Author Purva Grover is on a mission to keep stories alive

There's a quiet and steady transformation unfolding in the UAE's literary scene. Book clubs are thriving. Books are showing up on Reels, in tote bags, and in aesthetic flat lays often accompanied by cappuccinos and candles. But as the visual culture of reading grows, a question arises: are books mere props or are they inviting portals? Dubai-based author, journalist, and literary advocate Purva Grover, has been exploring this question. Since relocating to Dubai in 2012, she has worked tirelessly to preserve the spirit of reading - through her books (she has authored four so far), open mic poetry events, curated reading sessions, literary workshops, and her beloved neighbourhood book club.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

"There’s a hunger for genuine stories, for real literary experiences," Purva says. "That's the space I try to nurture." This year, she revived her book club in Business Bay, Dubai, which had gone quiet and moved online during the pandemic. The club now meets twice a month at a coffee shop, diner, or lounge. Rules are simple: arrive as you are, read with an open heart, and speak your truth. The club's most recent session, its fifth of the year, left it deeply moved. The chosen read was Heart Lamp: Selected Stories by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi — the title that recently won the International Booker Prize 2025.