Raising the profile of South Asian writers since 2007
by Kavita A. Jindal Glass Scissors is a debut poetry book with a purpose, and although the purpose is ‘reflection’, in both senses of the word, the poems it offers are political, confessional, tense and temperamental. Bobby Nayyar as a poet is strikingly frank about himself, his pain and his desires. This acutely personal and …
A new literature festival has been set up to challenge the lack of diverse representation of BME authors in publishing and on festival panels. Organised by Media Diversified, Bare Lit Festival seeks to celebrate the work and achievements of BAME literary voices in the UK and set out to change the UK literary landscape. The …
The winner of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 has been announced this week. Indian writer, Anuradha Roy secured the $50,000 (£35,162) prize for her novel, Sleeping on Jupiter at a prestigious ceremony held at the Fairway Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka. Chair of the judging panel, Mark Tully said “We chose Sleeping on Jupiter by …
by Hana Riaz “When we read human stories we come alive in bodies which are not our own.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie All writing begins and ends with reading. While writing is often an incredibly solitary process, particularly in its draft stages, reading remains a communal act. Even in the privacy of our own bedroom, reading …
by Adrienne Loftus Parkins On Thursday, 26 November, the literati of London gathered at the Shaw Library, London School of Economics, to meet the founders and judges and to hear the announcement of the short list for the 2016 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature. Founded in 2010 by the mother and son duo of …
The longlist for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 was announced earlier this month (October 16). A total of 11 books which represent a mix of established writers and debut novelists are in contention for the $50,000 (£32,369) prize. Once again, Indian writers and publishers dominate the list. The DSC Prize for South …
I met Elif Shafak and heard her speak before I read any of her books. In person she is lovely, soft spoken, very kind and intense. On stage she is all those things plus she comes across as a deeply intelligent, thoughtful speaker with strong ideas. She conveys important thoughts about love, faith, culture, freedom …
A series of nineteen black and white portraits of South Asian writers were launched at a new exhibition in London this week. The collection by Lucinda Douglas-Menzies aims to shine a spotlight writers writing in the English language, from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Selections from the authors’ writing are displayed beside each portrait and …
For anyone looking to add some excitement to their reading list over the summer, here’s a round up of books that we think are perfect for those long summer nights. Meera Syal’s much awaited third novel, The House of Hidden Mothers was published earlier this month. It’s an interesting premise which explores India’s surrogacy industry and …
by Adrienne Loftus Parkins Publishing catalogues for the last half of the year are out, so it’s time to take a look at what Asian books will be coming our way between now and Christmas. Here are my top picks – what I’ll be rushing to read as the year goes on. In August, Harvill …