Bright looking books set to make a major mark in 2022
By MITA MISTRYJan 14, 2022
PREVIEW OF READING LIST RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE YEAR AHEAD
A WONDERFUL array of brilliant books turned 2021 into a great year for south Asian writers and early indications are that this impressive momentum will continue in 2022.
Eastern Eye has compiled a list of interesting books that are on the way, and most are available to pre-order now.
Thirty Things I Love About Myself by Radhika Sanghani: Talented writer Sanghani has shown that she can write interesting female characters and does that again with her new novel. The story revolves around a woman who hits rock bottom and spends her 30th birthday in a jail cell. With everything going wrong, she unexpectedly finds a ray of light with a self-help book and proceeds to go on a life-changing journey to find 30 things she loves about herself. January 20
Everything is True: A junior doctor’s story of life, death and grief in a time of pandemic by Roopa Farooki: She may have made a name for herself as a novelist, but Farooki is also a hardworking doctor and combines both sides with her new memoir. The book details the 40-day journey of losing her beloved sister to breast cancer in February to fighting Covid-19 on the frontline as a doctor a month later. It has been described as an exhilarating memoir of holding on to that which makes us human against insurmountable odds. January 20
Love Marriage by Monica Ali: The latest offering from the acclaimed Brick Lane author is a relatable story of a successful woman looking forward to marrying her fiancé, who encounters family conflict and begins to question what a love marriage actually means. The multidimensional novel is also an emotionally layered story of the complications and contradictions of living in Britain today. February 3
Brown Girl Like Me by Jaspreet Kaur: The widely acclaimed British spoken word artist pulls no punches with her debut book, which chronicles the struggles of being brown, British and a feminist, without rejecting Asian culture. The manifesto like book tackles difficult topics, including mental health, menstruation stigma, education, beauty standards, feminism, cultural appropriation and microaggressions. It weaves together diverse voices with personal anecdotes and one-to-one interviews around brown feminism. February 17
Good Intentions by Kasim Ali: A magnetic debut novel from an accomplished young writer about a hidden romance, which already looks ripe for a film or TV adaptation. The story revolves around a British Pakistani man torn between his family and the black woman he has fallen deeply in love with. The story combining young love with complexities of immigrant families and racial prejudice looks at themes of obligation versus following your heart. March 2
The Balloon Thief by Aneesa Marufu: For Khadija, the only escape from her father’s arranged betrothal is the sky and she gets that chance after seeing a rogue hot air balloon fighting against its ropes. What follows is an unlikely escapist adventure story that explores themes of extremism, racism, and misogyny. The young adult fantasy novel is a dynamic debut from an exciting new British literary voice, who introduces herself with unique storytelling. March 3
Sunny by Sukh Ojla: The massively popular stand-up comedian introduces herself to the literary world with a life-affirming debut novel, which mixes up comedy, emotion, romance, mental health, and family bonding. The semi-autobiographical story revolves around a single free-spirited woman in her thirties forced to move back in with her parents. She finds it an unlikely way to bond with her mother by discussing her dating life. March 3
Winston Churchill: His Times, His Crimes by Tariq Ali: The life of Winston Churchill has been documented countless times and he is almost always shown in a positive light. With this biography, the author challenges his record of solely being a heroic figure and looks at chapters of his life that have remained hidden, like him being a staunch defender of Britain’s imperial doctrine, along with a nationalist belief that led to catastrophes like more than three million Bengalis starving in 1943 as a consequence of his policies. May 3
Life Is Sad And Beautiful by Hussain Manawer: Rapidly rising star Hussain Manawer has made a name for himself with stunning work that has crossed cultural boundaries and that is why there is great excitement around his hotly anticipated debut poetry collection. The acclaimed poet hopes the book containing his life’s work to date, including notes, favourite pieces, and new poems, will help those going through a difficult time. May 12
Sex Bomb by Sadia Azmat: The hijab-wearing Muslim comedian chronicles her lifelong relationship with sex in this vibrant, funny, and conversation-starting memoir. She shows different experiences of being a Muslim woman, ranging from her identity and tumultuous relationship with her headscarf to dating men from different backgrounds. It has been described as The Wrong Knickers meets It’s Not About the Burqa and offers a whole new look at the experiences of a Muslim woman. May 26
These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany: This book charts the bond between British Muslim women who have been friends for many years. It is the three of them against the rest of the world until one night changes everything and they have to deal with being marooned from one another. Nothing seems to go right for them when they are cast adrift from the group, but can they forgive one another and find a way back? June 9
Here Are the Words by Nikita Gill: The supremely talented writer has made a name for herself with books that add a new dimension to poetry, and she continues that impressive journey with this fascinating new collection aimed at young adults. She will be illustrating what will no doubt be a book that entertains, but also makes the readers think. It has been described as a healing, life-affirming read that packs a punch. June 23
The Movement by Ayisha Malik: The lead protagonist of this thought-provoking book gets disillusioned with conflict and people constantly shouting at one another, so decides to take a vow of silence. It isn’t long before her silent stance inspires a movement and she becomes a reluctant figurehead of global outrage. As lives start to unravel, the new silent movement also leads to others reconsidering what it means to have a voice. July 7
In Case of Emergency by Poorna Bell: The acclaimed writer and journalist delivers her debut novel in the summer of 2022. The story revolves around a young woman, who has a near-death experience and is mortified to learn that she has no one meaningful to turn to during an emergency. This leads to her revisiting and repairing her most important relationships in order to figure out who she can really depend on. The publisher has described it as utterly hilarious and brilliantly observed. July 7
A new mural by street artist Banksy has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork depicts a judge hitting a protester, with blood splattering their placard.
