A majority of anticipated books by Indian authors releasing in November fall under non-fiction. However, three works of fiction do stand out: Perumal Murugan’s two sequels to One Part Woman, and veteran journalist Udayan Mukherjee’s debut work of fiction. In November, read all about Nayantara Sahgal, find out why Indira Gandhi really declared Emergency in 1975, and discover the real impact of demonetisation. November is going to be an exciting month for readers.

01

Dark Circles

Udayan Mukherjee

28 years ago, Ronojoy’s mother had inexplicably joined an ashram, leaving him, then only 12, to look after himself and his 6-year-old brother. After her death, he is given a letter from her which contains a disturbing confession. He must now decide whether to share its contents with his brother and risk their fragile minds succumbing to the dark. In Dark Circles, Mukherjee weaves together past and present to expose “the dark undercurrents that swirl under the seemingly placid lives of families.”

Releasing on November 01. Buy it here.

02

The Made-In-India Manager

R. Gopalakrishnan & Dr Ranjan Banerjee

What do Shantanu Narayen, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai and Padmasree Warrior have in common? Not only are they the leaders of some of the biggest companies in the world but they were also born and bred in India. The Made-In-India Manager examines why Indian professionals across the world have such a prominent presence in large companies and argues that it is a unique combination of factors that has led to their success. The authors explore cultural influences, the ability of these managers to ‘think in English and act in Indian’, and how today’s young manager can use these advantages to ensure future success. This book is a thought-provoking and compelling analysis of what makes Indian professionals so successful across the world.   

Releasing on November 02. Buy it here.

03

The Great War: Indian Writings On the First World War

Rakhshanda Jalil

Over 1.3 million Indians fought in World War I and their contribution has remained largely unrecognised. Marking 100 years since the end of World War I, this volume collects writings by Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Mulk Raj Anand and many more, including some Urdu poets of the time, all of which reflect the attitudes of Indians towards WWI. Combining works originally written in Urdu, Hindi, Bengali and English, this book attempts to recognise and commemorate the contribution of Indian soldiers to WWI.

Releasing on November 05. Buy it here.

04

The Big Reverse: How Demonetization Knocked India Out

Meera Sanyal

On November 8, 2016, 86% of the Indian currency in circulation was demonetised in one fell swoop. The Modi government’s action has been both praised and criticised. While the government has claimed that it would solve many of India’s problems- like black money, tax evasion etc., Sanyal demonstrates otherwise. Being one of India’s most respected bankers, she provides a comprehensive analysis of the policy, its execution and pitfalls, and presents unprecedented insights backed by data, history and research. The Big Reverse might just provide you with the answers you need to solve the mystery of demonetisation.

Releasing on November 10. Buy it here.

05

Out Of Line

Rita Menon

Born into the first family of Indian politics, Nayantara Sahgal is one of India’s finest writers, essayists and political commentators. Politics is an integral part of everything she writes and she has been repeatedly charged with stepping out of line in her political writing. However, even in her personal life, she was bold and risked both social disapproval and political displeasure. This literary, personal and political biography is the first of its kind and is based on interviews, private papers and letters, first-hand information and archival research.

Releasing on November 10. Buy it here.

06

Emergency Chronicles: Indira Gandhi and Democracy’s Turning Point 

Gyan Prakash

In Emergency Chronicles, Prakash provides a detailed account of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency of 1975-77. He argues that, contrary to popular belief, the Emergency was not declared merely due to Gandhi’s desire to cling to power but that it was also a result of Indian democracy’s troubled relationship with popular politics. He explores how the unfulfilled promise of democratic transformation led to growing popular unrest, prompting Gandhi to declare Emergency, thus wounding the political system even further. He argues that this may have also opened the door for caste politics and Hindu nationalism.

Releasing on November 16. Buy it here.

07

Why I Am A Liberal: A Manifesto For Indians Who Believe In Individual Freedom

Sagarika Ghose

From noted journalist, author and broadcaster, comes an impassioned book on why India needs to be liberal. For Ghose, diversity and argument are an important part of India and real patriotism lies in accommodation, friendship and generosity as opposed to force, dominance and muscle flexing. To think otherwise is un-Indian. This book will inspire you to embrace differences and argue for the rights of marginalised Indians.

Releasing on November 19. Buy it here.

08

The Line Of Control: Travelling With The Indian And Pakistani Armies

Happymon Jacob

Jacob was given a unique opportunity- unprecedented access by the Indian and Pakistani armies to travel with them and see the border from both sides. The LOC is one of the most fortified places on the planet, and it is also a location where both animosity and comradeship are enacted. In The Line Of Control, Jacob brings the border to life and explores how it is seen both in popular imagination and by those who are at ground zero. He chronicles the lives of civilians and soldiers and the similarities between the Indian and Pakistani armies.

Releasing on November 20. Buy it here.

09

Trial By Silence | A Lonely Harvest

Perumal Murugan & Aniruddhan Vasudevan (Tr.)

For readers who loved One Part Woman, Perumal Murugan has a treat in store for you. With not just one, but two sequels to the beloved novel releasing in November, you can get your hands on two alternate endings to Kali and Ponna’s story. In Trial By Silence, Kali wants to punish Ponna for what he considers a betrayal while Ponna is upset for she is forced to atone for no fault of her own. Prepare yourself for a surprising and dramatic conclusion. In A Lonely Harvest, Kali has killed himself out of despair and Ponna is now forced to face the world alone even as she is haunted by memories of Kali and their lives together. This is a poignant story of female solidarity and second chances.

Releasing on November 22. Buy: Trial By SilenceA Lonely Harvest

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10

Partitions Of The Heart: Unmaking The Idea Of India

Harsh Mander

Human rights activist Harsh Mander believes that a partition of our hearts and minds is underway – one that threatens the very idea of India and everything the republic stands for. Through vivid stories from his own work, he shows how hate speech, communal propaganda and vigilante violence are creating a climate of fear in the country and irreparably damaging India’s social fabric. However, he also believes that through solidarity, reconciliation and love, this hatred can be fought. In Partitions Of The Heart, Mander presents a meticulously researched critique of Indian civil society and rallies for public compassion, conscience and justice.

Releasing on November 23. Buy it here.

11

Of Counsel: The Challenges Of The Modi-Jaitley Economy

Arvind Subramanian

In this book, Arvind Subramanian provides an inside account of his time as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2014-18. This part-memoir, part-analytical book reveals the triumphs and challenges of policy-making and, at the same time, through research, gives an overview of India’s economic potential, health and future. The subjects discussed in this book include demonetisation, the introduction of GST, the over-leveraging of public-sector banks and climate change, amongst many others.

Releasing on November 24. Buy it here.

Disclaimer: Some of these books were previously available on Kindle or as international editions which were available for import. This list features Indian editions of these books, which tend to be more affordable. The information featured here is accurate as of October 25, 2018.

Which of these books by Indian authors do you find most interesting? Are you planning to buy any of these books by Indian authors? Do you recommend any other books by India authors releasing in November? Share with us in the comments.