About FOOTPRINTS IN THE BAJRA (Cedar Books, New Delhi); By Nabina Das

"Fittingly for a poet, Nabina’s novel also has a strong lyrical core. 'Footprints in the Bajra' takes the homely image of the millet field as its central metaphor. ... But the novel is less a thriller about guerrilla action than a subtly colored character study of a fascinating group of individuals who intersect at various points in their lives ..." -- DEBRA CASTILLO, author, editor and distinguished professor (Cornell University, April 17, 2010).

**
Footprints in the Bajra is a serious book that moves at a smart uncontrived pace. It voices deep concerns about how and why the deprived and the marginalized in certain parts of our country join the Maoist ranks; how they adopt desperate and often terrible measures to wrench justice and to make their voices heard... a confident debut novel, a good read, which will leave you with plenty to mull over. -- PRITI AISOLA, author (See Paris for Me, Penguin-India, 2009) in DANSE MACABRE XXXIV.

**
In her debut novel, Nabina Das writes about an India where social divides stand taller than multistoried shopping malls. Footprints in the Bajra, inspired by what she saw while touring the interiors of Bihar as part of a travelling theatre group, inquires into why the Maoists have an influence over a large section of Indian society. Das talked to Uttara Choudhury in New York about her book, and its protagonist Muskaan -- DAILY NEWS AND ANALYSIS, Mumbai, March 28, 2010.

**


"The interspersion of references from both the West and India do not clash. Shakespeare and Lazarus as reference points are brought in with ease, as also Valmiki and Goddess Chhinnamasta, and nothing jars ... The language is poetic and creates visual images of beauty and ugliness side by side." -- ABHA IYENGAR, poet (Yearnings: Serene Woods, 2010) and fiction writer in MUSE INDIA, May-Jun 2010


**
Shwetank Dubey says Nabina Das ably recreates the milieu of Maoist-infested regions of India -- Nabina Das has chosen the first person account of narrating a story from the main characters of the novel, Nora the sheherwali (urban dweller), Muskaan the rebel, Suryakant Sahay the crafty clandestine planner and Avadhut the frontrunner of all the operations... the book deals with something that no urban resident is bound to know on his own — the life and times of people living in Maoist infested areas and why do they give in to the temptation provided by the Red Brigade. -- PIONEER newspaper, April 25, 2010.
**
'"If you misrepresent them, they'll abduct and kill you," says Muskaan, our hostess'... goes the first line with which Nabina Das settles everything about her novel -- style, subject and pace... Excellent plotline. Wonderful detail. A beautifully crafted book. -- Karunamay Sinha; THE STATESMAN, Sunday supplement "8th Day", May 16, 2010.
**

"This is bitter-sweet, if a rather longish tale of a modern-day Maoist revolution and the seeds of destruction and betrayal that lie embedded in it." -- Business World, May 17, 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Reading at SNOETRY: A Winter Wordfest 2010

SNOETRY: A Winter Wordfest took place in the historic town of North East (Erie), PA, on January 16, 2010. What a bash, what an energetic gathering and what poetic lineup! I was a featured poet among the 40 or so (we had brilliant open mic-ers too) poets from diverse states (see the fabulous poets' list here). And oh, music too, with two bands adding to the soaring spirit!

Poets Dianne Borsenik and John Burroughs of "Lix and Kix" poetry event from Cleveland stormed the show with their lively emceeing and reading. Snoetry took off in the dazzling and artistic bookshop "The Last Wordsmith" run by friend Megan Collins, of North East, PA.

Among the poems I read were Finding Foremothers; The First Apple Sings a Ruba'i; Tea with Reza; Conversation, etc.

Here are some pics of me with John, Dianne and Megan, and myself in the exalted reading pose (see more pics here)!












Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Fabulous!!!

January 20, 2010 at 7:31 PM
John B. Burroughs said...

Peace, love and poetry! Thanks, Nabina!

January 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM
fleuve-souterrain said...

Oh Megan, thanks for hosting us!

January 20, 2010 at 8:02 PM
fleuve-souterrain said...

Dear JC: wish you the same. I was delighted to be there, hugs!

January 20, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Unknown said...

Send breathtaking flowers and gifts to India and make a beguiling focal point to any celebration. Add unique beauty and style to the occasions of your special ones in India with our exotic range of flowers and gifts.

Please visit:
www.gifts-to-india.com

January 22, 2010 at 1:47 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)