Literature

Why Nobel Prizes are often not noble, especially in Economics, Literature and Peace

The Nobels in the physical sciences are fair to a great extent, because that is the very nature of science. But the Economics, Literature and Peace awards lists are rife with mistakes and missteps. It is astonishing that the Nobel Prize still enjoys the reputation it does

Jane Austen's brother was part of 19th century abolition movement, Arizona scholar finds

The effort to place the writer in the social and political context of her day has yielded a new and contrasting discovery: A favourite brother was part of the 19th-century abolition movement.

As poetry charts a pop culture comeback, a look at how rhyme, rhythm and verse help us express emotion

Aside from films or TV series about poets, such as Dickinson or Paterson, poetry makes a cameo in some of our most iconic films, where it is said to represent or intensify a range of emotions.

French writer David Diop wins International Booker Prize for his World War I novel At Night All Blood is Black

Diop's novel, which was published in French in 2018, resonates with present-day debates about racism and colonialism.

Poet Carl Phillips honoured with $75,000 Jackson Prize for work that has 'capacity to inspire'

On Monday, Poets & Writers announced that the 61-year-old Phillips has won the Jackson Prize, which in previous years has gone to Elizabeth Alexander, Claudia Rankine and current US poet laureate Joy Harjo, among others.

Assamese writer, journalist and Sahitya Akademi awardee Homen Borgohain passes away aged 88

Condolences came in from the Assam government and from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, book clubs make space for young authors and discussions on social issues

The eight book clubs that have sprung up in Kurdistan in recent months make a point of giving homegrown authors a platform, and regularly discuss narratives tackling social issues.

As COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world, a look at Shakespeare’s relationship with the plague

While the plague is a constant presence in Shakespeare's life, his defiant response as a playwright is to place each character’s humanity and individuality at the centre of his works.

On Day 6 of the Delhi Literature Festival 2021, authors discuss a dystopian love story, wellness, and Guru Dutt

From Kevin Missal's mythological fiction Hiranyakashyap to Yasser Usman's biography on Indian cinema legend, Guru Dutt — each of the five featured books and their authors also represented the diversity and range of modern Indian literature.

Speak, Okinawa book review: Elizabeth Miki Brina’s memoir is a powerful history of her family, US occupation of Okinawa

Elizabeth Miki Brina is vulnerable, raw, and relatable, and her stories will no doubt cause readers to reflect on their relationships with their own parents.