Author. Junglee. Traveller. Sleepless dreamer.
The illusion of gentle living in a predatory world Every creature, from a lactobacillus to a leopard, is living on borrowed life. Predation is simply the returning of that loan. In nature, being eaten isn’t always a tragedy For many Indians, vegetarianism is not just diet — it’s identity, hierarchy, morality, sometimes even politics. AREFA... Continue Reading →
CITIES IN FICTION An interview with writer and novelist,Arefa Tehsin By Divya Ravindranath 21 May 2025 Arefa Tehsin grew up treading jungles with her naturalist father. She was often found trying to catch a snake or spin a yarn. Tehsin is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books and contributes columns and features to publications... Continue Reading →
Two policemen, and what their actions say about a bruised Insaniyat in India India is losing its Insaniyat. But it can be found again -- not in mandirs, mosques or manifestos, but in how we treat a tree, an animal or a person who can do nothing for us AREFA TEHSIN Apr 20, 2025 13:26... Continue Reading →
'The Witch in the Peepul Tree' has been shortlisted for The Asian Prize for Fiction. "Following an extensive process spanning seven months, 13 group discussions were conducted by 5 book clubs from Africa, Asia, and Europe. This global participation resulted in the identification of six books for the shortlist. The discussions were guided by evaluation... Continue Reading →
PUBLISHING AND THE PANDEMIC A writer explains why she misses the lockdown brought on by the pandemic Arefa Tehsin, who writes books on nature and fiction, says she welcomed the opportunity for solitude. Arefa Tehsin Gawd, how I miss the lockdown! So much that it hurts. I look back at those months with nostalgia and... Continue Reading →
TÊTE-À-TÊTE AREFA TEHSIN: BOOKS CAN BE YOUR BEST TEACHERS AND FRIENDS Areifa Teshin"> Areifa Teshin"> Areifa Teshin"> Arefa Tehsin is our hero at the book club! Why? Well, for starters she has been a forest warden. If that isn’t reason enough, we are awestruck by the fact that she gets to live admirably close... Continue Reading →
Loud and proud AREFA TEHSIN The animal kingdom is full of fascinating creatures. Let’s look at a few that could possibly split your eardrums! “Shhhh… Not so loud!” Your mum would have warned you time and again as you laugh aloud, cheer when a batsman hits a six or just have a heated argument. Loudness... Continue Reading →
My new book Wild in the Backyard, unleashed! Publisher: Penguin India Age: No bar Ever wondered why this world’s called a rat race? Why does your teacher call you the chatter bird of the class? How did those dratted lice get in your hair? Let's find out the answers to these and more in this... Continue Reading →
Arefa Tehsin 