Reliving Lockdown: A Memory Lane I'd Rather Avoid" (if the memories are lockdown related)
- Fairy Gada
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Book Review: The New New Delhi Book Club
Just two days into 2025, I headed to Kitab Khana to stock up on my New Year's reading. I added “The New, New-Delhi Book Club” to my book haul.
I was already in high spirits. My New Year's enthusiasm was further amplified when I found this book lying among the ‘author-signed’ section of the book rack. I was happy to acquire a hardcover, author-signed copy.
It’s March by the time I start reading the book.
While the book was short enough for a single sitting, or at most two, it took me fifteen days to finally reach the end. #Guilty
I felt a wave of anxiety as I read the first pages, a stark reminder of the lockdown's onset.
The author Radhika Swarup in her book, "The New New Delhi Book Club", captures the essence of human connection and resilience during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This book delves into themes of isolation, community, and the power of human connection. It also addresses societal divides that became more prominent during the lockdown, such as the struggles of migrant workers and economic inequalities.
The book comprises short stories, that are set in Delhi, providing a vivid portrayal of life in the city during the pandemic. It's a collection of interconnected stories showcasing how various individuals navigate the challenges of lockdown. It explores the dynamics of various relationships, including familial bonds, friendships and neighbourly connections. It highlights how the pandemic reshaped these relationships, leading to deeper understanding and empathy.
The book stirred memories of how a lingering dispute from the lockdown continues to isolate one of our neighbours, who remains estranged from the building's residents.
The book club acts as a bridge, bringing diverse characters together and fostering connections.
Personally, books were my sanctuary during the lockdown, providing much-needed sanity. I'd make evening tea and escape to the terrace with a book for a few precious hours. Only if I had such an idea…of starting or joining a book club.
In essence, "The New New Delhi Book Club" is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the human spirit's ability to find connection and hope in the face of adversity.
When I read this book, five years after the Covid-19 lockdown, I wondered if this book is a good read and how far have we come from those days- emotionally.
As I neared the end, I was just pushing to complete it. The thought of leaving it unfinished was unbearable.
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