By Nadia Shah, Yumna Iqbal and Michelle Ye
In our previous issue, we highlighted the fictional works of talented South Asian authors. Now, we're turning our attention to non-fiction in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month. We'll be recommending a selection of non-fiction texts that explore various aspects of South Asian history, culture, politics and personal experiences. These books provide valuable insights into the diverse heritage and experiences of the South Asian community.
Azadi by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy's Azadi is a collection of essays that delve into the complex and turbulent political and social landscape of contemporary India. The book explores themes of freedom and identity, touching on significant issues such as the rise of nationalism, the erosion of democratic freedoms, and the ongoing occupation and struggles in Kashmir. Roy weaves together personal reflections, historical context and sharp political analysis to provide a nuanced view of India's current state.
Azadi is particularly compelling for its insightful critique and the way it challenges readers to think critically about the concept of freedom in the context of increasing authoritarianism and social strife, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roy's thought-provoking writing not only informs but also inspires readers to engage with the issues she presents, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper currents shaping contemporary India and wider world.
The book offers an urgent commentary on the political and social issues facing India today. Roy's perspective as a renowned author and activist brings a unique depth to her analysis, encouraging readers to question and reflect on the nature of freedom and democracy. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy in the face of injustice, making it an essential read for those who seek to be informed and engaged global citizens.
The Roles We Play by Sabba Khan
Khan’s memoir recounts the rich history of Azad Kashmir, where many British Pakistanis originate from, and how her own personal identity ties into that of where she is from.
After the Partition in 1947, many Kashmiris from Mirpur were displaced as a result of the city being submerged in the water from the Mangla Dam, leading to a mass migration of Mirpur-born Azad Kashmiris to Britain. Being a second-generation migrant herself, Khan reflects on her life growing up in East London, and how British Asian life has been influenced and changed over generations by not only our own roots, but growing up in the West.
The Roles We Play explores an array of themes, such as displacement, religion, culture, tradition and secularism, wrapped in Khan’s personal perspective of her experience of assimilation, tinged with humour, yet complexity.
Brown Girl Like Me by Jaspreet Kaur
Another memoir, Brown Girl Like Me seeks to embolden and empower South Asian girls and women as it speaks of topics ranging from mental health to the workplace, and how the South Asian identity fits into that. Kaur writes about the intersectionality of South Asian culture, tradition and ideas woven into our daily lives, as she tackles topics in different aspects of society such as the media and education, in order to help South Asian women become confident in themselves and take charge of their lives.
Kaur uses interviews with notable South Asian women, as they recount their own past experiences and academics who look at the real-life cultural contexts for women in the diaspora. This book is perfect for South Asian women with an interest in culture, feminism and identity.
I Belong Here: A Journey Along the Backbone of Britain by Anita Sethi
Winner of the 2021 Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Non-Fiction, I Belong Here encapsulates Anita Sethi’s reflections on identity, perception, and belonging. After enduring a verbal attack from a racist passenger on the TransPennine Express, Sethi was determined to reclaim her space and sense of security by hiking across the Pennines. This debut memoir describes her journey, both mental and physical, intricately connecting the external landscape with internal realisations. Surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, Sethi begins to unravel the ugliness of her experiences with racism and allows the quiet to illuminate new perspectives.
Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain by Sathnam Sanghera
Written by journalist Sathnam Sanghera, Empireland is an exploration of the overlooked connections between modern and imperial Britain. Sanghera argues that despite rising attention to British colonial history, the magnitude of its effects continues to go unnoticed. Beyond the foreign artefacts that fill British museums, the mark of imperialism can be found in modern Britain's multicultural society, immense wealth, and even certain social behaviours. Sanghera roots his discussion in historical examples and brings them into focus by revealing their connections to personal and shared modern experiences. In doing so, Empireland both interrogates the past and reflects on the present.
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