The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Queen Jindan of Punjab was the embodiment of bravery and dependability, and this book is a tribute to her illustrious history, which is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. She rises to power and contends with British encroachment after marrying an elderly Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who passes soon after she gives birth to their son. Chitra Banarjee’s great writing transports the reader of the bygone era and brings forth the Queen’s conscientious wit and listening abilities to life, making her a formidable ruler.
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
The world-famous mystery writer Agatha Christie was a mysterious figure herself and there is one part of her life that was left unexplored. One fine day in December 1926, Christie packed a small suitcase and drove away from her house. Later, her car was found in a ditch and people assumed Christie to be dead as she was in turmoil due to her personal life ever since she discovered her husband’s affair. She was later located in a hotel room in perfect condition and she has never spoken or written about this ever. This book is a fictionalised version of that event and gives an insight into her life.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
This young adult novel has it all and its premises and flared writing makes this one unforgettable. A multi-generational story of Misbah who is a writer soon gets married to Toufiq in Lahore but tragedy strikes and they move to the United States and start the Cloud’s Rest Inn Motel. Salahudin is their son and is best friends with Noor, they bond over being immigrants until they have a fight which crumbles their friendship. Their personal life takes a drastic shift when Sal has to save the family motel and Noor applies for college. The book explores their love and the question of whether they ever be able to find their way back to each other.
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
‘The Forty Rules of Love,’ an international bestseller, delves into the lives of the famed Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi and his companion Shams Tabrizi. There are two parallel stories running throughout the novel, one being of Ella Rubinstein who is reading a manuscript about Rumi written by a mysterious writer with whom she forms an instant connection. The other is the tale of Rumi and the circumstances that prompted him to become one of the most famous Sufi mystic. Shafak gives a deep understanding of Islamic mysticism and provides the reader with beautiful proses about the true meaning of love.
Silent Murder by Nupur Luthra
This suspense thriller makes the reader unable to put down the book till the very end. The story is set in the coastal town of New York with Nick leading a blissful life with his better half Bridget. Soon, a secret about a murderer is revealed and it opens the Pandora’s Box with Nick being swarmed by questions that he never knew existed. Many hidden truths about his grandfathers are unveiled which makes him determined to reach to the bottom of the whole story.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert A memoir of the author who embarks on a journey of self-love and healing after a painful divorce that resonates with many readers. She decides to spend four months in each city that will bring peace to her mind, body, and soul, and she seeks relaxation in Italy (eat), spiritual growth in India (pray), and self-reflection in Bali (love). This best-seller was also made into a movie by the same name featuring Julia Roberts but the book has its own charm that the movie could not capture.
