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    Love to read? 'White Mughal' author William Dalrymple lists some must-read books you can dig into in 2024

    Synopsis

    Thinking of what books to devour in 2024? Author William Dalrymple has some interesting suggestions.

    dalrympleAgencies
    Dalrymple may have to put a pause on his 2024 reading list though as he gears up for the 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival to be held in February 2024, which is going to be their best yet he says.
    If you’re looking to put together a solid reading list as part of your New Year's resolutions, you can start with Author, historian and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, William Dalrymple’s must read-list. A combination of classics, modern Indian literature and non-fiction.

    “My favourite classic novel is 'War and Peace.' My preferred classic history book is 'The Fall of Constantinople, 1453' by Sir Stephen Ainsworth. I greatly admire 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote as my favourite piece of non-fiction writing,” Dalrymple tells ET Panache.

    In the realm of modern Indian novels, there are few that stand out for him. “'Prone to Mistry: Fine Balance' is one that I really recommend.

    When it comes to Indian non-fiction, 'Saket to Mehta: Maximum City' holds a special place in his heart. To wrap up 2023, Dalrymple tells us that his favourite novel from India this year is Anjum Hasan's 'History's Angel'.

    “I am also eagerly anticipating Mukund Padmanabhan's forthcoming book, 'The Great Flap,' as my preferred non-fiction release this year. Additionally, a new favourite Indian writer has emerged for me: Yuvan Aves, who has crafted an extraordinary debut book titled 'Into Title,' set to release soon. Lastly, Tom Holland's 'Pax' stands out as my favourite history book of the year,” he shares.

    Dalrymple may have to put a pause on his 2024 reading list though as he gears up for the 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival to be held in February 2024, which is going to be their best yet he says.

    “Well, I think we're just building on our reputation as the greatest literary festival in the world. For anyone who hasn't ever experienced it, I don't think people realise quite how unique it is because elsewhere, to hear any of these speakers, you'd have to pay $100 or $200 for tickets. Often, some of the Nobel Prize winners can charge much more than that. One after another, the world's greatest minds are on show and available to talk to, to mingle with. There's nothing else like it on the planet,” he says.

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