August 17: A Novel of Power and Rebellion By S. Hareesh (Author), Translated by Jayasree Kalathil

A DARING, GENRE-DEFYING MASTERPIECE OF ALTERNATE HISTORY FROM THE JCB PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR OF MOUSTACHE.

What if history took a radically different turn? On August 17, 1947, the kingdom of Thiruvithamkoor declares itself an entirely independent nation, flatly refusing to accede to the newly formed Indian Union. In the turbulent decades that follow, the region transforms into a volatile republic of political coups, relentless betrayals, and underground revolutions—all chronicled through the sharp, observant eyes of a shadowy government operative known simply as the CID.

Through this riveting vantage point, acclaimed author S. Hareesh brilliantly reimagines Kerala’s rich history as a speculative alternate reality where the dividing lines between fact and fiction, blind faith and absolute power, and sanity and madness blur beyond recognition. Blending subversive political satire with sly metafiction, August 17 explores the fragile mechanics of how modern nations are built—and ultimately undone—by the myths and stories they choose to believe. Rendered into English in Jayasree Kalathil’s masterful translation, this dark, witty, and astonishingly imaginative novel confirms Hareesh as one of the most fearlessly original voices in contemporary Indian literature.

Why this book is a must-have:

• Award-Winning Author: Written by S. Hareesh, celebrated winner of the prestigious JCB Prize for his landmark novel Moustache.

• Masterful Translation: Expertly translated by Jayasree Kalathil, preserving the sharp wit, linguistic nuance, and dark humor of the original.

• Fascinating Alternate History: A bold, imaginative reimagining of South Indian history, power struggles, and geopolitical rebellion.

• Essential Contemporary Fiction: A must-have for lovers of speculative literature, political satire, and groundbreaking translated Indian fiction.

Dive into an unforgettable alternate history. Add August 17: A Novel of Power and Rebellion to your collection at Beetle Bookshop today—enjoy 10–14% off and Free Shipping on orders above ₹500!