"Heart Lamp" by Banu Mushtaq is a powerful collection of portraits depicting the lives of women and girls in Muslim communities in southern India. Through witty and vivid storytelling, Mushtaq explores family and community tensions, championing women's rights and protesting oppression. The characters, from sparky children to audacious grandmothers, come to life in her rich spoken style. Mushtaq's work has received both criticism and prestigious literary awards in India, solidifying her reputation as an exceptional writer and observer of human nature. This collection promises to be a lasting and impactful read.
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And Other Stories