From the inside story of the 1983 World Cup to a critical look at the youth leaders of India, May’s new releases offer plenty for everyone. A brilliant debut novel, a much-awaited sequel and a new book by one of India’s most popular authors are just some of the gems that await you. Take a tour of history through the eyes of a tyrant sultan, contemplate on the Kashmir conflict and look at how Muslims are perceived in India. These are just some of the books to look forward to in May.
01
But You Don’t Look Like A Muslim
Rakhshanda Jalil
India is a country that appreciates its blend of diverse cultures, where our differences are often celebrated rather than looked down upon. But does that mean that people have stopped judging others based on their faith? Can every religion live together in harmony? How are Muslims perceived in India? Are they being subjected to scrutiny based solely on their religion? Rakhshanda Jalil tries to answer these questions in But You Don’t Look Like A Muslim, and shares her thoughts about being a Muslim in India. Jalil is not one to back down from tackling critical issues, and this book might even make you re-evaluate your beliefs.
Releasing on May 06. Buy it here.
02
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq: Tale Of A Tyrant
Anuja Chandramouli
Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, is known throughout history as an oppressor, but author Anuja Chandramouli is more interested in knowing the man behind the title. Some historians believe that the Sultan was often misunderstood, even by his own people. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq is a fictional retelling of the life of the Sultan, a brilliant man with a mercurial temperament. Chandramouli’s expertise on mythological fiction only adds to the tale of this tragically flawed hero.
Releasing on May 10. Buy it here.
03
Upon A Burning Throne
Ashok K. Banker
When the ruler of a vast empire dies, it is up to the two princes, Adri and Shvate, to claim the kingdom for themselves. They might be the next heirs, but before they ascend the throne, they must survive The Test of Fire. In the midst of all this, a girl comes forward to claim the throne. When her claim is denied, her father, the princes’ evil uncle, declares war, and Adri and Shvate must now protect their kingdom. Ashok K. Banker’s Upon A Burning Throne is bound to be a pleasurable read for all fantasy fans.
Releasing on May 14. Buy it here.
04
The Satapur Moonstone
Sujata Massey
Sequel to The Widows Of Malabar Hill, The Satapur Moonstone is set in 1922 India in the fictional kingdom of Satapur. When both the king and his son die unexpectedly, an agent of the British Raj is appointed to rule on behalf of the dowager queen and her daughter-in-law. When the two royal ladies start disagreeing over the next heir’s education, a lawyer is needed to settle the dispute. Perveen Mistry, Bombay’s only female lawyer, is called upon by the British Raj to assist in the matter, but her investigation reveals sinister plots and cold-blooded politics. The next book in the Perveen Mistry series is sure to entice fans of mysteries.
Releasing on May 15. Buy it here.
05
The Young And The Restless: Youth And Politics In India
Gurmehar Kaur
The Indian election in 2014 saw 150 million young voters, and 2019 is predicted to have far more than that. As the younger generation grows more politically aware, a number of youth leaders are keen on bringing positive change in the country. Gurmehar Kaur’s The Young And The Restless tracks the journey of eight young leaders, and their dreams for India. This book thoroughly analyses whether these leaders are only interested in following the footsteps of the older generation, or if they truly represent the Indian youth.
Releasing on May 15. Buy it here.
06
The King Of Kings
K.M. Munshi, Rita Kothari (Tr.), Abhijit Kothari (Tr.)
Munshi’s Patan trilogy is about the exploits of the Chalukya dynasty at an important time in Gujarat’s history. In the finale to the trilogy, we find the brave warrior Kaak caught in a political web. The King Of Kings starts when he is summoned by three royals – King Jaysinhdev of Patan who wants to conquer Junagadh; Leeladevi, the King’s wife; and Ranakdevi, the queen of Junagadh. Kaak has to tread carefully and decide who he will be loyal to as even the smallest miscalculation could have serious consequences. Translated from Gujarati, this epic fantasy is full of adventure and political intrigue.
Releasing on May 15. Buy it here.
07
Kashmir As I See It: From Within And Afar
Ashok Dhar
The Kashmir dispute has long been examined and re-examined; however, we are yet to resolve it. In Kashmir As I See It, Ashok Dhar, a Kashmiri himself, offers an honest view on how the conflict is not merely a territorial dispute but is also about morality, leadership and historicity, which have been overlooked. He is of the firm belief that peace will never be achieved unless you look at it through the lens of the Kashmiri civilian. Dhar shows us how to look for practical solutions to this age-old issue and his passion will invite us to look beyond the obvious.
