Manil Suri Knihy

Shortlisted for the 2023 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, this engaging and imaginative exploration delves into the fundamental mathematical concepts—from arithmetic to infinity—that underpin our universe. It poses a provocative question: starting from nothing—no matter, no cosmos—can we create a universe using only math? With irreverence and rich illustrations, the narrative invites readers to embark on this journey. The author, a mathematician and novelist, presents a natural progression of ideas essential for designing our world, beginning with numbers and advancing through geometry, algebra, and more. He uncovers the hidden lives of real and imaginary numbers, showcasing their interplay through abstract games with practical applications. Unexpected patterns emerge, linking simple life forms to vast galaxies, while the mathematical foundations of randomness and beauty are explored. Through evocative examples, from multidimensional crochet to the asymmetrical smile of the Mona Lisa, complex concepts like infinity and relativity are illuminated. The work charts a playful and inventive path to existence, suggesting that mathematics is not merely a tool for explaining Nature but the very source of creation itself. This narrative offers fresh perspectives for math enthusiasts and an accessible introduction for those intimidated by numbers, demonstrating that everyone can develop a love for math.

Young Ramchand rushes through the dusty streets of Amritsar, once again late for work. Chastised by his boss, he takes his place among the cottons and silks of the sari shop, selling yards of cloth to the wealthy and fashionable women of the town. Offered a glimpse of a more opulent world, Ranchand is seduced by the idea that he might somehow better himself. But making dreams real will come at a price that a poor shop assistant might not be able to pay.

“Enchanting. . . . Suri’s novel achieves an eerie and memorable transcendence.”—TimeIn Manil Suri’s debut novel, Vishnu, the odd-job man, lies dying on the staircase of an apartment building while around him unfold the lives of its inhabitants: warring housewives, lovesick teenagers, a grieving widower. In a fevered state, Vishnu looks back on his love affair with the seductive Padmini and wonders if he might actually be the god Vishnu, guardian of the entire universe.

India, 1955- as the scars of Partition are just beginning to heal, seventeen-year-old Meera sits enraptured- in the spotlight is Dev, singing a song so infused with passion that it arouses in her the first flush of erotic longing. But when Meera's reverie comes true, it does not lead to the fairy-tale marriage she imagined. Meera has no choice but to obey her in-laws, tolerate Dev's drunken night-time fumblings, even observe the most arduous of Hindu fasts for his longevity. A move to Bombay seems at first like a fresh start, but soon that dream turns to ashes. It is only when their son is born that things change and Meera is ready to unleash the passion she has suppressed for so long.

Armed only with a pomegranate, Sarita ventures into the empty streets of Mumbai, on the eve of its threatened nuclear annihilation. She is looking for her physicist husband Karun, who has been missing for over a fortnight. She is soon joined on her quest by Jaz - cocky, handsome, Muslim, gay, and in search of his own lover. Together they traverse the surreal landscape of a dystopia rife with absurdity, and are inexorably drawn to the patron goddess Devi ma, the supposed saviour of the city. Groundbreaking and multilayered, The City of Devi is a fearlessly provocative tale of three individuals balancing on the sharp edge of fate.