Dear Readers,
For many, the question “where is home?” carries weight. Over the years, as we move through life collecting experiences, memories, and knowledge, this metaphorical box accumulates weight and significance. The complex, ever-evolving concept demands careful handling and a nuanced touch - much like the one prompted by the “handle with care” sticker.
The phrase dawned on us while moderating an intimate conversation at the Aangan Lit Fest, a celebration of novels, poems, and memoirs of the South Asian diaspora. The panelists shared insights into the profound heaviness embedded in their definitions of ‘home’, encouraging their audience to treat their words with the gentleness they deserve.
For Prachi Gupta, author of “They Called Us Exceptional”, her brother, Yush, represented the essence of home. After his passing, her mind became her home, and she continues to reflect on her sense of belonging in physical places. Gupta also candidly discussed the negative implications of the model minority myth and its influence on the definition of 'home' and belonging for immigrants.
Poet Ansley Moon consistently stood out as someone who did not appear to belong in her home. Born in India and adopted into a white, Southern family, her appearance and heritage did not align with the cultural context of her adopted home.
Krystal Sital, author of “Secrets We Kept”, had her perception of home shattered when her grandfather fell into a coma, exposing a painful family history where her mother, grandmother, aunts, and cousins revealed the suffering they had endured under his reign in their household. Her experience highlights the conflicting emotions of 'home' being perceived as a sanctuary while also harboring deep-seated anguish within its walls.
We told you: the topic is weighty. But, it's through their writing that the concept of 'home' takes on diverse and profound dimensions. Their stories, filled with truth and vulnerability, may resonate with readers who find elements of their own experiences within them. Ultimately, this is the essence of why we run BGB – to ensure that these powerful narratives find their audience and continue to enrich our collective understanding of important concepts in all their complexity.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
The Things We Lost by Jyoti Patel
Reviewed by: Dupi Hayer
Readers who have a penchant for delving into the intricacies of family sagas and the complexities of human relationships will find a profound appreciation for "The Things That We Lost." The novel gracefully traces the journey of a South Asian mother and her biracial son as they navigate the many chapters of grief.
I fell in love with this book for many reasons, but primarily because of how Patel explores death and identity within the sacred confines of a mother-son relationship. Patel's characters serve as poignant embodiments of the significance of fostering open dialogue concerning the universal human experience of loss.
Patel not only weaves a captivating narrative but also creates a profound mirror reflecting our shared experiences of loss and identity, making it a must-read for those seeking both literary excellence and emotional resonance.
Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera
Reviewed by: Saira Ahmed
"Empireland” unearths the enduring impact of the British Empire on South Asian heritage, revealing the profound and lasting consequences of colonialism on South Asian communities and culture. Sathnam Sanghera's insightful exploration sheds light on existing injustices, racial attitudes, and societal inequalities.
He employs personal stories that resonate with South Asian readers, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our history while grappling with the complex identity we inherit from our colonial past. Sanghera's compelling narrative serves as a reminder of the need for greater recognition, understanding, and healing as we navigate the difficulties of our heritage and its entanglement with the British Empire.
As a piece of the ever-complicated Pakistani-Indian diaspora, "Empireland" serves as a poignant call for reclamation and empowerment. As I read about the British Empire's legacy, I recognized the resilience of our communities and cultures, which have thrived despite the colonial forces that have sought to oppress, stereotype, and tokenize us. Sanghera's storytelling unveils the importance of understanding our history and roots, equipping us to challenge the prevailing narratives and stereotypes that still permeate society. By embracing this candid examination of our past, South Asian readers can forge a path towards healing and create a more inclusive future, one that recognizes the contributions and struggles of our ancestors while working towards a more just and equitable world for generations to come.
📚 Get your copy of “Empireland.”
The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma
Reviewed by: Monica Chakraborty
In her genre-blending debut, Aparna Verma seamlessly melds science fiction, high fantasy, and romance. The fate of the Ravani kingdom hinges on an assassin, a princess, and a king. Yassen Knight, a notorious assassin with a hidden agenda, must serve the bloodline he once swore to destroy. Elena Ravence, a princess poised for coronation, will stop at nothing to acquire the gift of fire, despite being the sole member of her bloodline without it. King Leo Ravence, a complex character, clings ruthlessly to his throne to safeguard his country. Verma crafts these characters with depth; even the tyrannical villain, whose motivations are discernible and evolving.
What initially captivated me about ‘The Phoenix King’ was its brilliant marketing, featuring enchanting South Asian attire and a fiery protagonist. The striking character artwork depicting Elena Ravence left an indelible impression, and the narrative lived up to its promise. What distinguishes Elena from typical fantasy heroines is her unapologetic wrath – she has every reason to harbor unbridled fury at her circumstances, and she does not shy away from expressing it.
The world of Sayon is simultaneously futuristic with holopods, hover cars, and pulse guns while having a traditional essence of Indian mythology. Verma’s world building is complex, but there is never an overload of information.
In a gripping saga of profound beauty, characters navigate the delicate balance between fear and bravery, sacrifice and greed, trust and betrayal, duty and passion, with the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance.
📚 Get your copy of “The Phoenix King.”
To view all of the books featured on our page and/or purchase them from independent booksellers:
🌉 Bay Area: South Asian Literature & Arts Festival
October 7th-8th, 11am-7pm | Menlo College
The 5th annual SALA festival is a path-breaking, multi-disciplinary conversation that will explore the changing narratives in our diaspora. 📣 Don’t forget to check out the Literature Panel: Subverting the Story: Contemporary Literary Voices on Sunday, October 8th, moderated by BGB co-founder Sri Ramesh and with award winning novelists Soniah Kamal (Unmarriageable) and Sonora Jha (How to Raise a Feminist Son, The Laughter).
🎟️ Get your tickets here.
🌉 San Francisco: In Conversation with Jhumpa Lahiri
October 13th, 7:30pm | Sydney Goldstein Theater
Jhumpa Lahiri, the Pulitzer Prize-winning South Asian literary trailblazer known for her iconic works like “Interpreter of Maladies” and “The Namesake,” is coming to San Francisco next month! Get your in-personal or virtual tickets now, and be on the lookout for an exclusive giveaway with BGB and City Arts & Lectures coming soon.