FICTION

RIVER OF SMOKE

by Amitav Ghosh

At the center of the novel is Bahram Modi, whose humble origins in India belie his current status as a shipper of opium. But... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

NARCOPOLIS

by Jeet Thayil

Lyrical, poignant and pensive; challenging for its abundant Indian-isms (“She told only one girak that she was leaving, a... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

JOSEPH ANTON

by Salman Rushdie

Aspects of a spy novel, a writer’s autobiography and a victim’s affidavit pulsing with resentment and fear combine to reveal... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LAST MAN IN TOWER

by Aravind Adiga

Adiga nails the culture of corruption. How exciting to watch a writer come into his own, surpassing the achievement of his... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

TWO LIVES

by Vikram Seth

Another triumph for one of the most versatile and engaging of all contemporary writers. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

UNACCUSTOMED EARTH

by Jhumpa Lahiri

An eye for detail, ear for dialogue and command of family dynamics distinguish this uncommonly rich collection. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

ENGLISH, AUGUST

by Upamanyu Chatterjee

Excellent stuff. Let’s have Chatterjee’s other novels, please. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

A FREE MAN

by Aman Sethi

Alternately sad, defiant, carefree and understated, this journey into a world hidden in plain sight is well worth taking. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

AIDS SUTRA

edited by Negar Akhavi & photographed by Prashant Panjir

A cautionary volume that stresses the need to educate, treat and create jobs. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE MASQUE OF AFRICA

by V.S. Naipaul

A work more narrative than reflective, but Naipaul’s prose remains smooth, subtle, often silvery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE TELL-TALE BRAIN

by V.S. Ramachandran

Despite some minor flaws, Ramachandran produces an exhilarating and at times funny text that invites discussion and... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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