Amanda Craig Archives - North India Kaleidoscope

November 16, 2020 Books Culture

Great gags, hope and happy endings: books to cheer everyone up

From a wartime romance to a comedy of cooking errors … Amanda Craig recommends books that lift the spirits

Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court to face fresh charges March 1, 2021
Ms Suu Kyi's appearance comes a day after the deadliest day of protests, when 18 people were killed.
Hong Kong protesters gather as 47 dissidents appear in court March 1, 2021
Police officers try to control crowds as 47 pro-democracy figures face charges of "subversion".
PM Narendra Modi gets Covid jab as India scales up vaccination March 1, 2021
The country has opened vaccination for people over 60 and those who have other illnesses.
Golden Globes: 'Tears' as Chloe Zhao becomes first Asian woman to win best director March 1, 2021
Chloe Zhao is hailed as a "huge inspiration for young Asian girls" after her Golden Globes win.
Hyunjin: K-pop star's apology for school bullying sparks debate March 1, 2021
The singer of South Korean boy band Stray Kids is accused of being verbally abusive while in middle school.
Chinese investment in Australia plummets 61% March 1, 2021
The drop reflects tougher foreign investment laws and the effects of Covid-19.
Sir Kazuo Ishiguro warns of young authors self-censoring out of 'fear' March 1, 2021
Writers may be self-censoring because they don't want to be "cancelled", author Kazuo Ishiguro says.
Inter Milan owners close Chinese side Jiangsu February 28, 2021
Chinese Super League champions Jiangsu FC - who have the same owners as Inter Milan - "cease operations".
Has China lifted 100 million people out of poverty? February 28, 2021
President Xi says China has achieved his poverty reduction pledge - but has it?
Covid: How this Indian firm is vaccinating the world February 28, 2021
The Serum Institute of India isn't a household name, but it's the world's largest vaccine maker.
Indian man killed by his own bird during cockfight February 27, 2021
The man had tried to stop the bird escaping when he was struck in the groin by a knife on the animal's leg.
Mourning the sisters killed as they taught handicrafts February 27, 2021
Ayesha and Irshad were breadwinners in a former Pakistani tribal area where militancy is rising again.
Covid-19: India in a 'delicate phase' of its coronavirus battle as cases surge February 27, 2021
A surge in cases in some Indian states has scientists worried about a possible new wave.
Monsters, mania and the unstoppable march of Pokémon February 27, 2021
Several waves of Pokémania have swept the globe, keeping this lucrative franchise relevant for 25 years.
China celebrates colourful Lantern Festival February 26, 2021
Villages and cities become a sea of bright light to mark the end of Chinese New Year celebrations.
The young girl who became pen-pal with Bollywood's biggest stars February 26, 2021
A unearthed photo album uncovers personal letters from the biggest stars of the 1950s and 60s.
Fijian rugby league players sing tribute to Sydney quarantine staff February 26, 2021
The rugby league players performed a song from their balconies in hotel quarantine in Australia.
Analysis: Can Asia help Myanmar find a way out of coup crisis? February 26, 2021
While Western sanctions may not help, China and South East Asia's influence may hold some sway.
Minari: Oscar favourite sees Korean family chase the American Dream February 25, 2021
Director Lee Isaac Chung on making the critically-acclaimed film and why he avoided seeing Parasite.
North Korea enslaved South Korean prisoners of war in coal mines February 25, 2021
A report describes how prisoners of war are used as slave labour to generate money for the regime.

Sarkozy: Former French president sentenced to jail for corruption March 1, 2021
The former president is found guilty of trying to bribe a magistrate but can serve the term at home.
Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court to face fresh charges March 1, 2021
Ms Suu Kyi's appearance comes a day after the deadliest day of protests, when 18 people were killed.
Police raid Spanish football giants Barcelona March 1, 2021
Catalan police make several arrests after searching the offices of La Liga side Barcelona.
Gordon Elliott: Trainer says dead horse photo is real and apologises March 1, 2021
Leading Irish racehorse trainer Gordon Elliott says a photo circulating on social media of him sitting on a dead horse is real.
Coronavirus: The misleading claims about an Indian remedy March 1, 2021
A traditional herbal remedy said to "cure" Covid has resurfaced, but Indian ministry debunks the claim
Hong Kong protesters gather as 47 dissidents appear in court March 1, 2021
Police officers try to control crowds as 47 pro-democracy figures face charges of "subversion".
France coach Galthie backed despite leaving bubble to watch son play rugby March 1, 2021
France coach Fabien Galthie is backed by his federation despite getting Covid-19 after leaving the squad's bubble.
Nigeria's school abductions: Why children are being targeted March 1, 2021
Paying ransoms to kidnappers is fuelling the mass abduction of students in northern Nigeria, analysts say.
Netanyahu blames Iran for blast on Israeli-owned ship in Gulf of Oman March 1, 2021
Israel's prime minister says it is "clear" the Helios Ray was the target of an Iranian operation.
The history-making woman leading the WTO March 1, 2021
The former Nigerian finance minister becomes the first woman, and the first African, head of the WTO.
Djokovic equals Federer's record of 310 weeks as world number one March 1, 2021
Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer's record of 310 weeks ranked as world number one.
Hundreds of K-pop songs disappear from Spotify March 1, 2021
Popular tracks by Monsta X and Sistar are removed from the platform amid a contract dispute.
CPAC: Trump rules out new political party in speech to conservatives March 1, 2021
The former US president hints at another run in 2024 as he returns to the political stage.
Meghan and Harry Oprah interview: Diana discussed in teaser clips March 1, 2021
Harry draws parallels between the treatment of his mother and wife, in teaser clips of a TV special.
PM Narendra Modi gets Covid jab as India scales up vaccination March 1, 2021
The country has opened vaccination for people over 60 and those who have other illnesses.
Khashoggi: Journalist's fiancée demands 'punishment' for Saudi prince March 1, 2021
Hatice Cengiz, who was engaged to the murdered journalist, calls on world leaders to take action.
Tiger Woods: Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson support 'truly helping' injured golfer March 1, 2021
Tiger Woods expresses his gratitude after male and female golfers show their support for the 15-time major winner on Sunday.
Golden Globes: Ben Stiller's baked trophy and 8 other highlights March 1, 2021
Hollywood actor Ben Stiller didn't need much more than flour and eggs at Sunday' Golden Globes.
'It's about time': Director Zhao makes history March 1, 2021
Chloe Zhao is hailed as a "huge inspiration for young Asian girls" after her Golden Globes win.
In pictures: Globes stars still shine without red carpet March 1, 2021
Images from the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony split between Los Angeles and New York.