Fri Jan 02 02:32:57 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

The article is a book review section from The Hindu’s e-Paper, dated January 2, 2026. It highlights three books: “Heart Lamp,” a translated collection of short stories by Banu Mushtaq, which won the International Booker Prize; “Is A River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane, a book exploring the connection between humans and rivers; and “The Lucky Ones,” a memoir by Zara Chowdhary about the Gujarat riots. The reviews praise each book for its unique contribution and impact.

News Article:

Kannada Short Story Collection Wins International Booker Prize; The Hindu Spotlights Literary Gems of 2025

January 2, 2026 – The literary world is celebrating Banu Mushtaq, whose collection of short stories, “Heart Lamp,” translated by Deepa Bhasthi, has won the prestigious International Booker Prize. This marks the first time a translation from Kannada and the first short story collection to ever receive the award. The Hindu’s e-Paper features the book in its January 2, 2026, edition, praising Mushtaq’s powerful and humane portrayal of Muslim women in South Karnataka.

The review highlights the universality of Mushtaq’s writing, noting its ability to “speak against injustice” while remaining rooted in its specific social setting. Uma Mahadevan-Dasgupta writes, “Heart Lamp is rich, textured, and profoundly affecting… They give voice to those who are rarely heard: older women, poor relatives, those at the margins.”

The Hindu also shines a light on two other notable books from 2025. Robert Macfarlane’s “Is A River Alive?” is lauded for its exploration of the profound connection between humanity and rivers across the globe. Bijal Vachharajani describes the book as “alive as the rivers he meets,” championing the importance of these vital water bodies.

Finally, Zara Chowdhary’s memoir, “The Lucky Ones,” is recognized for its brave and heartbreaking account of the Gujarat riots of 2002. Sumana Mukherjee calls it “intimate, bold, unapologetic, and deeply empathetic,” emphasizing the book’s importance in remembering events that many would prefer to forget.

The Hindu’s literary review offers readers a glimpse into impactful stories and thought-provoking narratives, setting the stage for another year of compelling literature.

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