BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Lost in translation, looking for home
2 HOUR(s)
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Books & Literature
I think what stayed with me most about R. F. Kuang’s Taipei Story was not its politics, its questions about diaspora, or even its fascination with a new language.
INTERVIEW / In conversation with Lucky Karim: The story behind ‘Born Lucky’
2 HOUR(s)
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Books & Literature
Inside Asia’s Hidden Heritage Treasures: ANN releases new e-book on continent’s shared culture
24 September 2026
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Books & Literature
News Report / NSU Writing Center offers certificate course for professionals
21 September 2026
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News
Fiction / The winter ballot
19 September 2026
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Fiction
Poetry / Four poems on healing
19 September 2026
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Poetry
Poetry / Sacred sorrows
19 September 2026
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Poetry
Essay / How Tumblr folk tales are rewriting digital dread into quiet sanctuaries
17 September 2026
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Essay
Essay / The menstruating body and the making of ‘womanhood’ in literature
17 September 2026
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Essay
Literary Curtains / Patriarchy inversed: Reimagining Rokeya’s Ladyland in 2026
“Ladyland is not perfect,” remarks Sultana, one of the protagonists in the much awaited play, “Project Ladyland 2026”. Produced by HerStory Foundation in collaboration with the British Council and Women of the World Foundation, the play was greeted by a full house this weekend. Staged at the Bangladesh Mohila Samiti theatre, the performance made a splash on Friday, August 14.
Event Report / Kobitabela: a soulful afternoon
9 September 2026
Event Report / Special Discussion Marks Abul Hasnat’s Birth Anniversary: ‘Nabiner Shahittya: Shwapna O Shwapnabhongo’
19 July 2026
A special literary discussion titled ‘Nabiner Shahittya: Shwapna O Shwapnabhongo’ was held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. on the third floor of Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. This discussion was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of distinguished poet, essayist, and literary editor Abul Hasnat. The event brought together prominent writers and editors to discuss the literary pursuits of emerging authors and the pivotal role editors play in nurturing new literary voices.
News Report / Jamir Nazir wins 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize following AI review
3 July 2026
Set in rural Trinidad, “The Serpent in the Grove” explores themes of betrayal, survival and the resilience of a woman's will.
The shelf / 7 Asian healing fiction recommendations for rainy days
18 June 2026
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The Shelf
You know when the sky trades its brightness for a low, silver hue, and you wrap your fingers tightly around your tea, seeking that small, steady pulse of warmth. This is the essence of healing fiction. Often rooted in the Japanese concept of iyashikei, these stories focus on the quiet spirit through small, everyday moments. You may have already heard of Days at the Morisaki Bookshop or We’ll Prescribe You a Cat. While those popular favourites have opened a door for many, there are a few other tales worth the read.
Reflections / In the age of AI allegations
13 June 2026
Fiction / Body Selim
18 April 2026
On a romantic night of self
It has been more than a few weeks since I arrived in London for my Master’s, and I still miss my friends, family, and acquaintances back home.
28 July 2023
Remembering Mahasweta Devi: The blueprint of subaltern activism and literature
While novelists such as Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Sanjeeb Chandra Chattopadhyay adopted an ambiguous position on caste discourse in their writing, Mahasweta Devi's fiction explicitly delineates the Dalits and adivasis as political, social, and psychological beings embroiled in multiple levels of oppression.
28 July 2023
Bad kids, worse adults
If you are looking for something different from your next read—especially if you’re interested in reading a story that offers a window into another Asian culture—then Bad Kids by Zijin Chen might be a good choice. This book was an instant bestseller when it was published in China, and has since been adapted for the small screen.
26 July 2023
Leafing through this life
This century had started 14 years ago—and unlike the previous one—the world was not drafting 19-year-olds to a great war so that they could die in the trenches.
26 July 2023
'Small World City': A new speculative literary magazine on the horizon
The creators of Small World City believe that Dhaka’s literary community deserves better recognition and representation, both domestically and globally.
26 July 2023
All characters are fictitious
Suddenly, a giant shadow covered up the ground beneath their feet. When she looked up, she couldn’t see the face of the figure until it came closer and sat on the edge of the branch they were sitting on.
25 July 2023
For a better future
Sentiments are best preserved for people who can pay for extra baggage.
24 July 2023
An afternoon with Abeer Hoque and Nupu Press: A celebration of creativity
The cozy atmosphere was set up by Bookworm Bangladesh, with the owner Amina Rahman kicking things off. Both Press and Hoque read out excerpts from their own books.
23 July 2023
‘Sisters in the mirror’: Elora Shehabuddin’s response to the West’s idea of feminism
The book is especially relevant in the context of Bangalee women’s life because usually while talking about Islam and women, the West fails to take the South Asian Bangalee women into account.
22 July 2023
Ode to an ariel dancer
Clouds in heaven bow and billow around your feet, and you-
glide through, oblivious to their ethereal presence.
21 July 2023
Women’s revolution
The theocracy is crumbling in its seat
21 July 2023
Them two dogs
I am asked where I am headed. The expression in the lady’s eyes suggests this is not the first time I was asked the question. I stand there, wondering if the pits around her eyes—white as the sun—are caused by the likes of me, and I tell her where I’m headed.
21 July 2023
Of losses and languages: reviewing Han Kang’s 'Greek Lessons'
There is a sense of inexorable catharsis, and dare I say— spirituality—when the protagonists begin their journey into one another since they alone embody the ideas and predicaments of the text.
21 July 2023
Lamp of grief
Nothing is meaningless if speech and silence
fill void, flowing in the same force,
and no one blocks the road to dreaming.
20 July 2023
Applauding Bangladesh’s remarkable health achievements
A review of a monumental book of great importance, titled '50 Years of Bangladesh: Advances in Health.'
20 July 2023
The thing about popular and overhyped books
“Overhyped books are the empty calories of the literary world.”
19 July 2023
Au Revoir, Milan Kundera
On July 11, 2023, the world said goodbye to Czech-born French novelist, Milan Kundera.
19 July 2023
My van my grief
I tried to be renamed in the middle
But my van and I have never been apart!
19 July 2023
Rabindranath’s song-lyrics in translation by Professor Fakrul Alam
Gitabitan: Selected Song-Lyrics of Rabindranath Tagore, containing over 300 Tagore song-lyrics translated into English, is now available for purchase in bookstores and on online websites.
18 July 2023
Have you met the ‘Ghost of Fire’?
Given the background of the main characters, Bhooter Agun has a diverse narrative and depicts a world of diverging cultures, traditions, customs, and practices.
18 July 2023
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