Love, murder, self-discovery: 3 novels you must read before the year is done!

By Aadya Anil

Can’t get enough of scintillating fiction by awesome women writers? Neither can we! Here are three picks for this month to warm up your winter!

The Moon in the Lining of Her Skin

By Kiran Manral

Accomplished Mumbai-based author Kiran Manral brings intricate narratives to life in front of your eyes with every page you flip of The Moon in the Lining of her Skin (Hachette India, INR 599). This book has impactful emotional dynamics and complex characters with a well-woven storyline that will leave you hooked.

The story revolves around three women: Noor, a fallen angel; Rani who is possessed by an invisible being; and Gulab who has escaped from home after murdering her father. All three women’s fates intertwine, leading them to face entities from the light of heaven, the darkness of hell and every realm in between.

The book focuses on the characters’ self-discovery through layers of love, loss, relationships and loyalty. A captivating read for dark fantasy enthusiasts!

Kiran Manral is an award-winning author who has written fiction and nonfiction books across genres. She is also a TEDx speaker, columnist, mentor and feminist blogger. She had a successful career as a journalist, after which she turned to writing imaginative, deeply impactful and relatable books.

Take No. 2020

By Puneet Sikka

Puneet Sikka’s debut novel Take No. 2020 (Penguin India, INR 350) is a riveting work filled with intriguing characters whose stories intertwine. The book is humorous and relatable while showing realistic aspects of pop culture through the author’s own lived experience in the industry.

The novel centres around four characters in Bollywood: Meera, an aspiring actress; Dabloo, who is stuck in his career on either end; Jayesh, an aspiring TikTok influencer; and Mickey Taneja, a casting director embroiled in #MeToo allegations.

The storyline explores how the four characters’ lives collide with each other as projects come and go and reality has to be faced, while also exploring love, heartbreak and self-identity. The plot has various twists and turns that will leave you engrossed.

Puneet Sikka is an aspiring actress and media professional with a background in theatre, TV, films and commercials. She is also the founder-director of Indic Quotient Media Foundation, which aims to educate people about Vedic culture and history via its documentary series on the temples of India.

The Homecoming

By Preeti Shenoy

One of the most influential and prolific authors in India, Bengaluru-based Preeti Shenoy has come out with a sequel to her best-selling novel A Place Called Home. This one is called The Homecoming (HarperCollins India, INR 399); it is an emotionally moving work and a compelling read.

The storyline follows Alka, a homemaker, her two daughters and her husband Subbu. Alka faces hard times and various difficult situations due to which she is forced to confront her past: of loving her husband’s brother and having to make tough decisions to maintain peace in her life.

The novel showcases love, longing, grief, forgiveness and healing while also a woman’s self-discovery and personal growth. This is a work that hooks the reader with its enthralling plotline while making you feel deeply for the complex characters.

Preeti Shenoy’s works have been translated into multiple languages across India and abroad. She is also a motivational speaker, an avid fitness enthusiast, and an artist specialising in portraiture and illustrated journaling.