BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

From short stories on loneliness and the way to deal with it, to a new translation of Rumi’s poetry, our book picks this week, curated by Chirdeep Malhotra

FICTION

“Within the Cocoon of Love” by Meena Mishra and Vishwas Vaidya

This is a crime fiction novel, having elements of sci-fi. Woven around the central theme of technology and its effects on human relationships, it presents various dimensions of this issue. To tackle the same stimulating internal debate in the minds of the readers, the book delves into various debates and discussions. The narrative talks about themes like Cyber crime and criminology, and also explains how the marvels of futuristic technology can make departed souls alive and converse with you, and even be your companion when you are lonely. Pick up this book if you want to read a bitter sweet dose of philosophical discourse on love and relationships.



MEMOIR

“Burma to Bangalore” by Lt. Col. V.S. Ranganathan (Retd.) and Sandhya

In this book, Lt. Col. V.S. Ranganathan details his life story, as his memories go marching past. From growing up in Burma, when the Japanese bombed Rangoon and the family had to flee and start afresh in an India caught in the throes of the freedom struggle; to serving as an Army Officer in the Territorial Army and fighting in three wars, his personal life was nomadic with family, friends and colleagues crossing and crisscrossing his path. This book, which he has co-authored with his older daughter Sandhya, presents many interesting anecdotes. Pick up this book to read an engaging account of his childhood, and his life as an officer and a veteran.



SELF HELP/ SHORT STORIES

“Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Atma Sumit Agrawal and Vidhika Dalmia

The biggest disease gnawing at the hearts of most people today is loneliness. Many people feel that they are in an ocean of infinite love, yet are unable to feel it. This book is a collection of extraordinary stories of the lives of ordinary people looking for love. From the one-sided love of a devoted wife to the strange friendship with a dog, these are the stories of people looking for a way to heal their hearts, and are a reflection of the world we live in. Many of the stories also present a way to deal with loneliness.



POETRY

“Rumi: A New Collection”, selected and translated by Farrukh Dhondy

In the poems of Jalal-ud-din Rumi, love, devotion, suffering and longing mysteriously co-exist. Composed almost eight centuries ago, the deep spirituality and buoyant wisdom of the poems are a source of inspiration to millions today. This volume contains selections from Rumi's masterpieces, the Masnavi and Diwan-e-Shams, as well as his ghazals. The translations by Farrukh Dhondy offer a modern idiom to the poems, but also faithfully keep intact their religious context.