Queer literature, just like the movement itself, extends beyond just a month. As Pride Month concludes, My Kolkata suggests five books to add to your reading list for the year. This diverse selection — spanning non-fiction and fiction — showcases narratives that are sure to have a significant impact. Read on...
‘After Sappho’ by Selby Wynn Schwartz
The book documents the journey and contribution of women, who made a difference with their voices in various fields in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Did you know Sarah Bernhardt, Eileen Gray and Lina Poletti? After Sappho, a historical fiction by Selby Wynn Schwartz — a Ph.D in comparative literature and a teacher at Stanford University — documents the journey and contribution of women, who made an impact with their voices in various fields in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schwartz’s debut novel was listed for the Booker Prize in 2022.
You can buy the book here.
‘Queer Intentions’ by Amelia Abraham
'Queer Intentions' was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize in 2020
Written by Amelia Abraham, a journalist who specialises in LGBTQIA+ and identity politics, Queer Intentions was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize in 2020. It addresses the situation of the queer community both in acceptable and hostile societal conditions. The book also sheds light on a crucial question — what does it mean to be queer in today’s time? From documenting the first same-sex marriage in Britain to covering Pride marches in London, Queer Intentions startles readers with its candid openness and insight.
You can buy the book here.
‘A Spindle Splintered’ by Alix E. Harrow
The book’s tight storytelling and unique approach make it difficult not to finish at one go
Seeing Sleeping Beauty from a queer perspective, A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow tells the story of Zinna, a girl battling a rare genetic disorder, known as the Generalised Roseville Malady. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham, the book’s tight storytelling and unique approach make it difficult not to finish at one go. Zinnia’s admiration for Sleeping Beauty prompts her best friend Charm to throw her a themed birthday party. However, the celebration takes an unexpected turn when Zinnia finds herself transported into a fairy-tale land, where she meets Princess Primrose. What happens next? Read the book to find out.
You can buy the book here.
‘Concerning My Daughter’ by Kim Hye-jin
Love, decay, age, solitude — these universal experiences are expressed in this book
‘Allowing’ a grown-up to make choices was the main problem between Green and her mother. To have assumed notions about someone’s identity can be a deterrent in any relationship. The shock can often change the dynamics. The fact that she has a girlfriend changed the course of the mother-daughter’s relationship. Love, decay, age, solitude — these universal experiences are expressed in Concerning My Daughter by Kim Hye-jin. The book has been a bestseller, and a new edition is now available.
You can buy the book here.
‘Entering the Maze’ by Krishnagopal Mallick and Niladri R. Chatterjee
Published by Niyogi Books, Entering the Maze: The Queer Fiction of Krishnagopal Mallick, which was released last year, is special for several reasons
It is one book that’s sure to leave readers deeply affected. Published by Niyogi Books, Entering the Maze: The Queer Fiction of Krishnagopal Mallick, which was released last year, is special for several reasons. The book has been translated from Bengali to English by Niladri R. Chatterjee. The novella revolves around a young boy, Gopalkrishna, who finally discovers his sexuality. Mallick’s narratives also offer a fresh perspective on north Kolkata — trams, lanes and by-lanes — when life was quite different. The book unabashedly provides bold accounts of exploring desire and pleasure. No wonder, translating the text proved to be a transformative experience for Chatterjee. So, are you ready to enter the maze of Bengal’s queer literature?
You can buy the book here.
