Over the last many years, the world of publishing has increasingly seen a rise in small and independent publishing, so much so that at present, these publishing houses collectively share quite a sizeable portion of the book publishing economy.
What these small publishing houses lack in money and infrastructure (in comparison to bigger houses), is often compensated in terms of risk-taking capabilities, attention to details that go into bringing out of a book, as well as relationship building between the publisher and the writer.
It is interesting to note that the journey of many of these publishing houses began with the wish to invest in interesting work, rather than monetary concerns. In the long run, good books make good publishing houses, and not the other way round. Great quality benefits everyone, sets the standard and invests in better readers, keeps the interest in reading alive.
At TBR, we wanted to recognise the efforts that go into independent publishing and showcase a few interesting books (published in 2024) that caught our eye. But this isn’t only about the publishers, it is also about those authors who kept the faith alive in their own work to survive without a big banner, to keep writing and publishing the best possible stories in spite of the pressures. Needless to say, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and we hope the scope of interesting work becomes broader, better.
1 – The Compass Bird by Siddhartha Menon (Paperwall Publishing)
Siddhartha Menon’s poetry collection The Compass Bird, is in both delightful and wise, a bit like the bird he seems to be so fond of- the crow. Other than the many poems devoted to crows, you encounter pigeons, squirrels, koels, butterflies, kites, kingfishers, etc. The poems bring together human-bird encounters depicted with some wit, wisdom and great tenderness.
The poems are a surprise package, and nudge the reader into re-looking their relationship with nature, especially with the birds and other animals, and how we can coexist with some good-humoured imagination on our side.
Menon’s voice is both wise and witty, a refreshing changing tapestry in Indian English poetry.
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2 – Mr Secondhand and Other Stories by Manohar Shetty (Copper Coin)
Manohar Shetty is well known as a fine poetic voice, but delivers a surprise punch with this book of stories. In his characteristic dry wit, there are close observations of random people, bringing together wicked characters, that could be both Goan and universal. The language is fresh, unassuming and the whiff of ordinariness mingles here with subtle flavours that feels warm and sharp at the same time. One gets the feeling that Shetty is a people watcher at the core.
As poet C.P. Surendran puts it aptly, ‘He is the Mario Miranda of Goan literature.’
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3 – These Tongues that Grow Roots By Sucharita Dutta- Asane ( Dhauli Books)
After the success of her first short story collection Cast Out and Other Stories, Sucharita returns with yet another book of stories. Her writing here is sometimes surreal, sometimes grounded, but each story takes flight. Silence becomes a metaphor, a certain reclusiveness and a reflective tranquil takes you through the disturbing areas. Dutta’s language is both precise, and blurred enough to create a suspense for what is about to be revealed. You find here deep introspection, and hauntingly beautiful language in many of these stories. A remarkable collection.
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4 – Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam Hardcover by Banamallika (ed.) ( Zubaan Publishing)
The book is a delight, not only for reader familiar with the diversity of the North East of India, but hopefully those who are curious about it too. Very rarely does a book capture the variety of a geography and its people so vividly, as this book. Many of the stories here are narrated by women who have a different dimension of looking into the politics, environment or socio-cultural factors governing the area.
From the ULFA movement to the Bodo agitation, here is a unique perspective by women in different spheres of life, connecting the personal to the public. Edited by Banamallika, with illustrations by Fizala Tayebulla and the editor, the collection is a mixed bag with poems, short stories, drawings, that map Assam’s diversity.
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5 –Chitrakar by Benode Behari Mukherjee (Seagull)
The Artist
Translated by K. G. Subramanyan
Seagull’s dedication to art is reiterated through yet another beautiful book, this time in the form of a memoir of sorts by Benode Behari Mukherjee. Translated by Behari’s own student, (and a great artist himself) K. G Subramanyan.
‘Benode Behari Mukherjee (1904–1980) was one of the most influential and highly regarded artists in the history of modern Indian art. Chitrakar brings together four broadly autobiographical pieces written by Benode Behari after he lost his eyesight in the summer of 1957. ‘The Artist’ is a selective reminiscence recapturing various pictures from the years of his childhood, apprenticeship and maturity, up to the time he became blind.’ (From the Seagull website)
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6 – One Day, One Morning by Anuradha Vijayakrishnan (Red River)
One Day, One Morning by Anuradha Vijayakrishnan is a novella. Set in Kerala, this is a gripping and sensitively told story about two families. Deep within Ammachi’s and Molamma’s; families that bear the same socio-cultural environment, there is this unravelling of a thrilling story that will bring before you intricate and rich bonds, full of surprising twists.
Anuradha’s narration is powerful and moving. She is able to capture the vulnerability of the characters, even while describing boring age-old family customs. The more things refuse to change, the more slight changes crop up.
One Day, One Morning; is a rich tapestry told in an assured voice, with well moulded characters.
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7 – Myth, Memory & Folktale of the Wancho Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh: The Stories of Our Ancestors By Tara Douglas, Jatwang Wangsa (Niyogi Books)
The book puts into focus an indigenous tribe from Arunachal Pradesh in the North East India, called Wancho. Here you will find mythical stories that have been mostly taken from oral accounts, contemplating on the primary themes of the origins of humankind. The stories highlight the traditions, customs and rituals of the community.
Interestingly enough, the book is sourced from the collective memory of the members of the tribe, and as such there are no individual authors here. One gets the feeling that these are stories that have constantly evolved over the years, and as result showcases tales from many generations.
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8 – The Keepers of Darkness (English) by Mamta Nainy, Illustrator- Upasana Agarwal (Katha Publishing)
The book, aimed at young adults, is inspired by the indigenous wisdom and resilience of the Irulas, one of the oldest Adivasi communities of India. The book is lyrical in nature and entices the readers into exploring the deep mystical forests along with the lives of those tribals who live there.
Irulas are known to have great eyesight, which makes it easy for them to navigate through the forests. What they see on their way, how they respond to the mysteries of the dark jungles, how they seek out honey, fish, raw spices and medicinal herbs- then becomes one big adventure. How to use scents and signs to track, small animals, etc make for exciting narratives that youngsters are sure to enjoy.
Embedded in the cities, our young minds who are far away from nature, mind find wonder and magic in these stories and wonderful illustrations.
