So yes, City of Water is out. It’s my first collection of poems and do write to me if you’re interested in a copy. Or you could look for it in the Sahitya Akademi shop in your city. Under the matter-of-fact tone, there’s a swell in my throat. It could be happiness and not the remnants of a sore throat. One can’t be absolutely sure though.
The cover photo is by Sohrab Hura, one of last year’s winners of the Toto Funds the Arts award for photography. I really like his work in general and this photo in particular because it has crows by the water, the ocean to be exact, flying into the wind. Are they a murder? I’m not sure. But they are a certain number of crows in flight and crow flight is a measure of things. Then there’s the thing that they are flying into the wind. Walking into the wind is difficult for us so we may impose a connotation of struggle to the picture. But for some birds, it’s what helps them fly.
Yay! (As I’ve already said). I hope you at least got your advance copies before you left?
@Dala: No, they weren’t ready before I left so now I have to wait for them to send me some copies. So I don’t know what typos have happened and am dying a little.
It’s been a crappy year for me so far…one of the worst.
This made me genuinely happy. Congratulations.
@Mamma: Thank you! Sorry to hear you’ve been having a bad year. But it’s only the beginning…maybe it will look up?
I want! I’m so proud to know you, Anu. Yay for the book, double yay for you!
Dear Anandita. I have been a lurker in your blog for long now. I consider myself a poet (as do many others I know. But I feel like one. Is there a way to explain this better?). And I know there can be few moment as precious as seeing your poems complied into one book to hold, treasure and share. Many hearty congratulations.
I would like a copy of your book. And I know of one store in Hyderabad that stocks Sahitya Akademi books. Will try there. Smiles, Anita.
OMG! I wrote the above comment in such a rush of emotion that I spelt your name wrongly. I am soooooooooooooooo sorry. Accept my apologies Anindita.
I would love a copy, of course. How, when?
@Anita: Do try and let me know if you don’t find it. Will see what I can do.
@Aditi: Glad to hear that.
SA store at University should store soon. Otherwise, when I get back?
…and @OJ: Thank you girl! Hope to do a reading in Bombay at some point.
I shall come, waving flags and cheering loudly. Now how do I get my hands on a copy?
Congrats, hon on this very significant milestone, I’m sure there will be many, many more.
@OJ: Do you know where the Sahitya Akademi shop in Mumbai is? Otherwise, I’ll send you one as soon as I get back.
@Yxz: Thanks sweetheart!
Will check soon at SA in BU.
Where are the KENT stories, reflections, gossips?!
@Swar: Great! The Kent stories…have been so busy babes but will try to supply some immediately.