Nayantara Violet Alva’s “Liberal Hearts” challenges the reader to see beyond the surface of privilege. Set in the elite Maurya College, this novel juxtaposes the carefree lives of affluent students with the harsh realities faced by the local community. As Namya and Vir’s stories intertwine, they each undergo profound transformations. This engaging narrative promises to resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.
THE BOOK
‘When he feels the besotted expression returning to his face, and his eyes travelling down to her mouth again, he toughens up his exterior and attempts to convince himself that she’s just a fool drunk on her own privilege.’
Amidst the idyllic mustard fields of Haryana stands the imposing Maurya College of Liberal Arts—an elite bubble, and a bastion of free speech and progressive values. And when Namya arrives at Maurya, she finds the brightest and the most privileged living a life of complete self-indulgence. Drinking, drugs, promiscuity and incessant partying are the buzzwords.
Meanwhile, on the village side, Renadh’s very own Vir Kumar Yadav struggles to support his family, resorting to selling overpriced booze from his kirana store to spoiled undergraduates.
As their paths cross, Namya begins to question her entitlement, while Vir finds himself struggling with the black-and-white notions he’s always held true. And when a Westernized pub, Tej Ka Theka, opens right next door, the walls of the glass palace begin to crumble, setting the stage for an irrevocable culture clash.
Fresh and witty, Nayantara Violet Alva’s vivid and cinematic debut Liberal Hearts is as much a college romance as it is a coming-of-age story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayantara Violet Alva grew up in Delhi and Bangalore and currently resides in Mumbai. She graduated from Ashoka University in 2019. Since then, she’s worked as a producer on hit shows like Anupama at Disney-Star and is currently producing original OTT shows for JioCinema.
Inspired by her college life, Liberal Hearts is her attempt at writing complex and nuanced themes in a funny and accessible form.
The official release for the book is in October 2024.
