The Association of Small Bombs
2018 Nominated

The Association of Small Bombs

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

When the Khurana boys and their friend Mansoor set out for one of Delhi’s markets, disaster strikes without warning. A ‘small’ bomb detonates, killing the brothers instantly. Mansoor is one of the few survivors.

From India to America, the lives of victims and bystanders, mothers and fathers, comrades and adversaries are changed forever. Even the young bomb maker cannot escape the heat of the blast.

 

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Karan
Mahajan

Karan Mahajan grew up in New Delhi, India and lives in Austin, Texas. His first novel, Family Planning, was a finalist for the Dylan Thomas Prize and was published in nine countries. The Association of Small Bombs was a finalist for the National Book Award and was selected as one of the New York Times Book Review’s Ten Best Books of 2016. His writing has appeared in many publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker online and The Believer.

Karan Mahajan grew up in New Delhi, India and lives in Austin, Texas. His first novel, Family Planning, was a finalist for the Dylan Thomas Prize and was published in nine countries. The Association of Small Bombs was a finalist for the National Book Award and was selected as one of the New York Times Book Review’s Ten Best Books of 2016. His writing has appeared in many publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker online and The Believer.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

A powerful and wonderful novel. A compelling story of tragedy about friends and relatives who lose loved ones at a terrorist attack. A timeless book on the effect of violence on human life.

Karan Mahajan’s literary novel is about how one event, a bomb explosion in a busy market in Delhi, can affect people throughout the rest of their lives. We nominated this book because of the timely subject matter and the insightful empathy demonstrated for all involved.

A terrorist bombing in New Delhi kills two young men and their grief stricken family struggles to recover. Mahan’s compassionate, empathetic narrative boldly imagines victims, survivors and killers in a compelling story ripped from contemporary headlines.

The Association of Small Bombs is simultaneously vast and minute. Mahajan’s deft writing makes glow the minutiae of lives. Distinct pieces he then layers and piles up until the mass spills, uncovering the overweening bent of human culture.

Bold, humanistic portrayal of tragedy – an incisive depiction of terrorism, terrorists and their victims.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Date published
18/10/2016
Author
Publisher
Vintage

RELATED FEATURES

Video January 2 2026

Celebrating 30 Years of the Dublin Literary Award

As we bid a fond farewell to our 30th Anniversary, let's take a lookback at some highlights from past years
News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award
Video May 26 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner in Conversation

Winning author Michael Crummey in conversation with Madeleine Keane at the International Literature Festival Dublin.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.