The rise of new aam janata writers is an interesting phenomenon as far as Indian writing in English is concerned (The Lo-Cal Literati, July 18). But there are any number of readers who still swear by classical contemporary literature in English written by what Outlook disparages as the ‘Literary Brahmins’.
Neeraj Kumar Jha, Madhubani, Bihar
The new Indian crop reminds me of what Fran Lebowitz said about the new writing fad in America: “It’s true that everyone should write the book they would like to read...but then not everyone should write.”
Varun Garde, Bangalore
Aren’t these the sort of writings Orwell used to dread? Factory writings for a two-hour thrill?
Laikhuram Thoreau, Shillong
India needs literary/publishing agents to promote high-class authorship. There is no dearth of talent but lack of access deters genuine writers from sharing the space.
M.L. Gupta, New Delhi
I have gone through some of these bachcha authors and there is nothing in their books that is engaging or enduring.
P. Jagadish, Bangalore
India now has a huge population of literate young people who have witnessed the rapid transformation of the urban middle class in the last 10-15 years. They have grown up in a country that has veered decisively from socialism to consumerism, with the internet, satellite TV, cellphones and globalisation shaping their mindset. It is a lot more prosperous, ambitious and confident than the previous generation. They are not even burdened by the inferiority complex of the post-colonial era. Gone therefore is the pride in (and dread of) writing Queen’s English. Indians of the sms generation are least concerned about grammar and syntax as long as the colloquial Indian English adequately conveys the times and characters they relate to. The authors who can connect with their senses, feelings and aspirations are finding more acceptance with this generation. It is great that Outlook has spotted the trend. How long it will remain so is another matter.
Dipto C., New York
Earlier, the English-language books available in the Indian market were for the classes, but with the surge of a new breed of young writers, their books have now reached the masses.
Niharika Ghosh, Ahmedabad
Good that Outlook trashes elitist publishers who can’t tell a bestseller when they see one. Great that it highlights ‘struggling’ writers who ‘made it’ despite all odds. But one wishes its reporter had read some of the books being talked about, and told us what is in them that makes them worth reading.
Yatin, Mumbai
Chetan Bhagat is a waste of time. Amish, on the other hand, tries too hard, which makes his writing superficial. Regardless, he is a good story-teller, and I am going to read his next. He could be a good novelist if he comes out of his IIM-alumnus-turned-novelist cocoon.
Lopamudra, Mumbai
