21st Century Literature discussion

Hi everyone, this will be our thread for the non-spoiler discussion of A Burning by Megha Majumdar.

We'll use this thread to discuss any background for the book.

The official discussion starts September first, but to get us started, who is going to join us for the discussion?

I read this two years ago. I haven't plans to reread it, but I still have my copy and will join in with the discussion.

I'm here. I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but I thought it was great. I definitely recommend the audiobook, the readers really bring the three main POV characters to life, and I think it added a lot to the narrative.

I’ll be reading this one, I got my copy today so should be able to start at the weekend

I have a pile of books to finish first, but would love to join for this read, and should be able to start next week.

Glad to have people joining!

A Burning was Megha Majumdar's debut novel, which I found quite impressive. It's set in India, and while it's fiction, it sounds like many of the book's events were based on real events that have sadly happened in the past and recent history - people arrested for social media posts, violence, terrorist attacks.

I've read a handful of books set in India (just finished Abraham Verghese's Covenant of Water), but the current setting and specific topic was new to me. Have others read similar books with the false accusation theme, either in India or elsewhere?

I tried to link to a couple of reviews, but goodreads doesn't seem to want me to post links today.

Just got it from my library, so I'm in!

Just got it too. Will join in looks excellent.

If people are interested in the political side of this story, the BBC Documentary India: the Modi Question is good background. Unsettling.

Ooh thank you Lyle.

And glad you have you all joining the discussion!

Just started over the weekend---quite the page turner!