ONE TO READ

What’s the price of ambition? More specifically, what’s its price in a country ruptured by extremism? This question is at the heart of A Burning, the searing debut by Indian novelist Megha Majumdar. Melding political thriller with dreamy bildungsroman, this novel follows three characters in the aftermath of a devastating terror attack. Jivan is a Muslim girl from Kolkata’s slums accused of collaborating with the terrorists. Lovely is a vivacious intersex hijra who dreams of becoming a Bollywood star. PT Sir is Jivan’s former gym teacher, seduced by a charismatic politician and the elite echelons of society. Slicing between these three perspectives, A Burning offers an unflinching and often harrowing take on corruption and its consequences. Electrifying from the first actionpacked page, Majumdar is a talent to watch out for.

Review by Katie

Jenkins