Books of the week: From Padmini of Malwa to The Heartbeat of Trees, our picks

We love stories, and even in the age of Netflix-and-chill, there’s nothing like a good book that promises a couple of hours of absorption — whether curled up in bed, in your favourite coffeehouse, or that long (and tiresome) commute to work. Every week, we’ll have a succinct pick of books, across diverse genres, that have been newly made available for your reading pleasure. Get them wherever you get your books — the friendly neighbourhood bookseller, e-retail website, chain store — and in whatever form you prefer. Happy reading! For more of our weekly book recommendations, click  _here_ _._ *** – FICTION Padmini of Malwa: The autobiography of Rani Ruupmati By Priyadarshi Thakur ‘Khayal’ Speaking Tiger Books | Rs 499 | 296 pages Author Priyadarshi Thakur ‘Khayal’s’ tells the story of Rani Ruupmati, Queen of Malwa, in her own voice. Through her mother’s fading memories and then abandonment, she puts together the lost years of her childhood. The entry of Baz then changes her life through their love for each other and music. But they have enemies. The Startup Wife By Tahmima Anam Penguin Random House India | Rs 499 | 304 pages Writer Tahmima Anam’s novel follows coder Asha Ray, poised to revolutionise AI when she’s reunited with her school crush Cyrus Jones. He inspires her to write a new algorithm and before long, she’s abandoned her PhD, they’ve married, and gone to work at tech incubator Utopia. The platform creates a sensation. Will their marriage survive this sudden fame, or will she be overshadowed by the man everyone’s calling the new messiah? Read more about the book here. Keeping in Touch By Anjali Joseph Context | Rs 599 | 232 pages Award-winning writer Anjali Joseph’s book tells the story of Keteki, charming but allergic to commitment, and Ved, a smitten but toxic bachelor. Set in Assam and London, as they enter a transformative long-distance relationship, they also navigate other changes in their lives. – MEMOIRS and BIOGRAPHIES Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Conversations with Four Travellers on Sacred Journeys By Arundhathi Subramaniam Speaking Tiger Books | Rs 499 | 176 pages Author and poet Arundhati Subramaniam records the stories of four female spiritual travellers. There’s Sri Annapurani Amma, who left home to follow the summons of a dead saint, choosing to live naked and delivering prophecies. Balarishi Vishwashirasini predicts futures. Lata Mani plunges into tantra after an accident. And Maa Karpoori finds her calling after joining a local yoga class. Read more about the book here. – NON-FICTION The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature By Peter Wohlleben; translated by Jane Billinghurst Penguin Random House India | Rs 499 | 240 pages Translated by Jane Billinghurst, author and forester Peter Wohlleben’s latest book, with the aid of the latest scientific research, shows how deeply humans are connected to the natural world. The book also explores the language of the forest, the consciousness of plants, and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna. Read more about the book here. Read an excerpt here . Singing/Thinking/ Anti-Caste: Essays on Anti-caste Music and Text By Yogesh Maitreya Panther’s Paw Publications | Rs 399 Writer Yogesh Maitreya’s collection of essays explore anti-caste music and text. It tackles the idea that death has been metaphorical for Dalits, in that they are not seen as worthy of respect except when labour was being extracted. In this scenario, it’s remaining invisible that Maitreya likens to a type of death, constructed by Brahmins and other castes who follow them. Read more about the book here. Kabir, Kabir: The life and work of the early modern poet-philosopher By Purushottam Agrawal Westland Publications | Rs 599 | 284 pages Author Purushottam Agrawal tells the story of the 15th century poet Kabir in the context of his own time. He answers questions like, ‘Was he man or god? Did he establish a new faith or eschew organised religion altogether? Was his modernity an exception or reflection of the time he lived in?’ and more.