Releasing on May 20. Buy it here.
08
Animalia Indica: The Finest Animal Stories In Indian Literature
Sumana Roy (Ed.)
Animal fiction like Panchatantra and the Jataka Tales has always held an esteemed place in Indian literature, and have been a huge part of our childhoods. Sumana Roy, author of How I Became A Tree, has compiled such memorable stories in her newest book, Animalia Indica. The book contains classic short stories by Premchand, Rudyard Kipling and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay as well as includes modern fiction like ‘Poonachi’ by Perumal Murugan, ‘The Last Tiger’ by Ruskin Bond and ‘Elephant At Sea’ by Kanishk Tharoor. Whether you love animals or not, this book is definitely a must-have.
Releasing on May 20. Buy it here.
09
Heat
Poomani, N. Kalyan Raman (Tr.)
Considered one of the great Tamil novels of the 20th Century, Poomani’s Heat is about 15-year-old Chidambaram. To exact revenge for his murdered brother, Chidambaram kills a notorious zamindar and ends up running away with his father to escape punishment. As they try to survive, father and son also spend time reminiscing and reflecting on their situation. Heat highlights a fugitive’s life while bringing rural Tamil Nadu to life.
Releasing on May 23. Buy it here.
10
The Mystic And The Lyric: Four Women Poets From Kashmir
Neerja Mattoo
Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Rupa Bhawani and Arnimal are four of the most phenomenal female poets in Kashmiri history and are an important part of its living oral tradition. For example, Arnimal’s poems on unrequited love and Khatun’s complaints about her in-laws are sung at weddings. For the first time, Neerja Mattoo’s The Mystic And The Lyric collects the work of these poets and in addition to providing translations of the poems, also contextualises their work so we understand its importance.
Releasing on May 27. Buy it here.
11
The City And The Sea
Raj Kamal Jha
Inspired by the 2012 rape and murder of Nirbhaya, Raj Kamal Jha’s fifth novel, The City And The Sea explores the toxic masculine culture in India. One night, as a child eagerly waits for his mother to arrive from work, a woman shows up at a hotel in Germany, her memory gradually deteriorating. During the course of that night, both of them go on distressing journeys only to meet at the end. However, all is not as it seems. Raj Kamal Jha doesn’t pull punches in this fiction that talks about the aftermath of rape, without using the word ‘rape’ (in English), even once.
Releasing on May 30. Buy it here.
12
The Truth About Us: The Politics Of Information From Manu To Modi
Sanjoy Chakravorty
Present-day India is abundant with information, with everyone who has anything to say at all vying for attention. Political manoeuvring of information has led to certain claims being branded as facts over time, thus becoming a part of our history. Sanjoy Chakravorty’s The Truth About Us aims to reveal how misinformation, sometimes deliberate, has led to ignorance about India’s pivotal issues. With a flair for focusing on critical issues in society, Chakravorty tries to answer questions such as: Is India a major Hindutva nation or does it have majority in diversity? Is our knowledge of caste inequality true or a result of fake information? Particularly relevant today as India is in the midst of an existential crisis, this book will make you rethink everything you believe to be true.
Releasing on May 31. Buy it here.
13
Miracle Men: The Off-The-Record Story Of The 1983 World Cup Triumph
Nikhil Naz
Even before the Indian cricket team reached the World Cup finals in 1983, everybody had all but written them off and nobody expected them to win. But then these 14 ‘Miracle Men’ went ahead and created history by winning our first- ever Cricket World Cup. Nikhil Naz’s Miracle Men is based on real accounts from players and takes us behind-the-scenes as we relive this glorious moment. From what went on in the dressing room to the strategies that ultimately led India to its victory, this book is as entertaining as it is informative. With India gearing up for ICC World Cup 2019, this is a good time to revisit the golden year of 1983.
Releasing on May 31. Buy it here.
14
The Black Dwarves Of The Good Little Bay
Varun Thomas Mathew
Bombadrome is a towering structure that floats above a barren land that was once known as Bombay. Its citizens have no recollection of how the once flourishing city became a relic of the past. Unbeknownst to them, one man remembers and after having kept quiet for decades, he now decides to remind everyone of that day in history, when everything fell apart. Varun Thomas Mathew’s debut novel will show you that the past can never be truly hidden and what happens when the truth finally surfaces.
Releasing on May 31. Buy it here.
Disclaimer: Some of these books were previously available on Kindle or as international editions which were available for import. This list features Indian editions of these books, which tend to be more affordable. The information featured here is accurate as of April 25, 2019.
