Dear Friends,
Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year filled with peace, prosperity, health and good books.
I wanted to share some good news with you.
My newest novel, Independence, about three sisters who live through the exciting and turbulent 1940s in Bengal, while India is struggling to cast off the British yoke, and who learn what independence really means--for a country and for its women, has won a major award. The award is titled the American Book Award, and I am greatly honored. I am doubly honored because this is the second time I am receiving it. (The first time was for my book of stories titled Arranged Marriage.)
Many of you have asked me for reading recommendations, so this time I will give you a list of books I love to re-read.
1. Tagore: The Home and the World, because of his sensitive portrayal of women
2. Daphne du Maurier: Rebecca, because of the suspense and great description
3. Margaret Atwood: The Blind Assassin, because of the excellent characterization and plot twist
4. JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings, because of the amazing world building and epic adventure.
I would love to know which books you like to re-read. I'm going to put up posts asking this question on my social media--Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X), so please put your comments there.
Also, here’s some info about an excellent audiobook on Sita, titled Sita’s Gems—passages from the Ramayan, with commentaries by several knowledgeable women who are authorities on the subject. Also some lovely music. I have a couple of commentaries there, too! Check it out at: https://sitasgems.com/.
The publisher has informed me that if you type in the promo code CHITRA10 when ordering, you’ll get a 10% discount. (I don’t make any money the sales, but it’s a great publication, so I want everyone to know.)
Thank you once again, friends, for your continued support of my writing.
Chitra