It comes days after nearly 900 arrests at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security; Banksy confirmed authenticity via Instagram.
Banksy’s latest work at the Royal Courts of Justice
A new mural by the elusive Bristol-based street artist Banksy has appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork shows a judge in traditional wig and black robe striking a protester lying on the ground, with blood depicted on the protester’s placard. While the mural does not explicitly reference a specific cause or incident, its appearance comes just two days after almost 900 people were arrested during a protest in London against the ban on Palestine Action.
Security and public access
Social media images show that the mural has already been covered with large plastic sheets and two metal barriers. Security officials are guarding the site, which sits beneath a CCTV camera.
Banksy shared a photo of the artwork on Instagram, captioning it: “Royal Courts Of Justice. London.” This is consistent with the artist’s usual method of confirming authenticity.
Location and context
The mural is located on an external wall of the Queen’s Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice complex. Banksy’s stencilled graffiti often comments on government policy, war, and capitalism.
Previous works in London
Last summer, Banksy launched an animal-themed campaign in London featuring nine works. The series concluded with a gorilla appearing to lift a shutter at the London Zoo. Other notable pieces included piranhas on a police sentry box in the City of London and a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham, which was removed less than an hour after unveiling.
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Works are painted on bark cloth from Lake Victoria
Artist Shafina Jaffer presents a new chapter of her Global Conference of the Birds series.
The exhibition runs from 7–12 October 2025 at Mall Galleries, London.
Works are painted on bark cloth from Lake Victoria, combining spiritual themes with ecological concerns.
Exhibition details
Artist Shafina Jaffer will open her latest exhibition, Whispers Under Wings (Global Conference of the Birds), at the Mall Galleries in London on 7 October 2025. The show will run until 12 October 2025.
This practice-led series reinterprets Farid ud-Din Attar’s 12th-century Sufi allegory, Conference of the Birds, reflecting on themes of unity, self-realisation and the idea that the Divine resides within.
Material and meaning
Each work is painted on sustainably sourced bark cloth from the Lake Victoria region, using natural pigments, minerals and dyes. Large panels are formed from the bark of single trees, aligning material ecology with the spiritual narrative.
The series weaves together sacred geometry, Qur’anic verses and depictions of endangered bird species, underscoring the connection between ecological fragility and spiritual awakening.
Previous recognition
Whispers Under Wings follows earlier presentations in London and Dubai, extending the project’s message of peace, unity and environmental care.
A central work from the series — the Simurgh, conceived as a symbol of light (Noor) — was recently acquired by Prince Amyn Aga Khan for the new Ismaili Centre in Houston. A feature on the exhibition also appears in the September edition of Twiga, Air Tanzania’s inflight magazine.
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The piece was originally one of nine works that appeared across London in August 2024
Banksy’s ‘Piranhas’ artwork, painted on a police sentry box, is being stored ahead of display at London Museum.
The piece was originally one of nine works that appeared across London in August 2024.
It will form part of the museum’s new Smithfield site, opening in 2026.
The City of London Corporation donated the artwork as part of its £222m museum relocation project.
Banksy’s police box artwork in storage
A Banksy artwork known as Piranhas has been placed in storage ahead of its future display at the London Museum’s new Smithfield site, scheduled to open in 2026. The piece features spray-painted piranha fish covering the windows of a police sentry box, giving the illusion of an aquarium.
From Ludgate Hill to Guildhall Yard
The police box, which had stood at Ludgate Hill since the 1990s, was swiftly removed by the City of London Corporation after Banksy confirmed authorship. It was initially displayed at Guildhall Yard, where visitors could view it from behind safety barriers. The Corporation has since voted to donate the piece to the London Museum.
Museum’s first contemporary street art
London Museum’s Head of Curatorial, Glyn Davies, said:
“With the arrival of Banksy’s Piranhas, our collection now spans from Roman graffiti to our first piece of contemporary street art. This work by one of the world’s most iconic artists now belongs to Londoners, and will keep making waves when it goes on show next year in the Museum’s new Smithfield home.”
Formerly known as the Museum of London, the institution closed its London Wall site in December 2022 as part of its relocation. It rebranded as the London Museum in July 2024, with £222m allocated by the City of London Corporation to support the move. The project is expected to attract two million visitors annually and create more than 1,500 jobs.
