Making heads roll is not new to writers. However, the success rate is questionable. It’s true. As my fellow writer pointed out, the members of Georges Bataille’s secret organisation, Acéphale, were prepared to sacrifice their heads to the cause. However, none of them had the courage to behead the next person. A similar incident occurred in Yukio Mishima’s life. Mishima informed his lieutenants that if the coup d’état that he had planned were to fail, he would commit harakiri. When someone commits harakiri, he tears his stomach open with a dagger. A trusted man should stand by, to swiftly cut o ..read more

‘Cocoon’ by Zhang Yueran, translated by Jeremy Tiang, is a story that explores the complexities of memory and history and how the Cultural Revolution continues to haunt Chinese culture today. One of its central themes is the concept of memory and how it shapes and twists our perception of the past and of who we are now. Zhang Yueran succeeds in telling a tale that is both personal recall and shared cultural history masterfully, showing how history is remembered, misremembered, and even altered by those who experience it. The novel ‘Cocoon’ is one of the stories featuring memory as a key theme ..read more

With several fiction as well non-fiction literature on the 1947 Indo-Pak Partition, what prompted you to write another book on a topic so well-covered?  You are right. The Partition conjures up very real and tragic images in our minds. And while I have used its backdrop against my novel, the idea behind it was to talk about the other traumatic events that have unfortunately fallen through the cracks. This is not a novel that is centred around the Partition, but it relies heavily on the aftermath of the Rescue and Restoration Act that sprung from the Partition.  What is exac ..read more

How many four leafed clovers do you need,  To overcome a life full of misfortune? How many books do you have to read, Before you gain the confidence of an average fool? How many seasons of monsoons do you have to live through, To understand that weather will never be your friend? How many deaths do you have to witness, To realize death is hard for the living, not for the ones who are gone? How many opportunities do you have to take, Before you realize not every opportunity is the right one for you? How many tears do you have to cause, Before you comprehend the weight of those will haunt ..read more

Elizabeth O’Connor‘s debut novel, “Whale Fall,” begins on an isolated Welsh island teetering on the edge of change. Set in September 1938, the community’s fishermen have begun, encountering the Royal Navy at sea, a sign of the looming global conflict. The novel opens with a dramatic event: a whale washing ashore, which the islanders interpret as an ominous sign, although its exact meaning is uncertain. As O’Connor writes, “It felt as though something was circling us, waiting to land against the shore,” capturing the community’s uneasy anticipation. The story is narrated by 18-year-old Manod Ll ..read more

“The Diary of a Good Neighbor,” which appears in Doris Lessing‘s The Diaries of Jane Somers, explores the important subjects of aging and how the elderly are treated. The story, which is vividly told from Jane (Janna) Somers’s first-person journal, centers on Janna, a sophisticated, fashionable, and talented middle-aged assistant editor at a hip women’s magazine. Her life is centered around her work and upholding a well-manicured public persona, with little time for meaningful interpersonal relationships. But once her seemingly happy spouse passes away suddenly, Janna is forced to face the har ..read more

Dates: May 10th and 11th (Friday and Saturday)Venue: BMICH – Mihilaka Medura/KamathaTimingFriday 9 AM to 1:30 PMSaturday 10 AM to 2:30 PM 21 Speakers | 50 sessions | Unlimited Fun Storytelling, Workshops, Books, and Art & Craft for 4–14-year-olds The first edition of Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival in Colombo will be held on the 10th/11th of May 2024. The Colombo edition is being presented by LPF (La Petite Fleur) Schools to celebrate 30 years of service to the child.  Founded by Bernie Anders ..read more

“Mama Hissa’s Mice,” a novel by Saud Alsanousi, is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the impact of sectarian violence. The story unfolds in Kuwait over 30 years, weaving together two narrative threads. The first follows the protagonist, Katkout, as he navigates a Kuwait torn apart by sectarian strife, while the second thread is a novel within the novel, detailing Katkout’s life from childhood. The book is rich in cultural and historical detail, offering a vivid portrayal of Kuwaiti society and the long-lasting effects of the Iraqi occupation. Alsanousi’s writing is praised fo ..read more

A familiar title but an unusual spell out – ‘JUUHHHUUUU’ – by Manoj Kumar Sharma is a touching collection of three short stories that delves into the intricacies of human emotions, exploring the timeless theme of love in the context of the modern digital age. The stories emanate from Mumbai’s Juhu beach, however, their trajectory of reach spans across many cities and nations. You eventually realize especially with second and third story. The bigger theme focuses on LOVE – despite AI-like technologies and the world filled with hate and rogue people, true love always finds its way to heart. The ..read more

Karin Slaughter’s “Fractured” takes readers on a gripping journey into the depths of human psyche and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a chilling crime. As one delves into the pages of this thriller, they are immediately drawn into a world of suspense, mystery, and intense emotions. Slaughter’s skillful characterization brings the story to life, with each character exhibiting depth and complexity. From the protagonist, Special Agent Will Trent, to the enigmatic Dr. Sara Linton, every character is meticulously crafted, allowing readers to connect with their str ..read more