September brings with it the memory of one of literature’s most enduring voices—Leo Tolstoy, born on 9 September 1828. More than a century after his lifetime, Tolstoy continues to remind us that literature is a way of understanding people, communities, faith, and the forces that shape our lives. That spirit of inquiry runs through this issue of The Wise Owl, where history, culture, art, and storytelling meet in unexpected and illuminating ways.

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Our Interview segment showcases a conversation with Luke Kennard, an award winning poet and writer, whose book Black Bag has been longlisted for the Booker Prize 2026. We also spotlight a conversation with Roopinder Singh, journalist, author, photographer, and former Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune. His latest book, Gurdwaras: Abodes of the Guru, documents 51 Sikh shrines across India and the world, combining history, architecture, spirituality, and lived experience. The book offers readers an opportunity to explore the significance of these sacred spaces and their continuing relevance in contemporary life. 

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Our literary pages continue to bring together poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from writers across continents. The works featured this month move between memory and migration, place and identity, intimate moments and larger histories, offering readers a wide spectrum of voices and experiences.

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In Visual Arts, we turn our attention to shifting cultural landscapes. Harmeet Singh examines the Gulf’s growing influence on the global art world and the institutions that are redefining the region’s cultural identity. Aradhika Sharma explores how art is stepping beyond galleries and museums to engage directly with the streets of India, transforming everyday spaces into sites of creativity and public conversation.

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The Reviews section journeys through a diverse range of books. This month we discuss The Brown God's Child by Smitha Sehgal, Walking, Wandering & Wayfaring by Chitra Gopalakrishnan, and Seasons Within by Alka Kansra. We also review Christopher Nolan’s much-awaited film The Odyssey, a cinematic retelling of Homer’s epic that has captivated audiences around the world.

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Our Wise Owl Picks spotlight three notable recent titles: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, A Better Life by Lionel Shriver, and John of John by Douglas Stuart—books that showcase the richness and variety of contemporary writing.

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As always, we hope this issue encourages you to discover something new: a writer you have not encountered before, an idea that stays with you, or a book that finds a permanent place on your shelf.

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Happy Reading!