Books by Mayukh Sen

“Merle Oberon was the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated for an Academy Award, though no-one knew that—she was passing as white at the time. She starred in the 1939 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which is ironic, because the actor playing Heathcliff was white and she was South Asian. What’s really beautiful about the book is the way it has been framed. In the beginning, the author sets up how meaningful she was for him in his life, what a difference she made to him, as someone who is also South Asian, to have this role model, although he didn’t know she was a role model. Once he discovered her, he realised how important it was to bring out a book on her. And it’s perfect timing, with the new Wuthering Heights coming out this year.” Read more...

The Best Biographies: The 2026 NBCC Shortlist

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