New novel set for early release in India ahead of global launch

Bloomsbury India has announced the publication of Railsong, the highly anticipated new novel by award-winning author Rahul Bhattacharya. The book will be released in India on 4 November 2025, ahead of its global launch in the US and UK in February 2026. Bloomsbury acquired world rights to the novel from literary agent Shruti Debi.

In an innovative move aimed at enhancing shelf visibility and reader engagement, Bloomsbury India will launch Railsong with two distinct cover designs, created specifically for the Indian market. This dual-cover strategy is intended to cater to a diverse readership and offer bookstores a unique display proposition.

Described as sweeping, elegiac and at times wonderfully comic, Railsong tells the story of Charulata Chitol, a spirited young woman from a railway township, who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her modest origins. Set against the backdrop of 20th-century India, the novel follows Charu as she flees westward to Bombay in search of independence, opportunity, and self-realization. As India modernizes—from steam to diesel engines, and through the tides of political and social upheaval—Charu charts her own course, undeterred by the odds stacked against her.

“Railsong, to embrace train metaphors, is a thickly peopled novel chronicling one person’s odyssey across a vast, varied landscape—as I hope readers find all our lives are,” said Bhattacharya. “Writing it was strenuous, sweaty, meaningful.”

This is Bhattacharya’s first novel since his acclaimed debut, The Sly Company of People Who Care, which won the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize and the Hindu Literary Prize.

Paul Baggaley, Editor-in-Chief at Bloomsbury UK, called Railsong a “masterpiece” and praised its “epic storytelling and compelling description.” He said, “I am personally excited to be reunited with this hugely talented writer… I am convinced that Railsong will receive the same critical acclaim, and will also reach many new readers.”

R Sivapriya, Publisher of Literary and Translations at Bloomsbury India, described Railsong as a novel that “revives and renews” its readers. “Charulata Chitol receives an arduous education of the heart… When there is hope on offer, what more could we ask for?”

Callie Garnett, Editorial Director at Bloomsbury USA, lauded the novel’s “phenomenal range” and likened its central character to Maggie Tulliver from The Mill on the Floss. “Bhattacharya’s is a great, compassionate epic… Bloomsbury USA could not be prouder to publish Railsong with our global partners.”

With its early release in India, striking dual covers, and widespread anticipation, Railsong is poised to be one of the most significant literary releases of the year.