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Have you read ‘Marginlands’ by Arati Kumar-Rao?

Uncover the devastating consequences of human actions and climate change in this book

Bahrisons Booksellers recently shared an intriguing Instagram post featuring the book, Marginlands: Indian Landscapes on the Brink, by Arati Kumar-Rao. In this captivating piece of work, Arati Kumar-Rao takes readers on a journey through India's endangered landscapes, shedding light on the devastating effects of human activities and climate change. 

Within the vast Thar desert, sand dunes that protect life-sustaining water are destroyed by mining. The Gangetic dolphin, a majestic predator, fights for survival as dams fragment its habitat and relentless shipping disrupts its riverine home. In the mangrove forests of the Sunderban, desperate crab-catchers fall prey to hungry tigers. Coastal encroachments in Mumbai unleash catastrophic floods, while fishermen in Kerala live in constant fear of being swallowed by the sea.

Arati Kumar-Rao fearlessly explores these marginlands, attentively listening to their inhabitants and documenting the devastating consequences of misguided decisions and ignored warnings. However, amidst the impending doom, she unearths ancient wisdom and profound lessons that might aid us in undoing centuries of damage.

Marginlands combines enthralling nature writing, journalism, and immersive art and photography, creating a vital and urgent masterpiece by a passionate environmental chronicler. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the importance of attuning our senses to the land’s wisdom before it's too late.

— Ananya Kesh