BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

From a novel describing lives of frontline journalists in conflict zones, to a book blending sci-fi with fantasy, our book picks this week, curated by Chirdeep Malhotra

FICTION

“Dangerous Dispatches” by Achala Moulik

This novel is set against the backdrop of some of 20th century’s conflicts in contested lands of Afghanistan, Middle East, Iran, Bosnia, where the lives of different characters cross each other’s paths. The cast of characters include the frontline journalist Shivan Khamboj and his archaeologist wife Romona; their friends – the idealistic Russian journalist Alexei Rumyanstev and his wife Ludmila; the visionary Afghan Prince Farid and his wife Anahita; and the English writer Julian Ashford and his beloved Vinita. The events in the story shape the destiny of these individuals, as much as they shape the fate of nations.



SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

“LUCY 3: Lucy And The Rise Of The Parabola” by Anandajit Goswami & Debashis Chakraborty

“Lucy 3” is the third book in The Lucy Series, and is the sequel of the books “Lucy and the Train: Tryst with Sustainability” and “Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence”. In this book, Lucy is up for another sci-fi adventure as she navigates the future and present realms to save the world. But the adventurous journey is also filled with treacherous twists and sinister entities. In this compelling narrative blending science fiction with fantasy, through Lucy’s futuristic journey, the authors contemplate on the larger issues in the realms of sci-fi, dystopia, humanity and sustainability.



CRIME THRILLER

“Prisoner's Dilemma” by Vish Dhamija

Vish Dhamija is the bestselling author of ten crime fiction books. His latest book “Prisoner’s Dilemma” is also a crime thriller, and follows the story of two best friends, Bipin Desai and Anuj Shastri, who lead pointless lives. Together they concoct a plan to rob a van full of cash, and the two are arrested within days, but the cash is still nowhere to be found. The officer-in-charge, Senior Inspector Arfy Khan, tries every trick in the book to make Bipin and Anuj confess to their crime by convincing one of them to go against the other. Will the two survive the test of their friendship? This book will keep readers on the edge of their seats.



SHORT STORIES

“The Masala Box: Contemporary Flash Fiction” by Rachna Kheria, Sarin Mathur, Sireesha Kadiyala & Vidhi Kheria

This anthology of short stories has been penned by four authors who hail from diverse backgrounds. The different short stories encompass varied geographical locations, moods and narratives; and explore humanity in a way that touches the heart and makes it experience the very spice of life. This melange of flash fiction celebrates the various memories and experiences of the authors, both real and imagined – sweet, savoury, tangy and quintessentially umami – in life.