The Novel Tea

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 Shruti and Neha start off with a detailed breakdown of who's who, the setting, and historical references.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.

Neha and Shruti head to Colombia, delving into the world of Pablo Escobar and drug cartels as they discuss the second book of the season, Fruit of the Drunken Tree. We talk about the historical context in which this story is set while unpacking how the characters are affected by their sacrifices and the spaces they occupy. They also get into a discussion about the origins of the term ‘magical realism,’ and the questionable colonialist mindset that fuels the term’s use in today’s age.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:Essay: What We Talk About When We Talk About Magical RealismShelf Discovery:Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas ContrerasShruti - Bel Canto by Ann Patchett; and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran FoerNeha - Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo*Content warning: sexual assault. Skip through 33:15-36:00 to skip this section Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murmur of Bees is a lyrical novel set during the Mexican revolution about a special young boy and the family who adopts him. Neha and Shruti discuss themes of faith and wonder, good versus evil, and magic realism. They share what they loved about the book, while also touching on the importance of authorial intent, asking the question: is history still being written by the winners?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 Murmur of Bees by Sofia SegoviaNeha - The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles; and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrShruti - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke; and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, Shruti and Neha are answering all your burning questions! Listen in to find out more about us including the books we loved, books we hated, how we started this podcast, and (perhaps most importantly), the ultimate Harry Potter book ranking.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 Mentioned:Ready Player One by Ernest ClineThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkeinBreakfast at Tiffany's by Truman CapoteThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Princess Bride by William GoldmanThe Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingHoles by Louis SacharEragon by Christopher PaoliniAnxious People by Fredrik BackmanNormal People by Sally RooneyA Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanWar and Peace by Leo TolstoyThe Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo TolstoyWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalinithiLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryThe Devil in the White City by Erik Larson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shruti and Neha are traveling around the world! Through books, that is. In this episode we share our reading list, some important background for each of the books we’ve picked, and what we’re excited about for Season 2.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our last episode before our summer hiatus, Neha and Shruti zoom out to look at the big picture. We discuss some broader themes that crop up in all of the books, including the city vs. the country, movement, safety, and hope. We also talk about the theme of season one, The American Dream - where it came from, how it has evolved, and how it may represent something new for the 21st century.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 mentioned:The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldDeath of a Salesman by Arthur MillerA Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty SmithHomegoing by Yaa GyasiLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryAmericanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieThe Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesThe House of Mirth by Edith WhartonValley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.