---
title: "Nilgiris Literary Circle Debuts Anthology Honoring Southern India Blue Mountains"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/coonoor-book-club-tall-tales-short-stories-nilgiris-o8xy0
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-08T10:20:16.000Z
modified: 2026-08-08T15:32:21.053Z
language: en-IN
---

# Nilgiris Literary Circle Debuts Anthology Honoring Southern India Blue Mountains

Members of the Coonoor Book Club have transitioned from readers to authors with the release of Tall Tales & Short Stories. This 13-writer collection captures the distinct atmosphere of the Nilgiris through personal essays, poetry, and fiction.

## Key takeaways

- Thirteen local authors contributed to Tall Tales & Short Stories, an anthology dedicated to the Nilgiris region.
- Former journalists Nimi Kurian and Nina Varghese founded the Coonoor Book Club and edited the collection.
- The book features diverse content, from Parsi recipes and ghost stories to poetry about the Neelakurinji flower.
- A sequel focused on Coonoor is already in development following the debut publication by Ukiyoto.

## Why It Matters

The release of Tall Tales & Short Stories marks a significant cultural milestone for the Coonoor literary community. By documenting the specific social rituals, culinary traditions, and natural vistas of the Nilgiris, the anthology preserves the contemporary identity of the region. The project demonstrates how local reading groups can evolve into creative hubs that produce tangible records of regional heritage.

## Background

The Coonoor Book Club was established two years ago by sisters and former journalists Nimi Kurian and Nina Varghese to connect avid readers in the hill station. While the group typically gathers in private homes to analyze works such as Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water and Perumal Murugan’s One Part Woman, a meeting last year sparked the ambition to create an original publication. Despite initial hesitation among members who were new to professional writing, the group successfully compiled a diverse range of narratives reflecting their shared environment.

## Key Facts

- The anthology is published by Ukiyoto and edited by Nimi Kurian, Nina Varghese, and Theresa Varghese.
- Content spans various genres, including a Parsi roast chicken recipe, ghost stories featuring creaking floorboards, and verses dedicated to Lamb’s Rock.
- Thirteen writers, all current residents of the Nilgiris, contributed to the project.
- The editorial process took three months following the submission of manuscripts in January.
- Featured stories include Coffee’s Ready by Nimi Kurian and Missy Ma by Shernaz Sethna, the latter detailing life at the West Croft estate.

## What Happens Next

Following the successful launch of their debut volume, the Coonoor Book Club has confirmed that a sequel is already being planned. Nina Varghese, a third-generation resident of the area, indicated that the upcoming collection will maintain its focus on Coonoor. The group intends to continue leveraging their deep investment in the region to produce further literary works that highlight the unique character of the Blue Mountains.

Source: The Hindu – Entertainment

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/coonoor-book-club-tall-tales-short-stories-nilgiris-o8xy0
Reported from: The Hindu – Entertainment