Join host Chris Stacey for an innovative, exciting, and passionate approach to world literature. We select a country and pick three books over the course of three months: one contemporary, one non-fiction, and one classic. Our current country is India. In our first meeting we discuss the contemporary selection A Burning by Megha Majumdar.

Jivan is a Muslim girl from the slums, determined to move up in life, who is accused of executing a terrorist attack on a train because of a careless comment on Facebook. PT Sir is an opportunistic gym teacher who hitches his aspirations to a right-wing political party and finds that his own ascent becomes linked to Jivan’s fall. Lovely—an irresistible outcast whose exuberant voice and dreams of glory fill the novel with warmth and hope and humor—has the alibi that can set Jivan free, but it will cost her everything she holds dear. Taut, symphonic, propulsive, and riveting from its opening lines, A Burning is an electrifying debut.

We hope to see you in February to help us create a community you’ll find inviting, fun, engaging and a place to sustain meaningful friendships.

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025

Time: 6:00PM Central

Location: Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Avenue, Salon Des Artistes, Room 535, Chicago, IL 60605

Cost: $10 suggested donation.

Reviews

The Guardian

The Sewanee Review