8.13 Reenita Hora: On Fiction as a Weapon Against Forgetting

Books and Beyond with Bound

What happens when the wounds of Partition run deeper than history books will ever reveal?

In this episode, Reenita Hora joins Tara to discuss her searing historical novel Vermilion Harvest, set against the haunting backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Through the fearless, curious eyes of protagonist Aruna, Reenita brings alive an often forgotten chapter of colonial brutality and the emotional legacy it left behind.

They talk about the silencing of trauma, mixed-race identity, interfaith love, and how historical fiction can give voice to the stories that official narratives erase. Reenita also shares her journey to being an author and the exciting ways in which the book might find new life through music, theatre, or film.

With equal parts heart and history, this episode explores the tension between legacy and liberation, and the quiet courage it takes to rewrite the script.

Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode:

• Love Story by Erich Segal
• Titanic (1997)
• Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• Operation Mom by Reenita Hora
• Sundri and Mundri's Lohri Adventure by Reenita Hora
• Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin
• Jallianwala bagh, 1919 by Kishwar Desai

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The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing.

You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project.

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‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.