Get ready for this year’s DESIblitz literature festival by reading some classic books about people of Desi heritage, chosen by the festival’s founder and managing director of the British Asian magazine of the same name, Indi Deol.
The Go-Between by Osman Yousefzada
The designer and artist gives readers an insight into his childhood growing up in Birmingham. This is a humorous yet harrowing exploration of community expectations, racism and the divide between men and women within his own devout Pashtun community.
Both Not Half by Jassa Ahluwalia
Filmmaker and actor Jassa Ahluwalia (Peaky Blinders, Unforgotten) takes us on a journey of self-discovery in this revolutionary book. Part-memoir, part-manifesto, this page-turner explores concepts of mixed identity and belonging in a divided world.
Off the Beat by Nusrit Mehtab
In this cutting memoir, a former policewoman recounts her experience and the heinous treatment she endured as a Muslim woman working in the Met when racism and misogyny were rife.
Unravelling by Preethi Nair
To the outside world, Bhanu seems to have the perfect life, but when her first love re-enters her life on her wedding anniversary, her world is thrust into chaos. A heartwarming yet gut-wrenching book about universal love, regret and the complexities of life.
The History Lessons by Shalina Patel
The award-winning TV historian and author takes us on a jaw-dropping journey back in time, through the Roman era to the Second World War and more, rewriting history as we know it.