Part of Banksy’s animal-themed series
Piranhas was one of nine animal-themed works Banksy created across London in August 2024. The series also featured a rhino on a car, two elephants with interlocked trunks, monkeys swinging from a bridge, a howling wolf on a satellite dish, and a goat painted on a wall. Some of the artworks were later vandalised, removed, or covered up.
Preserving street art for the public
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, said:
“Banksy stopped Londoners in their tracks when this piece appeared in the Square Mile – and now, we’re making it available to millions. By securing it for London Museum, we’re not only protecting a unique slice of the City’s story, but also adding an artwork that will become one of the museum’s star attractions.”
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Aditya Chopra (right) with his father, Yash Chopra
BOLLYWOOD filmmaker Aditya Chopra was last Thursday (21) named among the nominees of the UK Stage Debut Awards for his Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, performed at Manchester’s Opera House earlier this year.
Chopra delivered a blockbuster in 1995 with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, popular as DDLJ, with Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead roles. It was adapted to a theatrical production and had its UK premiere in May.
Chopra reprised his role as director of the English stage production, which revolves around the love story of Simran and Roger.
Shah Rukh Khan visits the cast of Come Fall in Love The DDLJ Musical during rehearsals in London Danny Kaan
“This year’s nominees embody the future of British theatre, and I can’t wait to celebrate their achievements,” said Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage theatrical publication.
“This year there are several individuals with south Asian heritage being recognised for their excellence in directing: among the nominees is Amit Sharma for Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde (in the Best Creative West End Debut category),” said the awards panel in a statement.
Also nominated are Adam Karim for Guards at the Taj at the Orange Tree Theatre, London, and visionary Indian filmmaker Aditya Chopra for Come Fall In Love at Manchester’s Opera House, who are both in the running for the best director category, the statement added.
The winners will be announced on September 28.
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The group have introduced fresh orchestral elements and added instruments to expand their live sound
The Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group return to the UK with a nationwide tour after viral success online.
The ensemble of brothers blend centuries-old qawwali traditions with fresh improvisations that connect with young audiences.
From Pakistan to the USA and UK, their performances have won acclaim for their electrifying energy and spiritual depth.
Fans can expect new instruments, reimagined classics, and the same message of love and harmony at this year’s shows.
From viral sensation to global stages
When a performance goes viral, it can change an artist’s career overnight. For the Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group, their stirring renditions of Bhar Do Jholi and B Kafara propelled them from local fame in Pakistan to global recognition, amassing millions of views across platforms. What set them apart was not just the power of their voices, but the way their music resonated with younger listeners who were hearing qawwali with fresh ears.
That viral momentum soon carried them beyond borders, leading to major performances in the United States and the UK. “It wasn’t just one track,” the group explained. “We revived older gems like Kali Kali Zulfon and Dil Pukare Aaja in our own style, and those went viral again, showing that qawwali still speaks across generations.”
Heritage, family and style
The Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group’s uniqueness lies in their roots. Composed of seven brothers and joined by fellow musicians from respected musical families, the ensemble was trained by their late father, himself a master of the art form. On stage, as many as 15 to 20 performers create a sound that is both deeply traditional and daringly modern.
Their shows are alive with improvisation. In the middle of a devotional track, harmonium player Shahbaz might suddenly weave in a melody from a contemporary Bollywood hit, while lead vocalist Fayyaz channels his energy into unrestrained movements and audience interaction. “When different styles meet, something new emerges,” they said. “That’s what keeps the music vibrant.”
UK audiences and the international journey
Having performed across the USA, the Middle East and Europe, the group describe UK audiences as particularly electric. “Each time we perform here, the atmosphere is charged. People don’t just listen – they become part of the performance,” they said.
Their repertoire often draws requests from fans who expect to hear viral favourites alongside traditional classics. “Sometimes, if organisers don’t allow us to perform songs like B Kafara or Dil Pukare Aaja, the audience won’t let the show continue. That’s the level of passion here,” they recalled with a laugh.
Keeping qawwali alive for new generations
While the roots of qawwali stretch back centuries, the group see their role as carrying the tradition into the present. By fusing tabla, harmonium and handclaps with newer instruments and arrangements, they appeal to younger listeners without losing the music’s essence.
“We want every audience to feel peace, harmony and love when they leave our concerts,” they said. “An artist should never belong to just one group of people – music is for everyone.”
What fans can expect this tour
This year’s UK tour promises new surprises. The group have introduced fresh orchestral elements and added instruments to expand their live sound. Fans can expect a mix of beloved classics, spontaneous improvisations, and the chance to hear qawwali reimagined for today’s world.
For Shahbaz Fayyaz Qawwal Group, the mission remains unchanged: to honour their heritage, embrace new audiences, and spread the universal message at the heart of their art. As they put it: “We look forward to growing together with our fans. Let’s celebrate qawwali as a tradition that belongs to everyone.”