Shabnam Minwalla on Zen, finally writing a romance, and bringing politics and history together in one novel

It is only July, but Zen is already well on its way to being called the Book of the Year. This 600+ page tome by Shabnam Minwalla brings together intergenerational conflict and romance against the backdrop of the freedom struggle and protests around the National Register of Citizens. She deftly weaves two stories of Zainab and Zen and they will both leave you altered. In this conversation Minwalla talks to me about finally writing a romance, setting the story in her favourite place - Mumbai, and why it is so important to address and acknowledge controversial topics through books, especially in polarizing times.Mentions: Mumbai, Sayoni Basu, Mere Desh ki Dharti, NRC and CAA, Cotton Green, Colaba, Vampire Weekend, Ivy League, romance, mystery, horror, RamzanLink to the song playlist when you read the book: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Vt1gP4fR48F2xwD6bSGGo?si=031639546b3647ab This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ratigirish.substack.com