One Bedroom, Hall & Kitchen

Hard copies of the book are now available for Sale.

As an independent author, (one without an agent) I have printed a small batch of the book and hard copies are now available for sale. The book is not available in bookstores yet, perhaps someday it will be. Till then, the copies are self published and with me in my studio.

To get your copy, you can get in touch in either of these ways:

email me: samira.gupta@gmail.com
DM me for details
message me on +91 9999887045

Price: INR 700/- + Courier (within India) INR 100/-

{The book will be sent via India Speed Post}

ABOUT THE BOOK

One Bedroom, Hall and Kitchen explores a mother-daughter relationship through a series of phone conversations, emails, text messages, recollections and reflections which span a period of one year.

Using a non-linear format, the narrative delves into the complex layers of a parent and child relationship when the child is on the threshold of adulthood. How does the dynamic shift? How is this shift perceived by the parent? What are the new rules of engagement? How are lines drawn and crossed?

The language of love and guilt is universal in any mother-daughter relationship. The narrative respects that and does not name the characters, put dates to conversations or mention the cities they inhabit. The story is personal yet resonates with the reader’s journey with their parent. It is my story but it is also yours.

The bond between two women is as strong as it is fragile, their emotional journey tumultuous, ridden with loneliness and guilt.

The book is about all the things that happen in the space between growing up and growing old.

History

One Bedroom, Hall & Kitchen was written in 2013 as a part of an artists collective and launched at an exhibition with a small print run of 50 copies. It was later published as a digital book with Juggernaut Books for three years (2016 – 2018). In 2019, through a theatre collective – The Play Factory, it was performed as a play and ran 5 shows to packed audiences in Delhi.

It was then adapted into an immersive reading format where six people from the audience were invited to sit around a table and read the book while the rest listened. After the reading, the floor was open for questions, thoughts and discussion which often lasted for over an hour. During COVID the readings were conducted online through zoom sessions.

The book has been read by audiences (online and in-person) 26 times since 2019.

One BHK has had a beautiful journey over the past 11 years. It has grown, transformed and adapted. It has pushed me to think beyond print as a medium of communication and shown me that when you keep your mind open, a million possibilities emerge.

The Readings

I would love to read with you. To conduct a reading (online or in-person) email me on samira.gupta@gmail.com with the subject title: Immersive reading.

What do I need to organise a reading?

A table space big enough for 6 readers and space around for the audience.

How many people should the reading have?

The reading is intimate and works with a small to medium sized audience (minimum 15 to maximum 30)

Do I need a theatre space for the reading?

No, it is not necessary. We have conducted reading in private residences, schools as well as performance spaces.

Do you charge for the reading session?

Yes, we take a nominal amount to keep us afloat. This can be discussed depending on your budget.

How long does it take to organise a reading?

If you have the people, we can be ready within a week.

How much time does the session take?

The reading takes 45 to 50 minutes followed by a discussion. We would suggest you keep two hours in total for the entire experience.

What is an ideal time for the sessions?

We need our audience relaxed, happy and phone-free! The readings work best in the evenings (5:00 or 6:00 pm) on weekends when people are free from work and other commitments.