5 Must-read Books Starring Kolkata

by Shradha Singh I am Digitally Active

It is no secret that Kolkata is a hub of the Indian literary scene. It has been home to some of the most prolific writers of modern India, including the legendary Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and many of the most important of Indian socio-cultural reform and political movements in modern history.

In the course of all these, the city has unknowingly taken on a character of its own. This very character has been celebrated in many books by many authors in India and across the world. If you are planning to visit Kolkata, or new to the city, we recommend these top five celebrated books where Kolkata features as the protagonist. Read on and discover the 'City of Joy':

Kalighat to Calcutta by Khushwant Singh, R K Laxman, Suhel Seth

Written by the two literary stalwarts of modern India and marketing veteran Suhel Seth, this is yet another insightful and engaging book on the city chronicling its evolution from the 17^th century. It comprises the history, verses and impressions about Calcutta and its allegiance to Kalighat, or the temple of Kali, who is the unofficial patron goddess of the city.

Apart from this, Suhel Seth has written two other books spanning different genres: 'In Your Face' is a collection of his columns and 'Get to the Top: The Ten Rules For Social Success' is more of a self-help guide that lists the dos and don'ts for rising up the social ladder.

Walking Calcutta by Keith Humphrey

Every city contains another city within itself. And Kolkata also has one such, a subterranean one comprising hidden alleys and by-lanes tucked away in every nook and corner. Walking Calcutta is a non-fictional work introducing the reader to subterranean Kolkata, taking you to places within the city you may have never even heard of before. The book is packed with gainful insights about the city and even maps of the more obscure locations.

City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre

This is the book that gave Kolkata its enduring nickname. The plot follows three characters making their way through the city. The book brings out the soul of the city, showing how joy amidst squalor, beauty amidst ugliness as well as horror and humanity exist side by side in the metropolis. Ultimately, it celebrates the indomitable human spirit that rises above adversities.

The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

Jnanpith awardee Amitav Ghosh uses a riveting narrative style in this medical thriller. It flashes back and forth through different times and space from balmy nights in Kolkata to present day New York. A computer programmer is drawn towards the life of an acquaintance across centuries who wants to explore the mystery of the malaria outbreak but ends up a mysterious movement which could hold the secret to eternal life.

A Jaywalker’s Guide to Kolkata by Soumitra Das

In this book, the author adopts a unique way to portray Kolkata in its different hues. Soumitra Das is the jaywalker, who takes us through unusual descriptions of the city through its history, culture, people and architecture. Do grab hold of a copy if you're interested in history and culture.