PUBLISHERS BLURB
It’s 1905, and the Japanese victory over the Russians has shocked the British and their imperial subjects. Sixteen-year-old Leela and her younger sister, Maya, are spurred on to wear homespun to show the British that the Indians won’t be oppressed for much longer, either, but when Leela’s betrothed, Nash, asks her to circulate a petition amongst her classmates to desegregate the girls’ school in Chadrapur, she’s wary. She needs to remind Maya that the old ways are not all bad, for soon Maya will have to join her own betrothed and his family in their quiet village.
When she discovers that Maya has embarked on a forbidden romance, Leela’s response shocks her family, her town, and her country firmly into the new century.
due for publication 8 March 2020.
MY REVIEW
This is set in 1905, India.
Leela is 16 and is betrothed to Nash. He has just returned from 3 years of studying in Japan after being recalled due to the war between Russia and Japan.
Maya, is Leela’s younger sister and when they listen to Nash’s dreams of uniting the Hindu and Muslim population, they start to petition for the amalgamation of two girls schools. But, then a closer relationship builds between Maya and Hassan…..
This is a beautifully written insight into a turbulent time in Indian politics, with, at its heart, a tale of love and family. Historical fiction that’s so interesting and emotion packed too. Stunning.
Thank you to Michelle Fitzgerald at FSB Associates for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.