I Named My Sister Silence | Hardcover

I Named My Sister Silence by Manoj Rupda, translated into English by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, is a literary novel that explores memory, loss and the human consequences of conflict in the forests of Bastar. Through the recollections of its narrator, the story examines the destruction of landscapes, communities and relationships while portraying the experiences of Adivasi lives caught in the tensions of armed rebellion. Shortlisted for the Atta Galatta BLF Book Prize 2023 for Best Fiction, the novel offers a thoughtful and deeply reflective reading experience.

Moving between childhood memories and adulthood, the narrative follows a man's search for his half-sister, Madavi Irma, whose quiet strength shaped his early life before she disappeared into the Maoist movement. As he returns to a transformed Bastar, the novel reveals the complex realities of displacement, violence and exploitation, presenting a layered portrait of people whose lives are inseparable from the land they call home.

About This Book

The novel begins with a haunting childhood memory that becomes a lasting symbol of witnessing the destruction of powerful and enduring things. That memory echoes through the narrator's reflections on Bastar, his family and the upheavals that reshape both the landscape and the lives of its people.

At the heart of the story is the relationship between the narrator and his half-sister, Madavi Irma, whose quiet resilience leaves a lasting impression. As he searches for her after years apart, the novel examines the impact of armed conflict, competing interests and political power on Adivasi communities, while inviting readers to consider the personal costs of historical events.

What You'll Discover

• A literary story set against the changing landscape of Bastar.
• The narrator's search for his half-sister, Madavi Irma.
• The experiences of Adivasi communities during armed conflict.
• Themes of memory, silence, belonging and loss.
• Reflections on land, identity and displacement.
• A nuanced portrayal of power, resistance and survival.
• An English translation by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar.

Perfect For

• Readers of literary fiction.
• Those interested in contemporary Indian literature.
• Readers exploring stories about Adivasi communities.
• Fans of translated fiction.

Why You'll Love This Book

I Named My Sister Silence combines intimate storytelling with a thoughtful exploration of history, memory and social conflict. Manoj Rupda's novel, sensitively translated by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, presents a moving narrative that lingers through its quiet voice, memorable characters and deeply rooted sense of place.