Bombay-born Pinki Virani was eighteen when she started work as a typist. She then took on the job of a beat reporter and rose to become India’s first woman editor of an eveninger. She divides her time between Bombay, Delhi and Pune and is married to senior journalist Shankkar Aiyar; they have chosen to be childfree. Pinki Virani is the author of three bestselling nonfiction titles: Aruna’s Story, Once Was Bombay and Bitter Chocolate. The fi rst book continues to be read in genderstudy courses, the second by sociology specialists (it was also referred to by an Indian prime minister in his speech on collapsing cities). The third book on child sexual abuse in middle and upper-class homes earned her international plaudit for being the first in the Indian subcontinent to courageously speak up as a victim of incest, and was honoured with a National Award by the government of India.Deaf Heaven is Pinki Virani’s first work of fiction. Her second, Bloody Hell, is being written as both, a literary diptych and a stand-alone novel.
Bombay-born Pinki Virani was eighteen when she started work as a typist. She then took on the job of a beat reporter and rose to become India’s first woman editor of an eveninger. She divides her time between Bombay, Delhi and Pune and is married to senior journalist Shankkar Aiyar; they have chosen to be childfree. Pinki Virani is the author of three bestselling nonfiction titles: Aruna’s Story, Once Was Bombay and Bitter Chocolate. The fi rst book continues to be read in genderstudy courses, the second by sociology specialists (it was also referred to by an Indian prime minister in his speech on collapsing cities). The third book on child sexual abuse in middle and upper-class homes earned her international plaudit for being the first in the Indian subcontinent to courageously speak up as a victim of incest, and was honoured with a National Award by the government of India.Deaf Heaven is Pinki Virani’s first work of fiction. Her second, Bloody Hell, is being written as both, a literary diptych and a stand-alone novel.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
