From iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on history to unsung heroes with extraordinary tales to tell, these forthcoming releases promise to captivate and inspire readers with their depth, authenticity, and profound insights into the human experience. The lives documented within these pages offer a unique perspective and a compelling narrative. Whether you're drawn to tales of resilience, triumph, or personal growth, these biographies and memoirs are sure to enrich your reading journey in the year ahead.
Holding Time Captive by Amal Allana
From Ebrahim Alkazi's formative years in England to his groundbreaking contributions to the theatre scene in Bombay and Delhi, this biography traces the remarkable journey of a true visionary. Authored by Amal Allana, Alkazi's daughter, this meticulously researched account offers a comprehensive insight into the life, work, and influence of one of the towering figures of twentieth-century theatre in India. Capturing the essence of Alkazi's pioneering spirit, the biography delves into his bold ideas and transformative efforts to revolutionize Hindi theatre. As the director of the National School of Drama (NSD), Alkazi's modernist approach to staging plays and his unwavering dedication to promoting visual arts left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India.
The Cooking of Books: A Literary Memoir by Ramachandra Guha
Rarely do we witness a bond between an author and editor that withstands four decades of spirited correspondence and intellectual debates. The remarkable and occasionally tumultuous friendship between the outspoken historian Ramachandra Guha and his reserved editor Rukun Advani takes center stage in this uniquely eccentric and utterly captivating literary memoir. Crafted from letters and emails exchanged between a forthright and at times confrontational scholar and a secluded editor known for unleashing private torrents of biting sarcasm, this book brims with the wit, humor, and drollery often stifled by the constraints of modern political correctness.
Snakes, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll by Janaki Lenin and Romulus Whitaker
Renowned as the 'Snakeman of India' and a towering figure in wildlife conservation, Romulus Whitaker's memoir paints a vivid portrait of his lifelong fascination with the magnificent creatures that inhabit our planet. In this captivating first volume, Whitaker takes us on a journey through the vibrant landscapes of 1950s India and the dynamic backdrop of 1960s America. Transplanted from a conventional upbringing in the United States to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai when his mother remarried, Whitaker's childhood took a thrilling turn. Boarding school in Kodai became the breeding ground for his passion for snakes, where he even kept a pet python under his bed. Rejecting the confines of lecture halls, Whitaker pursued his true calling, working in a snake farm in the United States.
A Man of Two Faces by Viet Thanh Nguyen
In his highly original and unorthodox memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer, which garnered global acclaim and is set to be adapted into an HBO series starring Sandra Oh and Robert Downey Jr., offers a candid exploration of his own life. With a blend of insight, humor, formal innovation, and lyrical prose, A Man of Two Faces invites readers to rewind the film of Nguyen's existence. Pushing the boundaries of personal memoir, Nguyen delves into broader narratives of refugeehood, colonization, and the complexities of Vietnamese and American identities. With his characteristic sardonic wit and penetrating analysis, he offers a deeply introspective journey, revealing the intricacies of his experiences as both a father and a son. Through his narrative, Nguyen navigates the intersections of personal and political, inviting readers to contemplate the multifaceted layers of identity, belonging, and the human condition.
The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
From international drag superstar and pop culture icon RuPaul comes his most candid and intimate memoir yet. In The House of Hidden Meanings RuPaul offers a raw and poignant reflection on his journey from growing up Black, poor, and queer in a turbulent household to finding empowerment through performance, chosen family, and self-discovery. Delving into his life, relationships, and identity, RuPaul unveils a deeply personal self-portrait that captures the transformative power of embracing one's true self. As he charts his path to global fame, RuPaul reshapes perceptions of drag and leaves an indelible mark on the world stage.
At The Wheel of Research by Anuradha Mascarenhas
In this compelling biography, Anuradha Mascarenhas offers an exclusive glimpse into the life and career of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the trailblazing inaugural chief scientist at the World Health Organization. Serving during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, Swaminathan's journey unfolds as a tapestry of medicine, research, decision-making, and philanthropy. Drawing upon interviews with Swaminathan's family, including her illustrious father, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, as well as close friends and esteemed colleagues in the scientific community, Mascarenhas paints a vivid portrait of the globally acclaimed researcher. From little-known anecdotes to stories from Swaminathan's formative years in school, college, and prestigious institutions in India and abroad, this biography delves deep into the personal and professional experiences that have shaped Swaminathan's remarkable career. Through Mascarenhas' meticulous research and insightful storytelling, readers are invited to witness the extraordinary journey of a pioneering figure in global health and science.
Slow Noodles by Chantha Nguon
In Slow Noodles, Chantha Nguon shares the poignant tale of her journey as a Cambodian refugee, stripped of everything she holds dear—her home, her family, her nation—leaving behind only the cherished memories of her mother's kitchen. Transporting readers to the serene rhythms of 1960s Battambang, her idyllic provincial hometown, Nguon paints a vivid picture of life before the brutal regime of Pol Pot shattered her world, claiming the lives of over a million Cambodians, including many ethnic Vietnamese like Nguon and her family.
Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 27.02.2024