আ বার্নিং

Jivan is a poor Muslim girl in a slum in Kolkata who is arrested after a terrorist attack on a train, because of a Facebook post. Her case is followed by PT Sir, a gym teacher who joins a right-wing party, and Lovely, a hijra who dreams of film stardom. Their stories intersect as the trial approaches, and each must choose between speaking out and protecting themselves. Megha Majumdar writes a short, fast novel about class, ambition and the power of the state.

A good fit for readers who want a contemporary Indian novel about politics and injustice. It suits those who like multiple narrators and a tight, suspenseful structure.

Balanced in tone; a moderate read.

Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?