The Daughters of Madurai
By Rajasree Variyar

Oh my goodness. If I could give this book 6 stars out of 5 I would'and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'One of those books that will stay with me for years and decades to come...'and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go!'and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A joy to read'and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐_____________________________________________________________A temple city in lush southern India, Madurai is bustling with pilgrims and steeped in history and tradition. Yet not all traditions should be upheld...1992. As a low-caste cleaner for a wealthy family, Janani's duty has always been quiet obedience. Even at home, her mother-in-law's word is law. Janani has never dared to dream of a different life. But now, she has something she'll do anything to protect... even if it means losing everything she's ever known.2019.and Nila doesn't remember her life before they moved to Australia, and her parents never talk about their past. So when she joins her parents on a trip to their hometown, Madurai, she hopes she'll finally uncover the truth. Especially as Nila seeks acceptance for a secret of her own...For both Janani and Nila, love isn't simple.Sometimes love is an act of courage..._____________________________________________________________COSMOPOLITANand ANDand GLAMOUR'Sand BEST BOOKSand OF 2023Apple's Best of the Month for May'Haunting, moving, completely compelling - an incredible debut'and JENNIFER SAINT'A captivating and riveting debut from an unforgettable new voice'and LOUISE O'NEILL'Heartrending but ultimately hopeful, this richly evocative and spellbinding book will touch your soul'and VERONICA HENRY'Aand beautiful story, hauntingly written'and JULIE COHEN'Heartbreaking, emotional and thought-provoking... I will think about this story for a long time'and ALIYA ALI-AFZAL'Full of grace and tenderness'and JYOTI PATEL'A haunting, powerful novel'and THRITY UMRIGAR'Powerful and important' KAREN ANGELICO'A truly powerful story that remains with you long after the final word has been read'and GLAMOUR'This raw and moving debut packs a punch'and ADELE PARKS FORand PLATINUM'Utterly devastating and quietly hopeful'and WOMAN'S OWN'Once read it is not easily forgotten'and DAILY MAIL'You won't be able to put this compelling novel down'and SUNDAY EXPRESS