MUST READ
Highly-anticipated books of the month:
The Sentence
Jagat, a poor young man, is sentenced to a century of "sleep of death" for murder, igniting unrest in Peruma. A treaty is established between the ruling Council and the anarchist Commune to end the conflict. Now, as the treaty nears its end, Nila, a young guardian, is compelled by a mysterious woman to reopen Jagat's case. As she investigates, she faces hidden forces working against her. The Sentence raises critical questions of justice and ethics that will resonate long after you read it.
The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2024
The dynamic pairing of Padma Laxmi and Jaya Saxena opens the door to new perspectives and invites us to explore the meanings we assign to our experiences. The essays in this year’s Best American Food and Travel Writing take us around the globe—from Dakar to Mexico, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain—enhancing our understanding of our place in the world.
Gliff
The first of two novels, Gliff—a Scottish term meaning a shock, fright, or fleeting glimpse—will be followed in 2025 by Glyph. These novels represent a new chapter in Ali’s writing journey, distinct in form and tone from her Seasonal Quartet. Ali maintains a policy of secrecy around her works until they’re complete, and part of the magic lies in experiencing the story without prior knowledge of its content.
What I Ate in One Year
From intimate dinners with renowned actors like Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, featuring an array of enticing dishes, to quick lunches of jam sandwiches for his kids, Stanley Tucci illustrates how beauty can be found in both elaborate feasts and simple everyday meals. Each page reflects the charm we’ve come to admire from his lockdown cocktail tutorials—witty and suave. It combines a diary-style narrative with delectable recipes, capturing a year’s worth of meals in beautifully crafted language that makes readers feel as though they’re dining right alongside him
Everyday Reading: Hindi Middlebrow and The North Indian Middle Class
In the challenging decades after Independence, a vibrant print culture emerged in Hindi, offering alternatives to mainstream national narratives. Aakriti Mandhwani highlights middlebrow magazines like Delhi Press's Sarita and the rise of Hindi paperbacks from Hind Pocket Books, which allowed North Indian middle classes to redefine citizenship beyond traditional notions of nationalism and austerity. Key figures like multilingual editor Vishwa Nath and publisher Dina Nath Malhotra played crucial roles in this transformation. Utilizing previously overlooked publications, Everyday Reading explores both the production of commercial Hindi literature and the reading habits, particularly of women, making it an insightful contribution to the study of print culture in independent India.
Blackened
Blackened follows the Adhikarathil family, once esteemed royalty in Malabar, Kerala, whose legacy is shaken by the birth of Eranimos, a child with dark skin in a lineage of fair-skinned Christians. This unexpected arrival ignites controversy and speculation about his heritage. The novel intricately weaves Eranimos's personal journey to uncover the truth about his skin color and caste identity with the broader social and political tapestry of Kerala. It explores themes such as caste conflicts, waves of migration and conversion, and the complexities of rural versus urban life. Originally published as Karikkottakkary in Malayalam, Blackened serves as a powerful bildungsroman that reflects on how individual family histories are intertwined with the larger historical forces that shape communities and destinies. Through Eranimos's struggles, the book delves into the intricacies of identity, belonging, and the societal structures that define them.
The Abandoners
Ingrid Bergman, Muriel Spark, Maria Montessori, Joni Mitchell…what sacrifices did these women make to become who they were? During the pandemic, journalist Begoña Gómez Urzaiz found herself struggling to write while caring for her young children. This experience led her to examine artistic women who defied societal expectations and maternal instincts to pursue their passions. Intrigued by her own biases, she explored the cultural judgments surrounding these figures. Through examples like Doris Lessing and fictional characters such as Anna Karenina, along with a look at modern trends like Momfluencers, Begoña reveals what our perceptions of these women say about broader societal views on all women.
MUST WATCH
Highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
I Want to Talk
I Want to Talk is a film starring Abhishek Bachchan as a man who looks at the brighter side of life, no matter what happens. The film is about a man and his daughter whose lives are changed by an unexpected medical diagnosis. The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar and is scheduled for release in theaters on November 22 onwards.
Anora
Anora is a 2024 film written and directed by Sean Baker that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie is a slapstick comedy and tragic class drama that follows a Brooklyn stripper named Ani and the wealthy Russian oligarch's son, Vanya, who she marries impulsively after a trip to Las Vegas. It will be screened at Indian theatres over the month.
Joy
Joy recounts the incredible true story of Louise Joy Brown's birth in 1978, the world's first "test-tube baby," and the decade-long effort that made it possible. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist who collaborated with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to tackle infertility through pioneering IVF techniques. The film highlights the power of perseverance and the marvels of science, showcasing this unconventional trio's triumph over significant challenges and opposition, ultimately enabling millions to share in their dream. It will stream on Netflix November 22 onwards.
Blitz
Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen, follows the adventure of a young boy during World War II in London. Nine-year-old George (Elliott Heffernan) is sent to the English countryside by his mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) for safety. However, George is determined to return home to East London, where his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) awaits. As George embarks on his journey, Rita desperately searches for him. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film captures the nightly German bombings of London. It employs various techniques to convey the horror of the attacks, including dark aerial bursts, slow motion, and sweeping overhead shots of the city in ruins.
The Piano Lesson
The Piano Lesson is a 2024 film set in 1936 Pittsburgh, centered on a family divided over a treasured heirloom piano. The story follows the Charles family, whose lives revolve around the piano, which bears carvings made by an enslaved ancestor that chronicle their family history. The film delves into themes of identity, resilience, and transcendence, exploring how we view the past and shape our legacy.
