China room

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This transfixing novel centers on two unforgettable characters striving for freedom—one from the constraints of early 20th century Punjab, and the other from the burdens of contemporary Indian diaspora life. In rural 1929 Punjab, Mehar, a young bride married to three brothers in a single ceremony, seeks to uncover her husband's identity while navigating the oppressive household dynamics dictated by her domineering mother-in-law, Mai. Secluded with her new sisters in the family's 'china room,' Mehar's curiosity drives her to discover secrets that Mai wishes to keep hidden. As she observes the men from behind her veil, she begins to piece together clues about her husband, leading to perilous consequences. Amidst the backdrop of the burgeoning Indian independence movement, Mehar grapples with her desires against the dangers of her situation. Parallel to Mehar's story is that of a young man visiting his uncle's home in Punjab in the summer of 1999, seeking to overcome a two-year addiction. Raised in small-town England as the son of an immigrant shopkeeper, he faces racism and alienation, prompting him to escape through dangerous means. As he endures withdrawal in his family's ancestral home, he begins to rebuild his life, drawing strength for his journey ahead. This narrative deftly explores how systems of power shape individual lives while portraying the resilience of the human spirit.