Shadows at Noon is an ambitious synthesis of decades of research and scholarship which explores the key strands of South Asian history in the twentieth century with clarity and authority. Unlike other narrative histories of the subcontinent that concentrate exclusively on politics, here food, leisure and the household are given equal importance to discussions of nationhood, the development of the state and patterns of migration. While it tells the subcontinent's story from the British Raj to independence and partition and on to the forging of the modern nations of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the book's structure is thematic rather than chronological. Each of the chapters illuminates on overarching theme or sphere that has shaped South Asia over the course of the century. This format allows the reader to explore particular issues such as the changing character of nationalism or food consumption over time and in depth. Shadows at Noon is a bold, innovative and personal work that pushes back against standard narratives of 'inherent' differences between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Its purpose is to make contemporary South Asia intelligible to readers who are fascinated by the subcontinent's cultural vibrancy and diversity but are often perplexed by its social and political makeup. And it illuminates the many aspects that its people have in common rather than what divides them.

Long Shadows at Noon is a short collection of poetry and prose that addresses the richness and tragedies of life. Life has its many rewards that are often overshadowed by the pace at which modern life has captured our minds, time and attention. The shortest and darkest day of the year is the winter solstice that occurs on the 21st of December. This dark period often seems to sneak up on us with little notice or warning and we find ourselves longing for more pleasant times. Often we reflect during the deepest days of darkness on how we let another year slip through our fingertips without enjoying the recently departed summer and autumn. Life is similar. During the dark periods of our lives we often look back at happier times and long for their return. During these dark days of the solstice and of life we must remember that each new day is a little brighter and warmer. Better times are ahead and life is far too sweet not to enjoy. Unlike other poetry books Long Shadows proceeds each poem with a short essay as to its nature and motivation for being written. Life, death, love and passion are addressed in various styles and forms. Both the simplicities and entanglements of living from a mans perspective are brought forth with an emphasis on taking a truthful and deep exploration of the soul.

**LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024** **WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE FOR HISTORY** This is the authoritative history of South Asia in the 20th century. 'A classic ... wonderfully enjoyable' WILLIAM DALRYMPLE 'Chatterji writes with infectious relish' DOMINIC SANDBROOK Shadows at Noon tells the subcontinent's story from the British Raj through independence and partition to the forging of the modern nations of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Unlike other histories of the region which concentrate exclusively on politics, here food, leisure and the household are given as much importance as nationhood, migration, and the state. Chatterji makes contemporary South Asia - its cultural vibrancy, diversity, social structures and political make-up - accesible to everyone. In so doing this bold, innovative, and personal work rallies against narratives of 'inherent' differences between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and reveals the many things its people have in common. 'The story of South Asia told with verve, wit and brilliance' ANURADHA ROY, author of All the Lives We Never Lived 'Truly magnificent' MIHIR BOSE, journalist and author of The Nine Waves 'Wonderful' SIR MARK TULLY, former Bureau Chief of BBC, New Delhi