News Wire
HarperCollins presents MARIA, JUST MARIA by Sandhya Mary
Translated from Malayalam by Jayasree Kalathil
Published by Harper Perennial
Paperback | Fiction | 244 pp | INR 499
Releasing 10 January 2024
NEW DELHI, Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — An insightful and humorous take on ideas like normal–abnormal, natural–human, love–hate, etc. that define contemporary society, and the exuberant and moving story of a woman trying to find her place in this world.
“A rare novel.” — S. Hareesh, author of Moustache, winner of the 2020 JCB Prize for Literature
“A must-read!” — Daisy Rockwell, translator of Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree, winner of the 2022 International Booker Prize
About the Book
Following the death of her grandfather, Maria has stopped speaking — not because she can’t, but because she doesn’t want to.
Now in a psychiatric hospital, as she begins the process of ‘reconnecting with reality’, Maria recalls her journey of being ‘just Maria’ — a girl born into a Syrian Christian family in Kerala, whose companions were a grandfather who took her along to wander around the village and its toddy shops; a great-aunt with dementia who challenged Maria’s position as the youngest in the family; a dog with a penchant for philosophy; and various long-dead family members, including a great-grandmother with a knack for prophecies, a patron saint who insisted on interfering in people’s affairs, and Karthav Eesho Mishiha with whom Maria has regular conversations.
Sandhya Mary’s novel Maria, Just Maria — masterfully translated by the award-winning Jayasree Kalathil — is an insightful and humorous take on ideas like normal–abnormal, natural–human, love–hate, etc. that define contemporary society, and the exuberant and moving story of a woman trying to find her place in this world.
Author Sandhya Mary says, “For me the process of writing Maria, Just Maria was a celebration of everything ‘not normal’! It was a process so full of craziness, humour and creativity!”
Jayasree Kalathil, translator of Maria, Just Maria, and award-winning author, says, “Maria, Just Maria, is, in my opinion, unique in Malayalam literature. Maria’s story is not the universally shared story of women everywhere, and yet, in her, we will find a piece of ourselves. Sandhya Mary’s telling of this story is humorous and poignant at the same time. The moment I finished reading the original, I had no doubt that I wanted to translate it.”
Rahul Soni, Associate Publisher – Literary, HarperCollins India, says, “This is a surprising, joyous, tender and moving work about subjects that are often, stereotypically and almost by default, meted out sombre and grave treatment. I’m ever so grateful to Jayasree for having introduced us to Sandhya Mary’s work — and for so unerringly translating it, that readers of English, such as myself, can savour it. And I hope this is only the first of many works in Sandhya’s unique voice that we will have the pleasure of reading.”
Praise for Maria, Just Maria
“Will there be anything left if madness is taken away from life and from art? Madness is creativity as well as an effort to escape from the shackles of society, even as the mad person remains ‘just’ another human being. A self-inquiry steeped in materiality makes Sandhya Mary’s debut, Maria, Just Maria, a rare novel and Maria, a literary character with a difference. Jayasree Kalathil’s brilliant translation adds to its richness.” — S. Hareesh
“Jayasree Kalathil brings her expert ear to this flawless and confident translation of the complex voice of a mad woman. A must-read!” — Daisy Rockwell
About the Author and the Translator
Sandhya Mary is a writer and media professional. Her first book, published in 2011, was a collection of short stories titled Chittikkaran Yudas Bhoothavarthamana Kalangalkkidayil (Chittikkaran Yudas, in Between Past and Present). Maria Verum Maria (2018) is her debut novel. The book, currently in its third edition, established her as a storyteller who engages with serious, topical issues in a light-hearted and humanistic voice. As a media professional, Sandhya’s writings on contemporary social and political issues have been published in various forums, including TruecopyThink and Mathrubhumi weekend supplement. After receiving her master’s degree in communication and journalism, she worked with Indiavision, Kerala’s first 24/7 news channel. Currently, she is a producer with Mathrubhumi Club FM. Sandhya grew up in a predominantly Christian village in Ernakulam district in Kerala and currently lives in Kochi. She loves to cook, eat, and wander around.
Jayasree Kalathil is the author of The Sackclothman, a children’s book that has been translated into Malayalam, Hindi, and Telugu. She shared the JCB Prize for Literature in 2020 with S. Hareesh for her translation of his novel, Moustache. She is a recipient of the Crossword Book Award for Indian Language Translation and the V. Abdulla Memorial Translation Prize. Her translation of Sheela Tomy’s Valli (2022) was shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature, the American Literary Translators Association’s National Translation Award in Prose, and the Atta Galatta–Bangalore Literature Festival Book of the Year Award. Originally from Kottakkal in Malappuram district, Kerala, Jayasree currently lives in a small village in the New Forest in England.
