by Megha Majumdar
Published 2020
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK! • A "gripping thriller with compassionate social commentary" (USA Today) about three unforgettable characters who seek to rise—to the middle class, to political power, to fame in the movies—and find their lives entangled in the wake of a catastrophe in contemporary India. Jivan is a Muslim girl from the slums, determined to move up in life, who is accused of executing a terrorist attack on a train because of a careless comment on Facebook. PT Sir is an opportunistic gym teacher who hitches his aspirations to a right-wing political party and finds that his own ascent becomes linked to Jivan's fall. Lovely—an irresistible outcast whose exuberant voice and dreams of glory fill the novel with warmth and hope and humor—has the alibi that can set Jivan free, but it will cost her everything she holds dear. Taut, symphonic, propulsive, and riveting from its opening lines, A Burning is an electrifying debut.
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Top voices for narrating this book
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“This voice's deep resonance and commandingly calm delivery are perfect for a serious and intense narrative tone, reflecting the literary thriller's gravitas.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Mature
“Mahi's measured and unhurried precision provides a thoughtful and deliberate pacing, fitting the insightful nature of the narration.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“A professional and composed voice with a husky charm brings an impactful and serious presence, enhancing the social commentary aspect of the story.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
A determined young Muslim girl from the slums, falsely accused. Her voice should convey vulnerability mixed with fierce resilience.
Female · Young · Character · Anime · Middle-Aged · Narration · +6 more
“Makima's unique blend of professionalism and serious tone captures Jivan's determined nature and underlying resilience, making her the ideal young Indian protagonist.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Gentle
“The emotionally rich and expressive quality of this voice brings out Jivan's vulnerability and dramatic intensity, allowing a nuanced portrayal of a young woman's struggle.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Meditative
“Maya's emotionally resonant tone, even when soft, perfectly highlights Jivan's inner turmoil and offers an introspective texture for her character's journey.”
An opportunistic gym teacher whose voice reflects his political ascent, shifting from ordinary to increasingly authoritative and calculating.
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Entertainment · Deep · +9 more
“Thragg's deep and dramatic delivery perfectly encapsulates PT Sir's transformation from an ordinary teacher to an increasingly calculating and powerful figure, despite the accent not being Indian.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Serious · Authoritative · +3 more
“His professional and measured tone offers a suitable gravitas for a character whose political ascent requires strategic thought and a serious demeanor.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Confident · Serious · +3 more
“Denzel's serious and deeply resonant sound creates a strong, evolving presence fitting for a character growing in influence and ambition.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Social-Media · Deep · Low · +10 more
“The dramatic and highly articulate nature of Nightmare Freddy would effectively underscore PT Sir's shift toward a darker, more manipulative persona.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Entertainment · Narration · Medium · +11 more
“This voice's energetic and dynamic quality can portray the character's ambition and rapid political ascent, shifting from ordinary to prominent.”
An exuberant and hopeful outcast with big dreams. Her voice should be bright, warm, and full of character, even when facing difficult choices.
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Upbeat
“Ayesha's energetic and upbeat delivery perfectly captures Lovely's bright, hopeful, and conversational nature, easily portraying a younger character with big dreams.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“Mridula's warm and expressive voice, coupled with a hopeful quality, is ideal for conveying Lovely's enduring optimism and endearing personality.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Parul's warm tone and gentle strength work well for Lovely's resilience and positive outlook, even as she faces significant challenges.”
Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“The clear and conversational aspect of Riya Rao's voice allows for an engaging and direct portrayal, fitting Lovely's open and characterful speaking style.”