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"A Burning" by Megha Majumdar @megha.maj 

 

“𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘵, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘢𝘪𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯.” 

 

I read this one because it was a recommended read in my ALA reading journal. 

 

Set in contemporary India, the story follows three unforgettable characters whose lives become entangled in the aftermath of a catastrophe. Jivan, a Muslim girl from the slums, finds herself accused of a terrorist attack due to a careless comment on Facebook. PT Sir, an opportunistic gym teacher, sees his own aspirations hitched to a right-wing political party, and his rise becomes linked to Jivan's fall. Lovely, an irresistible outcast with dreams of glory, holds the alibi that could set Jivan free, but at a great cost. 

 

Majumdar's writing is taut, symphonic, and propulsive, creating a sense of urgency that kept me wanting to hear more of the story. Despite its slim length, the story felt epic in scope, touching on complex themes such as class, fate, corruption, justice, and extremism. The pacing is masterful, which made it a compelling read that I devoured in a single sitting. 

 

Despite its serious themes, it also had moments of warmth, hope, and humor, largely embodied by Lovely. Her exuberant voice and unwavering dreams provide a sense of respite amidst the darkness, making her a standout character in the story.