The Novel Tea

In this (mostly) spoiler-free* episode, Neha and Shruti reflect on the experience of reading books from around the world. We zoom out and talk on a broad level about narrative voice, villainy, disability representation and its portrayal in literature, and post-colonial writing. We also do a deep dive into trauma narratives - why are they so popular nowadays? What stories are being promoted, and how does this limit the stories being told by authors of color?We had so much to say on these topics, that we just couldn't get to all of it in the episode! We decided to continue the discussion in our upcoming email newsletter - subscribe for free to join the conversation. You can also connect with us on Instagram, or email us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.*We mention some minor plot points for The Murmur of Bees, Fruit of the Drunken Tree, and Pachinko (10:26-12:05), but we don't think these spoil the story in a significant way. Still, if you prefer to read books without any prior knowledge, make sure to check out these books before you listen to this episode!Links:The Case Against the Trauma Plot by Parul Sehgal in the New YorkerBooks mentioned:Illness as Metaphor by Susan SontagTess of D'Urbervilles by Thomas HardyThe Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne BronteI'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdyRegarding the Pain of Others by Susan SontagLetters to a Writer of Color edited by Deepa Anappara and Taymour SoomroLike Water for Chocolate by Laura EsquivelSea Monsters by Chloe AridjisThe Bone People by Keri HulmeCry, the Beloved Country by Alan PatonBeasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Neha and Shruti talk about the Booker prize winning novel The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton. We discuss the characters, the structure of the book, what we want out of long books, and why we should maybe be wary of literary prizes. Whether you loved this book or hated it, there's something for everyone in this discussion!If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Shelf Discovery:The Luminaries by Eleanor CattonShruti - The Woman in White by Wilkie CollinsNeha - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: NSFW because this book was very, very weird. Shruti and Neha talk about fate and destiny, Freud, and the spiritual realm, and also throw some shade on the book’s flat and uninspired female characters.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Links:Mieko Kawakami interviews Murakami about his female charactersShelf Discovery:Kafka on the Shore by Haruki MurakamiNeha - Norwegian Wood by Haruki MurakamiShruti - The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster; The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy*Content warning: this episode contains references to incest and rape as they appear in the book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had so much to say about Pachinko that we had to record a part 2! Joining us on this episode are special guests Marvin and Reera from Books & Boba. We talk to them about their podcast and mission, and get to hear more about Asian diaspora stories and their impact.  In continuing our discussion on Pachinko, we talk about themes of wealth and opportunity, generational trauma, and relate these to some of our own family’s struggles. We talk more about Min Jin Lee’s process in writing this book, and we also share our unfiltered opinions on the Apple TV adaptation. Books mentioned:Straw Dogs of the Universe by Ye ChunBanyan Moon by Thao ThaiSorcerer of the Crown by Zen ChoThe Magical Language of Others by E.J. KohIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for part 1 of our discussion on Min Jin Lee's best-selling novel Pachinko, a sweeping family saga that chronicles several generations of a Korean family living in Japan. In this episode, Neha and Shruti explore themes of pride and virtue, and dissect the complex web of characters that surround Sunja, the book's protagonist. What do these characters have to sacrifice to survive in their world? How do their aspirations shape their identities and influence their relationships?We talk about the book's cultural significance, narrative depth, and emotional impact, and at the end, as in all our episodes, we rate the book, and ask whether this book will be considered a classic in the years to come.Shelf Discovery:Pachinko by Min Jin LeeNeha - The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriShruti - Daughter of Fortune by Isabel AllendeIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.*Note: Neha had a small issue with her audio recording, so if it sounds a bit fuzzy, that's why - we are working on fixing the issue so all future episodes have crisp and clear sound! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this comprehensive, full-exposure, no-holds-barred* bonus episode, Neha and Shruti dive deep into the Mahabharat, starting out with its history, versions and adaptations, and of course, an in-depth discussion of the story and some key plot points with reference to The Palace of Illusions and The Great Indian Novels (our two selections for India). We discuss the concept of free will, feminism throughout history, Dalit stories and contributions, and expressions of gender identity in mythologic stories.*We say this in jest, because Neha and Shruti are not in any way experts on Hindu scripture, South Asian history, or literature. However, we did do a lot of research, and we are passionate to share our love for this story with you all!If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Books and Adaptations Mentioned:Mahabharata by C. RajagopalachariMahabharata: a Modern Retelling by Carole SatyamurtiThe Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by RK NarayanMahabharat (1980-1988) a television series originally on DoordarshanMahabharat (2013) a television series originally on Star Plus, now streaming on HuluThe Bhagavad GitaArjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince by Anuja ChandramouliKarna's Wife: The Outcast's Queen by Kavita KaneThe Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniSita: A Tale of Ancient Love by Bhanumathi Narasimhan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this expansive debut novel by Shashi Tharoor, the characters and stories of the Mahabharat are transposed onto the Indian independence movement. Shruti and Neha start off with a detailed breakdown of who's who, the setting, and historical references. We then dive into the story, its allusions, the satire, and Tharoor's writing style. And of course, this episode wouldn't be complete unless we spilled the tea - and the tea is piping hot! We talk all about the controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor, including the IPL scandal, and the death of his wife.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Shelf Discovery:The Great Indian Novel by Shashi TharoorNeha - The Humans by Matt HaigShruti - none Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Combining myth, history, fantasy, and philosophy, The Palace of Illusions tells the story of Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, in a retelling of the Indian epic the Mahabharat. Neha and Shruti discuss the themes of appearances, feminism, and assertiveness in the various characters, while digging in to the plot.We also get to chat with our first podcast guest! Mishika is a co-founder of Brown Girl Bookshelf, a platform that celebrates South Asian writers and literature. She tells us about Divakaruni's latest novel, Independence, and we just had so much fun talking with her about books, reading, and life!Shelf Discovery and Other Books MentionedThe Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Twentieth Wife by Indu SundaresanKaikeyi by Vaishnavi PatelIndependence by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahThe Parted Earth by Anjali EnjetiThe Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree VariyarIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Half of a Yellow Sun, award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie chronicles the years leading up to the Nigerian Biafran war in the 1960s through the eyes of three main characters. Neha and Shruti explore the interactions between households and families in a time of immense political upheaval. We discuss the impact of the book, and more broadly, how these stories are told and how we interact with these texts.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Shelf Discovery:Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieShruti - Cutting for Stone by Abraham VergheseNeha - Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo, and Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi*Content warning: physical violence, sexual assault Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stolen, by Ann-Helén Laestadius, is a mystery, thriller, coming-of-age story that completely captured our hearts. Shruti and Neha discuss some of the contextual elements of the book, discuss the theme of silence, and of course, break down the shocking ending! They also talk about themes of belonging, alienation, youth, the patriarchy, and mental health.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.Links:Interview with Ann-Helén Laestadius on BookanistaShelf discovery:Stolen by Ann-Helén LaestadiusNeha - East by Edith PattouShruti - Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko*Content warning: animal cruelty, suicide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.