Professors of Durham and Bath Universities explore Shreya’s first book, ‘Memoirs of My Body’ (HarperCollins 2017) on vodcast

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Over Christmas 2024, a British and a South African professor from the University of Durham (est.1832) and the University of Bath, discovered Shreya’s debut book ‘Memoirs of My Body’ (HarperCollins 2017) and decided to devote a whole episode of their Feminist Sports Lab book club vodcast to its exploration.

Professor Stephen Mumford, Head of Philosophy at Durham University, and Dr Sheree Bekker, Professor in the Department for Health at the University of Bath, authors of several successful books, talk about Shreya’s first book and its “incredible feminist writing” in an insightful, easy yet scholarly conversation. In their introduction to their discussion of the book, they have said:

“In this episode of FSL Book Club, Sheree Bekker and Stephen Mumford dive into Shreya Sen-Handley’s bold and evocative book, Memoirs of My Body. They discuss how this deeply personal memoir explores themes of identity, self-expression, and the evolving relationship we have with our bodies. Through candid storytelling and cultural critique, Sen-Handley’s work challenges societal norms and celebrates the power of self-acceptance. Sheree and Stephen reflect on the book’s impact, sharing their own insights on its relevance to body image, autonomy, and liberation. If you’re curious about the intersections of culture, feminism, and personal growth, this conversation is for you.”

Please click here for the snappy yet in-depth chat

Shreya is interviewed by the BBC about her writing career, her 3rd book ‘Handle With Care’ (HarperCollins 2022), and its presentation to The Queen at a special event

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(Pic: Reading ‘Handle With Care’ to Gerald Durrell, a travel literature inspiration of Shreya’s)

After Britain’s leading literacy charity, the National Literacy Trust, selected Shreya Sen-Handley’s 3rd book, ‘Handle With Care’ (HarperCollins 2022), from amongst many ‘reader favourites’ nominated across Britain, and presented it to The Queen last week, at their 30th anniversary celebrations, the British press covered the event extensively and the author and her book featured in each article (please check reel on previous post). BBC Radio caught wind of it and interviewed her soon after.

‘Handle With Care’ has had excellent reviews in the Indian press too, and last year, it was longlisted (in a very short list of 8 books) for Nonfiction Book of the Year by the Times of India’s Auther Awards, a prize eventually won by top Indian journalist, Barkha Dutt, known for her warzone broadcasts. And the Times of India has the widest circulation of any English language newspaper in the world.

So, this book’s been keeping good company for a while, and is now on The Queen’s To-Be-Read pile, alongside Maya Angelou!

Here’s Shreya’s BBC interview this July, from around 1:23:15 to 1:30:20 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0j641rn

Shreya, her second child and third book, meet The Queen in London at Her Majesty’s invitation!

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Images with The Queen at Clarence House and in front of a rainswept Buckingham Palace from British media and NLT colleague

“Pussycat, pussycat where have you been? I’ve been to London to see The Queen. Pussycat, pussycat, what did you there?”

Shreya and her schoolgirl daughter were invited, in recognition of their efforts to encourage literacy in Britain, along with select Literacy Champions, to meet The Queen in London, to celebrate the National Literacy Trust’s 30th anniversary.

Shreya’s third book, ‘Handle With Care’ (HarperCollins 2022), was presented to The Queen at the celebration, selected from the many books nominated as ‘reader favourites’ from across Britain.

A wonderful royal adventure, with fab people, dampened only by the incessant rain (hence the waterproofs of the second photo)!