‘The Ocean is Her Title’, a novella of the fantasy fiction genre written by Manjima Misra, has been released on 29 October 2023. ‘The Ocean is Her Title’ is available on Amazon for purchase in paperback and Kindle editions. The book will be launched in collaboration with the book club ‘Delhi Reads’ in November 2023. Book Discussion Events on ‘The Ocean is Her Title’ is scheduled to take place at several colleges of Delhi University in the coming few months.
Valson Thampu, who is the former Principal of St. Stephens’ College has commented that, “The Ocean Is Her Title by Manjima Misra is the closest that any Indo-Anglian author has come to the sensibility of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
No one can miss its poignancy, thanks to the tragic sense subsumed in Poulomi, transfixed between poetry and pathology, struggling through a welter of feelings, incapacities, and anxieties to shore up her beleaguered existential coherence. Here the poetry of a fractured existence is sung as sincerely as may be expected only from one who has seen it all from within. As a result, the narration is distinguished by sincerity. The novella merits a read, perhaps more than a read, especially by those who regard the human condition with creeping anxiety as to where we are headed, what we are out to achieve, and at what cost.”
Mark P Lynn, noted journalist at Doordarshan has also praised the book ‘The Ocean is Her Title’ with the words, “The Ocean is Her Title by Manjima Misra is rich in self discovery monologue and dialogue and moves from literature to the philosophical realm and back. The internal monologue takes the form of a conversation with real characters who are fictionalized from the author’s love for Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, Wonder Woman, and the heartfelt support structure provided by a father who tends to a child with bipolar disorder. The story of Poulomi, Agatha and Jay is captivating as it reflects friendship and longing that works deep in the mind of the third person in a love triangle… who could have been the second person.
The romance is made to look one sided and imaginary at times, when it is as real as real life could be…Jay choosing Agatha over Poulomi creates the material for Poulomi through her catharsis to write letters and come to terms with her identity as a woman, a jilted lover, a feminist who first stands firm to her beliefs but over time questions her feminism as she takes on the role of a mother.It is a novella about self-discovery, about how a woman perceives herself and her struggle for freedom, identity and self worth which she will achieve as long as she has dreams.”
Jitendra Dixit, who is a renowned journalist has said, “In The Ocean Is Her Title, readers are invited to embark on an emotionally charged novella that weaves together the dreams and struggles of a young Delhi girl, Poulomi, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is abducted and transported to a place she could never have imagined – the Ocean Hospital. This novella, authored by Manjima Misra, is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Poulomi’s abduction and subsequent journey to Ocean Hospital serve as a powerful metaphor for the unforeseen twists and turns that life can take.
As she grapples with her new reality, readers are drawn into a narrative that navigates the depths of her resilience and determination. Her unwavering desire to build a cottage by the river symbolizes her unyielding commitment to crafting her own destiny, even in the face of adversity…Poulomi’s father unwavering resolve to rescue his daughter adds a layer of emotional intensity to the novella. His relentless pursuit of justice highlights the strength of familial bonds and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child…
In sum, Manjima Misra masterfully crafts a novella that tugs at the heartstrings while offering a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges women face in modern society. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping story of resilience, family,and the pursuit of one’s dreams amidst the trials of life. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that, even in the most unexpected circumstances, one can find the courage to chart their own course.”
Manjima Misra is a writer based in Delhi. She has written three published books previously which are titled Indian Feminine Fury, Unapologetically Mad, and The Ocean is Her Title. Her opinion articles have been published in The Indian Express, The Quint, Outlook India, Deccan Herald, Newslaundry, and Firstpost. She has previously worked as a writer with the Education Desk at The Indian Express and as an educator with Teach For India.
She has a Master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delhi and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She studied for her Bachelor’s degree in English literature at the University of Delhi.
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Disclaimer: (This story, title and image has been created by Manjima Misra and and is not edited by the Storifynews Staff)
