Who Is Equal?
Saurabh Kirpal
Penguin Random House
Pp 304, Rs 699
In his new book, Saurabh Kirpal seeks to untangle the philosophical and practical tangents of inequality prevalent in our country. He presents to readers the explanation and understanding of the existing laws and discusses theories that allow a close inspection of concerns over a spectrum. Who is Equal? positions India at the intersection of equality and inequality, and delivers a perspective that is retrospective and contemporary.
Big Fiction
Dan Sinykin
Hachette
Pp 520, Rs 799
Dan Sinykin explores how changes in the publishing industry have affected fiction, literary form, and what it means to be an author. He reveals how conglomeration has shaped what kinds of books and writers are published by examining four different sectors of the industry —mass-market books; trade publishers that encouraged genre elements in literary fiction; nonprofits such as Graywolf; and the distinctive niche of employee-owned WW Norton.
The Big Book of Indian Art
Bina Sarkar Ellias
Aleph Book Company
Pp 744, Rs 2,499
The book traces the history of Indian art from its origins to the present day, and features the work of more than 300 Indian artists. It is divided into eight sections—each of them deals with a landmark art movement or school of Indian art. With an unparalleled collection of stunning images and illuminating text about each artist, The Big Book of Indian Art is sure to become a classic cherished by art aficionados and general readers alike.
A Touch of Salt
Anita Agnihotri
Penguin Random House
Pp 180, Rs 399
The Agariyas working in the salt pans have no water, homes or schools for their children. They are being squeezed out by the law that has identified the entire Rann as reserved forest for wild asses. Tribhuban’s grandson, Azad, has no choice but to take up the fight for salt against the establishment once more, this time in an independent India. A Touch of Salt is the story of the multitude of Agariyas, countless lives lived, lost, and buried in salt and sand.
The Interloper
Manoranjan Byapari
Westland Books
Pp 358, Rs 599
This is the final book in the award-winning Chandan Jibon trilogy. After escaping a deadly bomb blast in the city’s red light area, Jibon returns to the Jadavpur railway station having lost his memory. He is instantly recognised by those who live in and around the station— squatters, rickshaw-drivers, beggars, liquor vendors, ragpickers, pickpockets—as the daring young man who rescued them many a time. However, Jibon has become a stranger to himself. He is simply playing the role of Jibon.