About HarperCollins India
HarperCollins is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, having begun publishing in India in 1992. HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian Subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live! Award, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India has won the Publisher of the Year Award four times at Tata Literature Live! in 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2016, and at Publishing Next in 2021 and 2015. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers.
Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/harpercollins-presents-maria-just-maria-by-sandhya-mary-1.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2105077/4488116/HarperCollins_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/harpercollins-presents-maria-just-maria-by-sandhya-mary-302032395.html
News Wire
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.
Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.
Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.
Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”
Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”
The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.
About Jameson Connects
Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.
About Azadi Records
Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032
Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html
News Wire
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.
Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.
Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.
Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”
Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”
The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.
About Jameson Connects
Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.
About Azadi Records
Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032
Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html
News Wire
Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai
An intimate celebration of music, culture, and community, also featured Seedhe Maut and Shekhinah
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Music lovers in Mumbai were treated to an unforgettable evening as Jameson Connects brought its signature global experience, Distilled Sounds, to India’s cultural capital with an electrifying night of rhythm, soul, and connection. Headlining the showcase was none other than Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee, who took over Famous Studios, Mumbai, for a high-voltage, electrifying up-close performance that brought unmatched energy to this thrilling chapter of Jameson Connects.
DJ Pee .Wee, the dynamic alter ego of Anderson .Paak, delivered a high-energy DJ set that showcased his impeccable taste and versatility behind the console. Known for his genre-blending sound that merges hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B, Anderson .Paak additionally treated audiences to an intimate live performance towards the end, captivating them with his rich musicality and vibrant presence.
Adding to the evening’s vibrant soundscape was a duo who need little introduction — Seedhe Maut. Fresh off the release of their eighth project DL91 FM, the genre-defying Delhi-based icons brought their razor-sharp lyrics and explosive live energy. Joining them was South African powerhouse Shekhinah, celebrated for her soulful vocals and signature fusion of R&B and pop. Together, they formed a thrilling trifecta of artistry that embodies Jameson’s spirit of fearless creativity and community.
With each edition, Jameson Connects continues to raise the bar in crafting immersive cultural experiences that merge music, community, and creativity. Known for spotlighting boundary-breaking talent from around the world while championing local voices, the platform has become a space where global artistry meets homegrown expression. The upcoming Mumbai showcase is set to be no different-an intimate yet high-impact gathering that celebrates the spirit of connection, the power of live performance, and the magic that unfolds when diverse creative energies come together under one roof.
More than just a music event, Jameson Connects delivered a curated celebration of culture, community, and connection. From eclectic pop-ups by homegrown brands to vibrant F&B experiences and the thoughtfully curated zones, every element is designed to spark conversations and camaraderie.
Stay tuned for what’s next from Jameson Connects.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/jameson_alwaysintomixin?igsh=eGszaTBsNTV5N2Yx
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-302472876.html
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai
Disha Patani emerges as the ultimate fashionista of Bollywood; rocks every outfit she wears
BIGG BOSS SPECIAL: RASHAMI DESAI SURPASSES HER EX BEAU SIDDHARTH SHUKLA TO LEAD THE BIGG BOSS 13 SCORE TRENDS CHART
Pooja Hegde on the March Cover of Maxim India!
-
News Wire1 month agoAMITY UNIVERSITY MUMBAI, AMITY SCHOOL OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY (ASFT), SHOWCASES ‘SWARA – THE MELODY OF THREADS’ AT BOMBAY TIMES FASHION WEEK 2025
-
News Wire2 months agoThe Internet Is in a Frenzy Over MelBet India’s New Ad Campaign With Sherlyn Chopra
-
News Wire2 months agoApplause Entertainment Launches ‘ApplaToon’ – A New Animation Channel on YouTube
-
News Wire1 month agoPEPSI® IS BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER OF ‘THIRSTY FOR MORE’ FEATURING DAVID BECKHAM
-
News Wire1 month agoIDeA World College’s latest clothing line featured on acclaimed magazines
-
News Wire1 month agoPeter England unveils its newest campaign ‘The Gentlemen’s League – League of Legends’
-
News Wire1 month agoFrom New Friends to Big Adventures: What Kids Really Want on Their Dream Holidays
-
News Wire1 month agoBollywood Star Pankaj Tripathi joins Euro Adhesives Family to strengthen the ‘Pakka Jod’ as a National Brand Ambassador; Unveils New Campaign Championing Product Superiority
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.