Birds of the Snow, written by Late Tarannum Riyaz, depicts the transition of Kashmir from a rural to a more urban way of life, tracing the life of Sheba, a young woman who chooses a career over marriage. The novel also delves into the mother-daughter relationship, women’s liberation, and the pursuit of self-actualization.

“Birds of the Snow” is a new title from Niyogi Books, translated from the Urdu original Barf Aashna Parindey by Late Tarannum Riyaz.

Regarding the book’s publication, Trisha De Niyogi, Director and COO of Niyogi Books said ‘We were deeply saddened by the loss of Tarannumji during the Covid pandemic. She was a gifted poet and writer, and her presence will be sorely missed. Despite the fact that Tarranumji died during the production of this book and was unable to see the printed copies, its completion is our heartfelt tribute to her memory. Birds of the Snows is a beautiful book that beautifully depicts childhood in Kashmir, capturing beautiful images of the landscape, changing seasons, customs, food, and birds of the region. The author has written a coming-of-age story about a young woman’s quest for happiness.

About the Book

This sensitively written novel, originally published in Urdu as Barf Aashna Parindey, follows a family’s journey in Kashmir, focusing on the life of their daughter, Sheba, as she studies and discovers her own path. Sheba, like the birds she enjoys watching, wishes to be free, but she recognizes the importance of adhering to social norms and taking on life’s responsibilities.

The author skillfully interweaves several poignant narratives to explore women’s freedom, the mother-daughter relationship, and social mores. When her professor suffers a stroke while at university, Sheba takes on the compassionate task of caring for him. She begins this humanitarian work with her college classmates and continues it on her own after they have moved on to pursue their professional and personal objectives.

This expertly translated novel depicts the changing times in Kashmir, from rural to urban life, the impact of modern thinking, and the compassion and resolve of female characters, as well as their search for self-fulfillment, through the portrayal of female characters.

About the Author

Dr. Tarannum Riyaz was a well-known Urdu poet, critic, and translator. She had master’s degrees in Urdu and Education, as well as a doctorate in Education, and was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir. She wrote more than 20 books, including fiction, criticism, and poetry. Many national and international languages have been translated into her works. Her writings are used in Indian educational institutions for research and studies. She had also served as a visiting lecturer at a number of prestigious Indian and international educational and research institutions.

She was a former Senior Fellow with the Indian Ministry of Culture and had won numerous awards for her work, including the SAARC Literature Award (2014), the Jammu and Kashmir Academy for Art, Culture, and Languages Best Book Award (2008), and the Delhi Urdu Academy Fiction Award (2006). In addition, Dr. Riyaz has attended numerous national and international conferences and seminars.

The 498 pages novel is available in flex-back edition at Rs  695.