In Liberal Hearts, Nayantara Violet Alva takes readers into the heart of an elite college in rural Haryana, where privilege, self-indulgence, and academia collide. This debut novel weaves together a college romance and a coming-of-age story, exploring questions of entitlement, identity, and the consequences of cultural divides.
Read the excerpt to know more.
Dear Namya,
I’m not sure if I should be flattered or perturbed by the fact that you know I read/ study on my roof every night. Either way, what’s a man to do other than read to keep his imagination alive when his world has shrunk? I don’t know, I somehow prefer the old-school way to the reels my sister enjoys.
Was meaning to tell you that I saw Ted Bundy’s final interview on your recommendation. Really, you’d never be able to tell he was a psychotic, cold-blooded killer. Either way, I hope you have no such intentions with me. Just in case you do, know that I’m way stronger than I might’ve looked in July.
In case you are looking for poetry to read outside of your father’s romantic tastes, you’d be shocked to know that Urdu shayari has set a bar so high that your much-loved Alfred Noyes would be put to shame. But since you’re pretty English medium, I’d suggest Ted Hughes, or W.H. Auden. They have far more realistic takes on life, which might successfully challenge your rosy Mauryan notions.
‘Crow Tyrannosaurus’ and ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ are simple yet existential enough to send you down a spiral you might just enjoy. They were of great comfort to me during Class 12 ISC.
Also, you’d asked which fictional character I relate to most. I guess I see a lot of myself in Eren Yeager from AOT.
I did end up reading your recommendations and I found The Beauty Myth powerful and quite fresh. If women were as impacted by the beauty standards set by toxic magazines in the Eighties, can’t even imagine their current state with Instagram filters, reels and stories at their fingertips. It makes me understand my Phool in a way that is a tad bit terrifying. I was wondering whether, even as a conventionally attractive girl, you have ever struggled with that kind of thing? Body image issues, I mean. Didn’t mean to probe, please don’t share if you aren’t comfortable.
Either way, do continue to suggest books because I do have some free time in between selling cigarettes, milking the cows and tending to the fields.
—Vir
I have read this note twenty times.
I reach for my book, open it to the page where my pretty yellow bookmark is but just can’t focus.
The poems he recommended have rendered me glum. I look down at the pile of all the notes he’s ever sent me, and I’m beyond impressed. His knowledge of literature, humanities, business and the world at large is nuts. Had Vir been some South Bombay or South Delhi boy at Maurya, everyone would’ve been gaga over him because he, without a doubt, has all the ingredients that mainstream popularity demands. Though he wouldn’t admit it, I’m sure he was all the rage at Spring Valley.
I still can’t forget Phoolkumari’s heartbroken face telling me about how their father died around four years ago. Vir must have been my age when the weight of his family’s subsistence descended upon his shoulders. The unfairness of his situation makes my head spin with frustration.
God, he and I are so different. I would hate for Mehreen to be right! We haven’t spoken since we fought. Maybe I should run to her room right now to fix things?
I look up at Pari to ask for her advice and can’t help but smile as I remember the mini freak-out she had earlier today when she saw another plant growing inside Tony’s pot. She sent her mother pictures and apparently the ‘weed’ is a periwinkle which she has now named Nancy. Pari announced that the two can share a pot and grow together. It is truly astonishing how the same person can be so aggressive yet endearing at the same time. Right now, she is drinking tea and typing belligerently on her laptop. I should take help in anaylsing the note.
‘Hey, Pari, who is Eren Yeager from AOT?’
‘Hmm, don’t ask me; I’m more of a Levi girl. Google karle and if you wanna watch, I’ll send you the link.’ Her eyes don’t move from her screen.
‘Hey, Pari, what exactly does conventionally attractive mean?’
Her eyes still don’t move from her screen. ‘Hot like a young Katrina or Aishwarya, but in politically correct words. Man, I had bi-panic to the max while watching Dhoom 2. Do I look at Hrithik, or do I look at Aishwarya? Mad confusion.’
‘Haha, but are you serious about the meaning? That can’t be right . . .’
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