her that home is…
Book Review: On India by Khushwant Singh, Edited by Mala Dayal
Book Name: On India Author: Khushwant Singh Editor: Mala Dayal Rating: 5/5 Book Blurb: Khushwant Singh was convinced that India is a great country. He believed that we are the world’s largest democracy and our people, including women, enjoy a measure…
Book Review: Politic Shock by Meghnad Desai
Book Name: Politicshock: Trump, Modi, Brexit and the Prospect for Liberal Democracy Author: Meghnad Desai Publisher: Rupa Rating: 4.5/5 Book Blurb: Recent events around the world have shaken old certainties. Questions are being asked about the survival of the Liberal Order,…
Book Review: 50 Cups of Coffee by Khushnuma Daruwala
Book Name: 50 Cups of Coffee: The Woes and Throes of Finding Mr Right Author: Khushnuma Daruwala Publisher: Penguin Rating: 5/5 Book Blurb: A rip-roaring and charming account of dating in India. Dating is an undeniably daunting task, especially when you…
Book Review: Durand’s Curse: A Line Across the Pathan Heart by Rajeev Dogra
Book Name: Durand’s Curse: A Line Across the Pathan Heart Author: Rajeev Dogra Publisher: Rupa Rating: 5/5 Book Blurb: Blood and fire have often blighted Afghanistan, the three Anglo-Afghan wars being among the bloodiest and the cruelest in its history. But Britain’s…
‘MENU (Side A)’ by Glenn Whalan
Fried chicken cashew nut, She’s hot in a sassy Indian curry salad Sort of way. Fried chicken with oyster sauce Lips parted; Stuff omelet, She’s hungry. Deep fried pudding fish with curry – (Pouting flesh, lipstick crimson) Fried fish…
50 Cups of Coffee (Book Excerpt) by Khushnuma Daruwala
After exciting childhood dreams that vacillated between astronomy, zoo keeping and diving with great white sharks, Khushnuma eventually settled for something a tad tamer-advertising. Six years ago, while on a sabbatical, she rediscovered her love for writing something more than…
This prison inmate started the Himalayan Writing Retreat
“This prison inmate started the Himalayan Writing Retreat” by Chetan Mahajan It all started when I landed up in prison. It was Christmas eve of 2012. I was living a predictable life and had recently started working for a new…