Here
Here is a 2024 comedy-drama-romance film that explores a unique location and the generations of people who call it home. Based on Richard McGuire's graphic novel, the film chronicles the lives of various families who inhabit the same house over the span of a century. It’s a generational story about families and the special place they share, filled with love, loss, laughter, and the essence of life.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Small Changes
Small Changes is the new album by Michael Kiwanuka, which is due for release on November 15, 2024. Kiwanuka is an English songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist who won the Mercury Music Prize for his 2019 album Kiwanuka. The album features Pino Palladino, bassist for D'Angelo, John Mayer, and Beyoncé, and Jimmy Jam, a member of the songwriting and production duo Jam and Lewis.
Nobody Loves You More
Kim Deal's debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, is a celebration of her career and cultural weight, and is full of stories from her life. The album is sonically versatile, with tracks that range from '50s chamber pop to reimagined early Breeders grind. Each song has a story behind it, such as "Are You Mine?" which is about her mother's dementia, and "Summerland" which is about winter vacations in the Florida Keys. Nobody Loves You More is scheduled for release on November 22, 2024.
Phantasy & Reality
Phantasy & Reality is the latest release from Lynn Avery and Cole Pulice, following their 2022 album To Live & Die In Space & Time. After years of collaborating in the same city, they have been separated by distance since late 2022, prompting a new approach to their work. This album features a collage of in-person recordings and individual overdubs, maintaining their collaborative intimacy despite the miles apart. Blending improvisation and composition, they incorporated studio sessions alongside home and field recordings.
Beethoven Blues
Beethoven Blues is a solo piano album by five-time Grammy and Oscar winner Jon Batiste. The album features tracks such as "5th Symphony in Congo Square," "Waldstein Wobble," "Life of Ludwig," and "Für Elise-Reverie." The album is set to be released on November 15, 2024.
From Zero
From Zero is the upcoming eighth studio album by the American rock band Linkin Park, set to release on November 15, 2024. This album introduces new members Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums. It marks the band’s first release since the passing of former lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017 and the departure of former drummer Rob Bourdon. The title carries a double meaning, referencing the band’s original name, Xero, as well as the new chapter brought by Armstrong and Brittain.
MUST ATTEND
Events that you should attend this month:
Raindrops on My Window
Raindrops on My Window offers an intimate glimpse into the significant moments and everyday details of a couple's life, presenting a poignant and moving portrait of love in contemporary society. This simple yet powerful play explores the themes of love and loss, prompting reflection on whether it’s just the loss of love or something deeper. Raindrops on My Window was featured at the World Asia Playwrights Festival 2024 in South Korea. Attend this play on November 10 in Mumbai.
Dhoop
Set in Northern Sri Lanka at the end of the civil war, the play follows a lower-middle-class family struggling to make ends meet as they navigate daily challenges. As their lives take an unexpected turn, the story unfolds around Taatu Rajguru and his family, exploring the complex relationships each character shares with one another. Watch it in Mumbai on November 8.
The Human Library
The Human Library is an immersive event where "books" are real people sharing their unique stories. Borrow individuals for insightful conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity. This safe space encourages learning and connection through storytelling. Discover new perspectives and deepen your understanding of the world. The event is taking place at various venues across India this November.
DGTL
DGTL is a worldwide electronic music festival held in cities like Amsterdam, Santiago (Chile), São Paulo (Brazil), Bengaluru, and Mumbai, as well as during the Amsterdam Dance Event. In addition to its music lineup, DGTL showcases unique art installations and innovative sustainability initiatives, distinguishing it in the festival scene. Past editions have attracted over 25,000 attendees over three days, offering an immersive audio-visual experience with world-class techno and electronic music, captivating lighting and stage designs, and innovative conceptual showcases. Attend it on November 8 and 9 at NESCO, Mumbai!
Long Night at the Museum
Skip-a-beat presents a unique Saturday night experience at Mumbai's Museum of Solutions on November 9, starting at 7 PM. This limited-capacity event transforms the museum into an adult playground, featuring live indie performances and curated DJ sets across two music spaces. Attendees can explore a pop-up mini market with local artisans and enjoy delicious offerings from the city's freshest food vendors. With bars available in both rooms, refreshing drinks are always within reach. The museum's interactive exhibits remain open, inviting guests to rediscover their playful side.
Body and Breath: Our Sacred Spaces
Body and Breath: Our Sacred Spaces is a captivating dance performance taking place on November 3 at the Bangalore International Centre. The event features two segments: Degula, led by Shreema Upadhya, explores the human body as a sacred vessel reflecting cultural and spiritual significance, inviting audiences to celebrate the beauty of individuality over societal ideals. The second segment, Breath, presented by Deepali Salil and Sayani Chakraborty, delves into the transformative power of breath as a conduit for emotional well-being and spiritual connection. Through meditation and movement, this segment emphasizes how breath can harmonize our inner worlds, culminating in a profound dance that merges the self with the essence of the universe.
Engaging Bodies
Engaging Bodies is a conversation session at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi on November 5 at 6 PM. This event features artist Neha Choksi and theatre director and lighting designer Zuleikha Chaudhuri, discussing their long-term explorations of space, body, materiality, and performativity within their practices. The talk is part of the ongoing exhibition The Elemental You, which fosters critical dialogue among the works of artists Simryn Gill, Neha Choksi, and Hajra Waheed. This exhibition delves into the element of ‘Earth’ as a geological, cultural, and material experience, showcasing how these artists engage with natural subjects—rocks, plants, light, and animals—highlighting their intricate relationships with the environment.
Words Platform Desk
Date 31.10.2024