Ruth Vanita’s debut novel Memory of Light has pushed the boundaries of Indian queer literature. A critical addition to this nascent genre, it is an answer to the dearth of lesbian representation in India.
Set in 18th century Awadh, Memory of Light is a love story of two courtesans—Nafis Bai and Chapla Bai. An intelligently crafted meta-narrative recounted by Nafis Bai, the novel takes readers on an exciting journey through shifting timelines and the rich courtesan culture of Awadh and Kashi. A product of Vanita’s imagination and her research on rekhti, a genre of Urdu poetry, the novel carefully selects historical figures, rekhti poets like Insha and Rangin, and courtesans mentioned in rekhti poetry. It instils life in them through a colourful narrative.
Memory of Light explores the themes of time and memory and paints a beautiful, painful picture of changes that the love between Nafis and Chapla undergoes over time. The affection between the...
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