The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni brings alive the remarkable story of Rani Jindan Kaur, the last queen of Punjab. The novel portrays her courage, political intelligence, patriotism, and struggles as a mother and ruler. Through her first-person narrative, it gives a powerful feminist perspective on history, colonialism, resistance, and sacrifice.
Are You Lonesome? by Aritra Sarkar explores loneliness and six forms of emotional isolation through interconnected stories and real-life insights. The book examines moral support, friendship, connection, and guidance voids, encouraging readers to confront their fears, understand their behaviour, practise self-compassion, and discover meaningful paths toward healing, connection, and personal transformation.
This review explores Mother Mary Comes to Me as a deeply personal memoir about Arundhati Roy’s complex relationship with her mother, Mary Roy. Through love, grief, feminism, and emotional conflict, the book reflects how a strong yet volatile mother shaped Roy’s identity, resilience, writing, and lifelong empathy for injustice and human struggle.
I have always been fond of reading. I have been reading ever since I can remember, probably from the age of 5 or 6. By
Nadia Hashimi’s A House Without Windows powerfully portrays Zeba, a woman accused of murdering her husband in Afghanistan. Through prison life, sisterhood, and a flawed justice system, the book reveals how women are condemned more for moral transgressions than crimes. A poignant, gripping novel, it celebrates resilience amidst oppression.
Review of the book ‘Daughters Who Loved’ by Maitabi Banerjee.
This article presents a review of ten books from various genres that have left a lasting impact on the author’s psyche. Each of these works offers a unique perspective on life, identity, and the human experience, inviting readers to reflect and engage deeply with their stories. Whether through the lens of psychology, history, or personal struggle, these books promise to inspire and resonate with anyone who dares to explore them.
Rhythms of renewal exist all around us, from nature’s cycles to cultural traditions. Inspired by Rebekah Lyons’ book and Blue Zones research, this piece explores the power of rest, restoration, connection, and creation. By embracing purpose, routine, and community, we can sustain passion, foster well-being, and celebrate life’s evolving rhythms.
In Aftertaste of a Half-Lived Life, Barnali Roy explores the beauty of imperfection through nine poignant short stories. Love, loss, resilience, and rediscovery intertwine as characters grapple with fractured relationships, societal judgments, and personal liberation. The book captures the essence of embracing life’s incompleteness—finding wholeness in halves, strength in vulnerability, and love in unexpected places.
In 2024, the writer aimed to read 50 books, favoring lengthy novels over short stories. Among her top reads were The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, A House Without Windows by Nadia Hashimi, and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. These compelling stories explore resilience, friendship, and life’s profound challenges.
