The Books of Esther

Esther David has been compared both to Isaac Bashevis Singer and Rohinton Mistry. The author of The Book of Esther and Shalom India Housing Society tells us wry, affectionate tales about the dwindling Bene Israel community. She talks about the conflicting desire to be part of Indian society while retaining a Jewish identity and discloses how and why she came to write about this unique community, to which she still belongs.

Esther David comes from the Bene Israel Jewish community in India. She grew up in Ahmedabad, where her father, a hunter-turned-veterinarian, founded a zoo. She trained as a sculptor and lectures on Art History. She is the author of The Walled City, the Book of Esther and the Book of Rachel. estherdavid.com

Shelley Silas writes for theatre, radio and television.  Stage plays include Eating Ice Cream on Gaza Beach and Calcutta Kosher. Current work includes a radio commission, a recently optioned TV comedy series, and a new stage play. www.shelleysilas.wordpress.com

Sponsored by the Richard Norton Memorial Trust