South Asian Authors In TIME’s 100 Notable Books of 2024
Photo: Nilanjana S. Roy (Top Left), Rahul Bhatia (Top Right), Vajra Chandrasekera (Bottom Left), Salman Rushdie (Bottom Right)
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY – TIME Magazine has unveiled its annual list of 100 Notable Books, and it features South Asian authors whose works traverse themes of history, resilience, and identity. This year’s selection features Nilanjana S. Roy, Rahul Bhatia, Vajra Chandrasekera, and Salman Rushdie, highlighting their contributions to global literature.
Nilanjana S. Roy: A Literary Dive into Darkness
Roy’s novel Black River cements her reputation as one of India’s most thought-provoking authors. Known for her earlier works, The Wildings and The Hundred Names of Darkness, Roy brings readers into a gripping tale set against the backdrop of contemporary Indian society. A celebrated journalist and editor, Roy’s deep understanding of human emotion and societal conflict takes center stage in her latest book. Educated in literature at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, she has long been a voice for nuanced narratives in Indian writing.
Rahul Bhatia: Investigative Brilliance
Rahul Bhatia’s The New India is a searing critique of the nation’s political landscape under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhatia’s investigative journalism, woven with poignant human stories, exposes the creeping authoritarianism and religious nationalism that have reshaped India’s democratic identity. Bhatia, a Harvard Radcliffe Institute fellow and award-winning journalist, combines on-the-ground reporting with an unflinching narrative, making his book both urgent and revelatory.
Vajra Chandrasekera: Timeless Bonds
Sri Lankan author Vajra Chandrasekera’s Rakesfall is a science fiction epic that transcends time and space. The story of two souls, Annelid and Leveret, bound by love and trauma across lifetimes, reflects Chandrasekera’s imaginative prowess. Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War, the novel explores themes of reincarnation, resilience, and humanity’s potential. Known for The Saint of Bright Doors, Chandrasekera continues to push literary boundaries with this dark and moving tale.
Salman Rushdie: Resilience and Reflection
Rushdie’s Knife is a candid memoir recounting his survival of a near-fatal attack in 2022. Known globally for his literary achievements and commitment to free speech, Rushdie offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on his recovery, gratitude for his supporters, and the importance of protecting writers worldwide. The memoir is both a tribute to human resilience and a poignant reminder of the fragility of freedom.
