By Vignesh Ramachandran
BOULDER – Among countless free events through the Boulder Public Library system is a monthly book discussion group that analyzes works from contemporary Indian authors.
“The Great Indian Novel” discussion group meets each month in the Arapahoe Room, at the Boulder Public Library’s Main Branch (1001 Arapahoe Avenue).
Founder and organizer of the group, Jyotsna Raj, said in an e-mail that regular participants oftentimes suggest books for the group.
“One participant suggested the book ‘Freedom at Midnight’ and I was happy to include it,” Raj said.
This month’s selection is “Freedom at Midnight” by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. The group will meet this Thursday, Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to discuss this book.
“…It is a very readable book about the history of the freedom movement in India, and India's emergence as a free and democratic country after centuries of colonial rule,” Raj said.
Raj said the book group goes beyond simply discussing the literary merits of each novel.
“…Most of our discussions include the social realities described in the book, and the history of the period in which the book is set,” she said.
She said auditing a class at CU that studied the work of Indian authors, and attending other book discussion groups showed her there is an interest in this genre.
“So I thought that starting a book group focusing on the work of Indian writers writing in
English would find an audience, and indeed we have!” Raj said. “I think that learning more about India, its culture and history, is definitely important for the people in this book group.”
If this group piques the interest of any bookworms, Raj said it is open to everyone.
“Anyone who wishes to participate is welcome - you just need to show up, having read the book,” she said.
For more information and for a list of future months’ book discussion selections visit http://events.boulderlibrary.org.
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