In the face of a Covid-19 surge, a literary revival unfolds with bibliophiles diving into pandemic-themed books, seeking respite amidst uncertainty
Pandemic Pages
Covid-19 has reared its ugly head in India once again. The recent reports of rising active cases and the subsequent death toll have somewhat jolted the Bangaloreans, who, in the middle of their busy day, are keeping a cautious watch on the daily stats.
The latest reports are alarming, and last week, January 8 just stood out like a sore thumb with three new deaths and 279 new cases in Karnataka. The daily bulletin of the Health Department revealed that, of the said number, 134 were from Bangalore alone.
Many would agree, the very mention of “Coronavirus” makes one drift back to the lockdown years – the scores of deaths, ambulance sirens, innumerable restrictions, et al.
Amidst this relapsing apprehension, booklovers, however, have managed to spot a silver lining. The sudden surge in Covid-19 active cases has sparked a trend among bibliophiles – a new wave of interest in the subject; vis-a-vis books on the pandemic.
According to a 2020 Nelson Book India study – Impact of COVID-19 on the Book Consumer – Indians consumed more books after the lockdowns were imposed.
Detailing the shift in the reading habits of Indians during the pandemic years, the study informed that both reading and audiobook listening went up – increasing by a substantial seven hours weekly on average, to as much as 16 hours total per week.
It also added that two of five respondents admitted to having spent more time with print titles during that time.
To not observe an obvious connection between Covid-19 and books in this juncture, would be outright foolhardy. The book industry across the globe boomed during the pandemic years, and with the recent rise in Covid-19 numbers, book sales seem raring to go north.
Here is a list of 10 titles by Indian authors that stand the chance of being picked up by readers amidst the worrying reports of the Covid-19 surge. Read on…
To Hell and Back: Humans of Covid by Barkha Dutt: Journalist Barkha Dutt’s compelling narrative unfolds the poignant journey of individuals nationwide during the peak of the harsh lockdown. In this book, Dutt takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the pandemic’s multifaceted impact on people from diverse backgrounds.
Burning Pyres, Mass Graves and a State That Failed its People by Harsh Mander: The intense title of Mander’s second book in the Covid series serves as a reality check to tumultuous times. Rather than focusing on consequences, Mander exposes the deficiencies of the Indian health system and governance.
The Great Shutdown by Jyoti Mukul: As the active caseload surged, the government imposed many travel restrictions, disrupting lives. Mukul’s book chronicles these regulations, capturing the tumultuous impact on individuals trying to travel to safer zones.
Braving a Viral Storm by Aashish Chandorkar and Suraj Sudhir: A collaborative effort, this work pays homage to India’s pharmaceutical prowess in delivering vaccines like Covishield and Covaxin. The book delves into detailed reports, portraying the country’s struggle in combating the virus.
A Bend in Time by Bijal Vachharajani: Amidst the pandemic’s repercussions, Vachharajani’s book sheds light on children navigating challenges. Featuring essays and stories by children and young adults, the book offers a wholesome perspective.
1232 km: The Long Journey Home by Vinod Kapri: A gripping tale unfolds in in this title, recounting migrant workers’ desperate journey on bicycles from Bihar. Despite fears of exposure to Covid, they overcome odds to reach safety.
Unlocking the Lockdown Stories by Juhi Jaisinghani: True to its title, Jaisinghani’s book presents a diverse assortment of stories capturing the essence of everything people faced during the lockdown. From health issues to heartbreaks, the book encapsulates a wide spectrum of experiences.
Essential Items by Udayan Mukherjee: Mukherjee’s collection of essays and short stories, Essential Items, humorously portrays the pandemic’s impact. While the book offers a hysterical read, it vividly recalls the intense experiences of children and young adults navigating the challenges.
Jamlo Walks by Samina Mishra: A fictional tale, this work follows the lockdown story of a little girl named Jamlo. As the world stands still, Jamlo learns valuable lessons about kindness and the importance of her school.
Lockdown Liaisons by Shobhaa De: Shobhaa De’s lockdown-offering, a compilation of six books, unveils the challenges and brutalities faced by individuals during the Covid pandemic. It provides a diverse amalgamation of personal anecdotes from various walks of life.