"Good books make us think. What could be more important?”. A Q&A with Kavery Nambisan

#MeetTheJury - books, reading genres, prizes, get to know more in this conversation with Jury member Kavery Nambisan

1. What is the kind of literature that you are generally drawn to when you are not reading for the Prize? 

I like reading a wide range of books that grip me because of the story and the characters. Simplicity and clarity in story-telling, while also the ability to portray the complexities of life offers high quality fiction which I find most appealing.  if this is done deftly, with a lightness of touch, that's even better.

2. Of course everyone brings in their own perspective when reading, do you have any personal filters when reading? Rather what according to you makes a book worthy of being revisited, time and again?

My favorite books have all the above qualities. The best books have a center-point (hidden, or obvious) which casts a glow over the entire work. It may be a character, an incident, a thread in the story-line, or the very essence of it. I like to drink deep from such books. I have a shelf full of treasured works that I read every few years.

3. Do you think Prizes impact our socio-cultural milieu? Why do you think they matter?

I think Literary Prizes matter because they draw attention to certain books which will then, hopefully be read by more people; they will be written about and discussed. Good books make us think. What could be more important?