Little Women – It’s Christmastime but celebrations and treats are on hold: Civil War is tearing America apart, and the March family has fallen on hard times. Sweet Meg can’t help but dwell on more comfortable times as she’s forced to work as a governess for a spoilt bunch of children. Jo is wilful and headstrong, and dreams of being a writer. Shy Beth simply wants to help everyone as best as she can. And Amy, the baby of the family, splurges on pickled limes even as she struggles with her French. But their lives are vibrant and rich as they get into all sorts of trouble; put up wild plays; go skating on ice with the Lawrence boy, their neighbour; struggle with their emotions and vices; and look after each other through sickness—all the while seeking comfort and advice from their loving Marmee. An enduring classic about the ups and downs of coming-of-age and the joys of sisterhood, Little Women has captured the imagination of generations of readers. Enter the world of the March sisters once again, now with a memorable introduction by Shabnam Minwalla. Written with deep empathy and searing emotional intensity, and in the clear, unaffected prose that is the hallmark of Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar’s style, My Father’s Garden marks a major talent of Indian fiction writing at the top of his form. Gripping, eye-opening and inspiring, A Doctor’s Experiments in Bihar is a testament to how a few committed individuals can bring about significant change through sheer perseverance and compassion.
