51 pages • 1 hour read
Megha MajumdarA Burning
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Burning by Megha Majumdar follows the interwoven lives of Jivan, a young Muslim woman falsely accused of terrorism after commenting against the government online; Lovely, a transgender aspiring actress who gains fame by testifying at Jivan's trial; and PT Sir, a gym teacher who exploits Jivan’s situation to advance in politics, all set against the backdrop of contemporary Indian society and its issues of social media, tribalism, and ambition. Sensitive topics include terrorism, false imprisonment, and systemic injustice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
A Burning by Megha Majumdar captivates with its intense, fast-paced narrative and sharp social commentary on contemporary India. Critics praise its compelling characters and keen portrayal of ambition and class struggle. However, some find the plot predictable and the ending unsatisfying. Overall, it's a powerful debut with notable societal insights.
Who Should Read A Burning?
Fans of politically charged, socially conscious narratives will appreciate Megha Majumdar’s A Burning. Ideal for readers of Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger or Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West, the book offers a gripping, multi-perspective exploration of ambition, injustice, and the quest for a better life in contemporary India.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Society: Class
Identity: Gender
Modern Classic Fiction
Indian Literature
LGBTQ