Otto English’s Fake History is a myth-busting journey
A familiar face on Bollywood’s silver screen for decades, Kajol is an actress who has captured the hearts of millions.
But when the cameras stop rolling, this celebrated star swaps scripts for stories, diving headfirst into the captivating world of books.
A self-confessed bookworm, Kajol often shares her literary adventures, revealing a taste that is as eclectic and engaging as her filmography.
When it comes to reading, Kajol shared some titles that caught her eye.
From historical truths and poignant memories to unconditional love and gorgeous prose, these books offer a fascinating insight into the mind of a beloved actress and an avid reader.
Fake History – Ten Great Lies and How They Shaped The World by Otto English
Ever wondered if everything you learned in history class was the whole truth?
Otto English’s Fake History is a myth-busting journey that playfully and authoritatively dismantles some of the biggest historical inaccuracies.
From Lincoln not believing all men were created equal to the Aztecs not being slaughtered by the Spanish Conquistadors, the book unpacks 10 “lies”, revealing how these fabrications have been used to shape our present-day understanding of the world.
It’s a fresh and fascinating look at how the past is often bent to serve a purpose in the present.
This, in turn, encourages readers to question the narratives they’ve always taken for granted.
Dead-End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto
Another of Kajol’s reading picks is Dead-End Memories, a collection of five beautiful and melancholic short stories by celebrated Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto.
Each tale centres on a woman navigating the quiet aftermath of a painful or sudden event, finding solace and a path to recovery in the gentle rhythms of everyday life.
Yoshimoto’s prose is understated yet powerful, capturing the fleeting moments of happiness and the lingering sorrows that define our lives.
The stories explore themes of love, loss, and identity, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, there is hope and the possibility of a new beginning.
The Conditions of Unconditional Love by Alexander McCall Smith
In this fifteenth instalment of his beloved Isabel Dalhousie series, Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith once again invites readers into the thoughtful world of his protagonist.
Isabel Dalhousie, everyone’s favourite moral philosopher, is called on to help navigate a decidedly delicate dispute with all of the insight and compassion she has become known for.
What makes Isabel’s investigations so unique is her uncanny ability to view all sides of a situation with coolness and reserve, and she will tap deep into her stores of both in order to help see this one through.
Meanwhile, Isabel and her husband Jamie will be dealing with tricky personal issues of their own.
This is a light and funny look at human relationships, filled with thoughtful ideas and humour, and it is a title that has made its way onto Kajol’s bookshelf.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
A breathtaking and lyrical debut novel from poet Ocean Vuong, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is structured as a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read.
The protagonist, Little Dog, unearths his family’s history, a story that begins in Vietnam and unfolds in America.
The novel is a brutally honest and tender exploration of race, class, masculinity, and the complex, unbreakable bond between a single mother and her son.
Vuong’s poetic language crafts a story that is both devastating and exquisitely beautiful, asking profound questions about how we survive and find joy in a world fraught with trauma.
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak
Shortlisted for the 2019 Booker Prize, Elif Shafak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World begins at the very end.
The protagonist, “Tequila Leila”, a sex worker in Istanbul, has just been murdered, and her mind continues to function for a final 10 minutes and 38 seconds.
In these fleeting moments, her life flashes before her eyes.
With each memory of flavours, scents, and sounds, she brings back the pivotal moments and the cherished friends who became her “water family”.
The novel is a powerful and life-affirming story about the resilience of the human spirit, the beauty of friendship, and the vibrant, multifaceted city of Istanbul.
For Kajol, reading is a form of escapism away from the intense nature of filming.
She has often spoken about her love for reading, previously saying:
“I read just for the sheer pleasure of picking up a book and going somewhere else.”
Her diverse and thoughtful selections are a testament to her enduring love for literature, offering a reading list that is sure to inspire fellow book lovers to discover their next great read.
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