Description

Synopsis
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What if you discovered that everything you knew about yourself was a lie?

When pregnant Jaya loses her mother, then her baby son Arun in a tragic cot death, her world crashes down. Overcome by grief and guilt, she begins to look for answers – to the enigma of her lonely, distant mother, and her mysterious past in India.

Looking through her mother’s belongings, she finds two diaries and old photographs, carrying the smoky aroma of fire. A young boy smiles out at Jaya from every photograph – and in one, a family stand proudly in front of a sprawling mansion. Who is this child? And why did her mother treasure this memento of a regal family lost to the past?

As Jaya starts to read the diaries, their secrets lead her back to India, to the ruin of a once grand house on a hill. There, Kali, a mad old lady, will unlock the story of a devastating lie and a fire that tore a family apart.

Nothing though will prepare Jaya for the house’s final revelation, which will change everything Jaya knew about herself.

If you enjoy Dinah Jefferies, Lucinda Riley and Santa Montefiore, you will love this unforgettable journey through the lush landscape of India to the heart of what it means to be a mother and daughter.

What readers are saying about Renita D’Silva

‘I loved this book, the descriptions of India, the mansion, the food and the people are swoon worthy. And the characters are so real, so believable, so frail and fraught with their own mistakes, I felt like I was an observer, watching real people as I read this book.’ For the Love of Books

‘Renita D’Silva is a genius at evoking the sounds, sights and aromas of India. A major new talent – I can’t wait for her next novel.’ Linda Kavanagh

‘Renita D’Silva is a wonderful author who has a natural gift at storytelling that truly impressed and awed me.’ Novel Escapes

‘Renita paints the most beautiful images with a few, perfectly chosen words.’ KimTalksBooks.com

‘With a heartbreaking story, wonderful characters and such raw emotion D’Silva had me hooked. A beautiful story.’ Best Books to Read

‘A beautiful book that just oozes Indian atmosphere. It totally immerses you in the culture and makes you want to visit…I loved this book.’ Bookworms and Shutterbugs

‘Renita D’Silva took me on an unforgettable, mesmerising journey spanning decades and continents. I found myself completely immersed in this story feeling all sorts of emotions such as happiness, sadness and anger. Not mentioning what I felt when I reached a mind-blowing twist.’ Relax and Read Reviews