Planning to read a few books this 2024? 'White Mughal' author William Dalrymple lists some must-read books you can dig into this year

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Dalrymple may have to put a pause on his 2024 reading list though as he gears up for the 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival to be held in 2024, which is going to be their best yet, he says.

If you’re looking to put together a solid reading list as part of your 2024 resolutions, you can start with Author, historian and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, William Dalrymple’s must read-list. A combination of classics, modern Indian literature and non-fiction.

“My favorite classic novel is 'War and Peace.' My preferred classic history book is 'The Fall of Constantinople, 1453' by Sir Stephen Ainsworth. I greatly admire 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote as my favorite piece of non-fiction writing,” Dalrymple tells ET Panache.

Among modern Indian novels, there are few that stand out for him. “'Prone to Mistry: Fine Balance' is one that I really recommend.

When it comes to Indian non-fiction, Suketu Mehtas 'Maximum City' holds a special place in his heart. Dalrymple tells us that his favorite novel from India last year is Anjum Hasan's 'History's Angel'.

“I am also eagerly anticipating Mukund Padmanabhan's forthcoming book, 'The Great Flap,' as my preferred non-fiction release this year. Additionally, a new favorite Indian writer has emerged for me: Yuvan Aves, who has crafted an extraordinary debut book titled 'Into Title,' set to release soon. Lastly, Tom Holland's 'Pax' stands out as my favorite history book of the year,” he shares.

“Well, I think we're just building on our reputation as the greatest literary festival in the world. For anyone who hasn't ever experienced it, I don't think people realize quite how unique it is because elsewhere, to hear any of these speakers, you'd have to pay $100 or $200 for tickets. Often, some of the Nobel Prize winners can charge much more than that. One after another, the world's greatest minds are on show and available to talk to, to mingle with. There's nothing else like it on the planet,” he says

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