The King of China by Tilman Rammstedt translated from German to English by Katy Derbyshire
Seagull Books, India; 184 pp; fiction/translation
This novel by German author Tilman Rammstedt, translated into English by Katy Derbyshire, is a tragic and comic story at once. This tricky tale of a grandfather and grandson, both equally eccentric and secretive, and their travels, imaginary and real, is definitely an adventurous journey for the readers. The translation is top-notch, never once giving away that it was not originally written in English.
Sing To Me by Mani Rao
Recent Work Press, Australia; 46 pp; poetry
This is a collection of poems by poet Mani Rao focused entirely on classical Greek narratives. The verse dances between battlefields and orchards, Aphrodite and Helen of Troy, establishing lines of great beauty. Additionally, the footnotes, which are a total surprise, are notable for their tongue-in-cheek humour as well as back stories.
Dewed by Nandita Bose
Atta Galatta Books and Publishers, India; 104 pp; poetry
A debut collection of poetry by novelist Nandita Bose, this is a slim volume of delicate, vulnerable poems that speak emotional truths with a painful honesty. The theme is life in general, what goes on around and what happens within. Some of the poems feel like whispered secrets while others are fragile music.
