Weather Data Source: Wetter vorhersage 30 tage
Eclectica

Arundhati Roy, Banu Mushtaq, Deepa Bhasthi Shine in NBCC Awards

January 21, 2026
Team World

The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Awards are a significant event in the literary world, celebrating the very best in books published in English across several categories each year. This year, Indian authors have made a remarkable impact, with Arundhati Roy nominated for her work, Mother Mary Comes to Me, and the duo of Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi recognized for Heart Lamp: Selected Stories. These thrilling nominations highlight the incredible talent and rich storytelling that India has to offer.

Celebrating Indian Literature

Arundhati Roy is an acclaimed writer known for her powerful narratives and thought-provoking themes. Her book, Mother Mary Comes to Me, delves deep into personal and collective experiences, touching on topics of faith, resilience, and the human spirit. With her unique voice, Roy continues to challenge societal norms, making her a must-read author.

On the other hand, Heart Lamp: Selected Stories, is a brilliant collaboration between Banu Mushtaq, who penned the stories in Kannada, and Deepa Bhasthi, who beautifully translated them into English. This book captures the essence of human emotions and cultural nuances, offering readers a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Indian life. Their work acts as a bridge between languages, enriching the literary experience for readers around the globe.

The Importance of the NBCC Awards

The NBCC Awards are not just about honoring books; they recognize the immense effort and creativity put in by writers and translators. Adam Dalva, the president of NBCC, emphasized the significance of this year’s nominations, stating, “Each of these books is an artistic achievement. They interrogate the lives we lead and broaden our creative horizons.” This year, more than ever, writers and translators deserve our attention and appreciation during these challenging times.

Winners of these prestigious awards will be announced in March, and it’s an exciting moment for all the nominees. While we await the results, let’s celebrate literature and the stories that shape our understanding of the world.

Shortlisted Books Across Categories

Here’s a look at some notable nominees across various categories:

1. Autobiography:

  • Geraldine Brooks, Memorial Days
  • Arundhati Roy, Mother Mary Comes to Me
  • Beth Macy, Paper Girl
  • Hanif Kureishi, Shattered
  • Miriam Toews, A Truce That Is Not Peace

2. Biography:

  • Mayukh Sen, Love, Queenie
  • Alex Green, A Perfect Turmoil
  • Amanda Vaill, Pride and Pleasure
  • Ashley D Farmer, Queen Mother
  • Carla Kaplan, Troublemaker

3. Criticism:

  • Yoko Tawada, Exophony
  • Joanna Pocock, Greyhound
  • Quinn Slobodian, Hayek’s Bastards
  • Omar El Akkad, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
  • Viet Thanh Nguyen, To Save and to Destroy

4. Fiction:

  • Karen Russell, The Antidote
  • Katie Kitamura, Audition
  • Solvej Balle, On the Calculation of Volume
  • Han Kang, We Do Not Part
  • Angela Flournoy, The Wilderness

5. Nonfiction:

  • Greg Grandin, America, América
  • Barbara Demick, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove
  • Karen Hao, Empire of AI
  • Scott Anderson, King of Kings
  • Gardiner Harris, No More Tears

6. Poetry:

  • Yuki Tanaka, Chronicle of Drifting
  • Rickey Laurentiis, Death of the First Idea
  • Kevin Young, Night Watch
  • Henri Cole, The Other Love
  • Tolu Oloruntoba, Unravel

7. Barrios Book in Translation Prize:

  • Yoko Tawada’s Exophony
  • Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp
  • Hanna Stoltenberg’s Near Distance
  • Neige Sinno’s Sad Tiger
  • Markus Werner’s The Frog in the Throat

8. John Leonard Prize:

  • Nicholas Boggs, Baldwin: A Love Story
  • Evanthia Bromiley, Crown
  • Saou Ichikawa’s Hunchback
  • Liz Pelly’s Mood Machine
  • Hedgie Choi’s Salvage

Conclusion

Celebrating these remarkable authors and their contributions not only honors their individual achievements but enriches our understanding of different cultures and experiences. As we await the winners, let’s embrace the power of storytelling and the positive impact it has on our lives.

Hashtags

ArundhatiRoy #BanuMushtaq #DeepaBhasthi #LiteraryAwards #NBCC #IndianAuthors #BookRecommendation # translation #Literature #BookLovers #ReadMoreBooks

Original Text – https://scroll.in/article/1090141/arundhati-roy-banu-mushtaq-deepa-bhasthi-shortlisted-for-the-national-book-critics-circle-awards?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public